The USDOE AMD Supercomputer Partnership is reshaping the future of scientific computing in the United States. The Department of Energy (DOE) and AMD are co-investing more than US$1 billion to build two state-of-the-art AI supercomputers. These include Lux, which will arrive in 2026, and Discovery, which will follow in 2028. Both systems will be hosted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The goal is to bring new computing capacity online faster than before. Public-private partnership (PPP) model help reduce deployment time from years to months. The project will support fusion research, materials science, quantum technology, and energy grid modernization. It will also help the U.S. remain competitive in a world where nations are racing to build sovereign AI capability. This PPP initiative highlights how collaboration between public and private sectors can deliver high-impact digital infrastructure.
Lux will be the first system delivered under the new PPP model. It will be deployed in early 2026 through a co-investment approach that speeds up delivery and reduces the burden on public funds. AMD will provide Instinct MI355X GPUs, EPYC CPUs and Pensando advanced networking technology, while the DOE will offer secure hosting and research access at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Lux will rapidly expand the national AI computing base and support key scientific priorities, including fusion, fission, materials discovery, quantum research, advanced manufacturing and grid modernization. The system will also enable faster data analysis for nuclear research, climate solutions and industrial innovation. Faster deployment is essential in fast-moving technology sectors, and the PPP model allows upgrades without long delays. Lux will provide an open, secure and efficient AI software stack that strengthens America’s innovation base and keeps the U.S. competitive in next-generation high-performance computing.
Discovery will be the second system delivered through the DOE’s advanced compute programme and it is scheduled to arrive in 2028. It builds on the momentum created by Lux, yet it moves the U.S. into a new era of scientific computing. The HPE system uses next-generation AMD processors and accelerators to deliver performance that goes beyond Frontier, the world’s second-largest supercomputer at ORNL. Moreover, Discovery will drive the convergence of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. It will run on the new HPE Cray Supercomputing GX5000 platform with AMD EPYC “Venice” processors and AMD Instinct MI430X GPUs. This combination creates high bandwidth, efficient cooling and a system designed for the most demanding scientific workloads.
Furthermore, Discovery will allow scientists to generate, process and analyse data at record speed, reducing research cycles from years to weeks. It also supports training of complex AI models that address major industrial and scientific challenges. These strengths will enable breakthroughs in medicine, clean energy, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. Consequently, Discovery strengthens U.S. innovation capacity and demonstrates how PPP-driven digital infrastructure can boost long-term national competitiveness.
This initiative sets a strong example for global PPP professionals. The USDOE AMD Supercomputer Partnership spreads risk and cost between government and technology partners. Private-sector innovation improves delivery performance. Public-sector involvement protects security interests and ensures fair access to research results. Legal agreements must address data ownership, cybersecurity, lifecycle upgrades and intellectual property management. Financially, shared capital improves scalability and reduces long-term maintenance pressure on the state. Technical benefits include early access to future hardware and flexible modernization options.
The world is moving toward PPPs for high-tech infrastructure. Nations want new AI capacity and digital transformation that does not overload the public budget. Co-investment models can help solve this challenge. The USDOE AMD Supercomputer Partnership proves that PPPs are relevant beyond roads, hospitals and airports. They now support critical AI, quantum research and cyber-secure data systems. Cross-sector alignment ensures that outcomes are not limited to one industry. Breakthroughs in energy, manufacturing, climate and security will benefit society as a whole. For policymakers, this case offers a roadmap to expand PPP policies into new domains. It encourages better procurement design and faster project delivery. It also builds long-term partnerships between national laboratories and technology providers committed to public interest goals.
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