OpenAI to Deploy 10 Gigawatts of AI Data Centers with Up to $100 Billion Nvidia Investment

OpenAI and Nvidia have forged a strategic partnership, with OpenAI planning to deploy at least 10 gigawatts (GW) of AI data centers utilizing Nvidia's advanced systems. Nvidia intends to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI as this massive infrastructure deployment progresses, marking a significant commitment to advancing artificial intelligence capabilities. The collaboration aims to support OpenAI's next-generation AI infrastructure for training and running advanced models.

The partnership, announced on September 22, 2025, builds on a decade-long relationship between the two technology giants. The first gigawatt of Nvidia systems is slated to become operational in the second half of 2026, leveraging Nvidia's Vera Rubin platform. This initiative underscores the escalating demand for computational power in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Benchmark analyst Cody Acree offered a perspective on the potential financial implications for Nvidia. According to Walter Bloomberg, Acree suggested that Nvidia's investment in OpenAI could yield a "400–500% return." Acree further estimated that "each 1 GW of AI datacenter capacity [is] worth $40–50B," implying a substantial valuation for the planned 10 GW deployment.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the scale of the project, stating that 10 gigawatts is equivalent to between 4 million and 5 million graphics processing units (GPUs). OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the foundational role of compute infrastructure, noting, "Everything starts with compute. Compute infrastructure will be the basis for the economy of the future." The partnership will also involve co-optimizing software and hardware roadmaps.

The substantial investment and infrastructure build-out are contingent on sustained end-user demand for AI services, as noted by Acree. While the announcement generated excitement, Nvidia's stock experienced a slight dip as investors considered the timeline for the partnership's full financial impact. This strategic alliance positions both companies at the forefront of the global race to develop and scale advanced AI.