OpenAI has entered into a landmark multi-year agreement with AI chip startup Cerebras Systems, valued at over $10 billion, to secure up to 750 megawatts of computing power through 2028. This represents one of the largest infrastructure deals in the AI industry and marks a significant strategic shift for OpenAI as it seeks to diversify its compute resources beyond heavy reliance on Nvidia and major cloud providers like Microsoft and Oracle.
The core of the deal involves Cerebras deploying its wafer-scale AI systems to serve OpenAI's customers, with deployment scheduled to begin in early 2026. OpenAI plans to integrate Cerebras's low-latency inference technology into its platform, aiming to make AI products like ChatGPT respond faster and enable more natural, real-time interactions. Sachin Katti of OpenAI stated, "Cerebras adds a dedicated low-latency inference solution to our platform. That means faster responses, more natural interactions, and a stronger foundation to scale real-time AI to many more people."
For Cerebras, co-founded and led by CEO Andrew Feldman, the contract is a pivotal step in customer diversification. The company had previously relied heavily on a single large customer, G42 from the United Arab Emirates, which accounted for 87% of its revenue in the first half of 2024. Feldman noted the deal adds a crucial second major client. Cerebras, which had filed for an IPO in September 2024 before withdrawing the paperwork in October, plans to refile with updated financials. The company reported Q2 2024 revenue of about $70 million, up from roughly $6 million a year earlier, alongside a growing net loss.
Discussions between the two companies began in August 2025 after Cerebras demonstrated efficient performance with OpenAI's open-source models. Historical ties exist, with OpenAI having tested Cerebras chips as early as 2017, and an attempt by Elon Musk to purchase the company in 2018. The final term sheet was signed just before Thanksgiving 2025.
Concurrently, OpenAI announced a separate strategic partnership with SB Energy, a SoftBank Group company, as part of the "Stargate" project. Each company has pledged $500 million to invest in SB Energy, which will build and operate a previously-announced 1.2-gigawatt data center site in Milam County, Texas. This move addresses the explosive demand for AI compute and associated infrastructure, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman having previously suggested the company may invest up to $1.4 trillion to build 30 gigawatts of computing power in the coming years.
The developments come amid growing public pushback against data centers, known as the "Not-in-my-backyard" (NIMBY) movement, due to concerns over noise, water usage, and local impact. In response, OpenAI and its partners emphasize community investments, job creation, and designs that minimize water usage.
