Eaton and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance technical education in emerging power infrastructure technologies, including 800-volt direct current (800VDC) systems. The collaboration will strengthen industry-aligned skills development for SP staff and students and deepen knowledge exchange between industry and academia.
The MoU was signed at the 800V Direct Current Data Centres Symposium 2026, organized by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), which brought together industry stakeholders to explore the next generation of power infrastructure for AI-ready data centers.
The rise of AI and high-performance computing is fundamentally reshaping how data centers are powered. Rack densities that once sat in the single-digit kilowatts have already climbed past 100 kilowatts, with next-generation AI systems projected to approach and exceed a megawatt per rack.
At these levels, conventional low-voltage power distribution is reaching its physical limits, prompting the industry to move toward 800VDC that deliver more power with less current, less copper, and fewer conversion losses. Major technology players are already aligning their roadmaps around this shift, and it is creating strong demand for engineers who can design, operate, and maintain the power infrastructure behind the next generation of data centers.
Under the MoU, Eaton and SP will work together on curriculum development, seminars, workshops, and hands-on projects. Eaton will contribute industry expertise and technical knowledge of emerging power systems, and SP will provide the academic environment and resources to bring these into the classroom.
The collaboration will also broaden industry exposure for SP staff and students through industrial attachments, internships, and other jointly agreed activities. By connecting the classroom with real-world industry practice, the partnership aims to build the technical capabilities that the data center and electrical infrastructure sectors increasingly need.
“The power architecture behind AI data centers is being redesigned in real time, and the talent to run it has to be built in parallel. Our partnership with Singapore Polytechnic brings emerging technologies like 800VDC into the classroom early, so the next generation of engineers enters the field ready to build the infrastructure the industry is still defining,” said Jimmy Yam, Vice-President and General Manager, Electrical Sector, East Asia, Eaton.
“Our goal is to ensure students graduate with skills that keep pace with industry needs. Working closely with partners like Eaton gives our teaching teams valuable insights of the technologies shaping the field, while helping our students understand how emerging power systems are being applied in data centers and critical infrastructure,” said Toh Ser Khoon, Senior Director, Engineering Cluster, Singapore Polytechnic.
By bringing industry expertise and emerging technologies into the academic environment, Eaton and SP are giving students and educators a stronger grounding in the practical skills that the data center and electrical infrastructure sectors demand. The collaboration supports Singapore’s efforts to develop future-ready engineering talent to drive the growth of digital infrastructure and electrification technologies.
