NVIDIA Partners With Lumentum to Advance Optics for AI

Multibillion-dollar deal aims to boost silicon photonics for next-gen AI infrastructure

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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NVIDIA and Lumentum Holdings Inc. have announced a multiyear strategic partnership to accelerate innovation in advanced optics technologies, including research and development, to enable next-generation AI infrastructure and systems designs. The agreement includes a multibillion-dollar purchase commitment from NVIDIA and a $2 billion investment by NVIDIA in Lumentum to support R&D, future capacity, and operations as Lumentum builds out its U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Why it matters

Optical interconnect technology and package integration are critical for the continued scaling of AI factories, improving the energy efficiency and resiliency of large-scale AI networks. This expanded collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of NVIDIA's leadership in AI, accelerated computing, and networking, along with Lumentum's expertise in optics and advanced manufacturing, to drive the next generation of gigawatt-scale AI infrastructure.

The details

Under the nonexclusive agreement, NVIDIA will make a multibillion-dollar purchase commitment and gain future capacity access rights for advanced laser components from Lumentum. In addition, NVIDIA is investing $2 billion in Lumentum to support R&D, future capacity, and operations as the company builds out its U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities in a new fab.

  • The strategic agreements were announced on March 2, 2026.

The players

NVIDIA

A world leader in AI and accelerated computing, known for its innovative graphics processing units (GPUs) and other technologies that power AI infrastructure.

Lumentum Holdings Inc.

A global leader in optical and photonic technologies that power the networks and infrastructure behind AI, cloud computing, and next-generation communications.

Jensen Huang

The founder and CEO of NVIDIA.

Michael Hurlston

The CEO of Lumentum.

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What they’re saying

“AI has reinvented computing and is driving the largest computing infrastructure buildout in history. Together with Lumentum, NVIDIA is advancing the world's most sophisticated silicon photonics to build the next generation of gigawatt-scale AI factories.”

— Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO, NVIDIA (NVIDIA)

“This multiyear strategic agreement reflects our shared commitment to advancing the optics technologies that will power the next generation of AI infrastructure. In support of this collaboration, we are also investing in a new fabrication facility to increase capacity and accelerate innovation. We're excited to work together to expand what's possible for the AI optical architectures of tomorrow.”

— Michael Hurlston, CEO, Lumentum (Lumentum)

What’s next

The expanded collaboration between NVIDIA and Lumentum is expected to drive further innovation in advanced optics technologies and enable the next generation of AI infrastructure, with Lumentum investing in a new fabrication facility to increase capacity and accelerate innovation.

The takeaway

This strategic partnership between NVIDIA and Lumentum underscores the critical importance of optical interconnect technology and package integration in powering the continued scaling and energy efficiency of AI networks and infrastructure, as the industry works to build the next generation of gigawatt-scale AI factories.