Nokia won the race to provide networking technologies for Nscale, the ambitious data center at the center of OpenAI’s Stargate buildout in Europe.

Nokia will serve as Nscale’s preferred partner for networking technologies to build out its AI clusters, providing switches, IP routing, and optical networking capabilities. The pair also plan to work together on networking stack innovations for AI clusters and partner on joint deployment initiatives.

“Demand for the build-out of secure, scalable AI infrastructure in Europe and across the world continues to accelerate,” Nokia CEO Justin Hotard explained. “Our partnership with Nscale combines Nokia’s expertise in IP and optical networking with Nscale’s leading infrastructure platform and enables the innovation needed for the future of AI infrastructure.”

Nscale was formed in 2024 after its founders pivoted away from cryptomining infrastructure, but it has quickly become a key player in the European data center space.

OpenAI is already renting space in its Kvandal data center in Norway, with the pair set to work together as part of the U.K. leg of the former's Stargate project. Nscale plans to invest some $3 billion in Britain, with its first facility set to be located in Loughton, Essex.

In addition to Nokia’s networking tech featuring in Nscale data centers, the Finnish firm joined investors in Nscale’s Series B investment round this week.

Nscale raised $1.1 billion to fuel its U.K. build-out, with Nokia joined by Nvidia, Dell, and Fidelity Management & Research Company, among others. Norwegian industrial investment firm Aker ASA led the round.

“We are focused on building the next generation of AI infrastructure, and strong partnerships are central to that effort,” Nscale’s CEO Josh Payne noted. “Nokia brings proven expertise in networking technologies, and we are pleased to have them as a partner as we expand across Europe and globally to help customers unlock the full potential of AI.”

Nokia late last year was brought in by Nscale to supply an IP network solution at its upcoming site in Stavanger, Norway – the home of OpenAI’s Stargate site in that country.

Nokia’s 7220 IXR and 7750 SR platforms will power the facility’s network, ensuring it’s capable of handling extensive AI workloads set to be run in the facility.