Nvidia GB200 NVL72 platform built by HPE coming to former Sharp LCD factory
HPE is to provide KDDI with Nvidia Blackwell clusters at an upcoming data center in Osaka.
The two companies this week announced plans to deploy a rack-scale system featuring the Nvidia GB200 NVL72 platform built by HPE, based on the GPU-maker’s Blackwell architecture, within the Osaka Sakai data center.
Set to open in early 2026, the facility will provide startups and enterprises with access to Nvidia GPUs for the development of AI applications and training large language models (LLMs).
"We are pleased to embark on the upcoming deployment of a high-performance GPU infrastructure at our Osaka-Sakai data center through our collaboration with HPE," said Hiromichi Matsuda, president and CEO of KDDI. "HPE's deep expertise in supercomputing and advanced cooling technologies will be instrumental in driving the evolution of next-generation AI data centers. Together with a passionate partner like HPE, we are excited to take on the challenge of shaping a sustainable future where we coexist with AI."
KDDI is building an AI data center in Sakai City within the Osaka Prefecture of Japan. It is being developed at the site of a former LCD screen manufacturing plant in Osaka. KDDI is the parent company of Telehouse, which operates data centers around the world, including across Asia.
The facility will use hybrid cooling technology, which combines air cooling and direct liquid cooling.
KDDI has previously announced a partnership with Sakura and Hi-Res to provide access to GPUs in Japan, based on Nvidia GPU deployments at the new Osaka facility.
"Our collaboration with KDDI marks a pivotal milestone in supporting Japan's AI innovation, delivering powerful computing capabilities that will enable smarter solutions, contributing to greater productivity, and further advancing technological leadership," said Antonio Neri, president and CEO of HPE.
"The Osaka Sakai Data Center will benefit from HPE's industry-leading cooling expertise, which powers high-performance AI systems while significantly reducing environmental impact. We look forward to partnering with KDDI on their bold vision to unlock new possibilities for customers on their AI journeys.”
