El Salvador Partners With Nvidia To Boost AI Capabilities

El Salvador, the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, has embarked on a significant collaboration with Nvidia to advance its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The partnership aims to drive innovation and economic growth through the implementation of sovereign AI infrastructure. This initiative was formalized with the signing of a letter of intent, as announced by the National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC) of El Salvador on April 21.

Under this collaboration, El Salvador will leverage Nvidia’s AI tools, resources, and expertise to develop AI capabilities that address key areas such as culture, language, environment, and economy. The focus will be on building domestic AI infrastructure, upskilling the workforce, and creating solutions to tackle local challenges. These challenges include improving healthcare delivery, advancing education, and boosting economic productivity.

El Salvador’s commitment to AI is evident in its plans to establish AI training programs for developers, researchers, and government officials. These programs are designed to ensure that the nation has the necessary talent to sustain its AI ambitions. One of the practical applications of this AI push includes the creation of AI-driven models to forecast weather and rainfall. These models will support emergency response efforts, protect residents in landslide-prone areas, and optimize hydroelectric power management.

This partnership with Nvidia is not El Salvador’s first foray into AI initiatives. In March 2025, the ONBTC announced the CUBO_ai program, a university-level public education AI program. This program, supported by major Bitcoin advocate Cathie Wood, aims to bring in top-tier field experts to enhance AI education in the country. Wood had previously predicted that El Salvador’s Bitcoin and AI plans could boost its GDP tenfold by 2029.

While El Salvador has been proactive in introducing AI initiatives, its Bitcoin ambitions have faced some challenges. In early March, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) moved to restrict further Bitcoin purchases by El Salvador as part of an extended $1.4 billion funding arrangement. Despite this, the government has continued its practice of stacking 1 Bitcoin a day, raising questions about the implications of the deal with the IMF.