Nvidia has today launched a major new software platform aimed at transforming how developers access artificial intelligence (AI) chips in the cloud.
The new platform, called Lepton, will act as a central marketplace where cloud providers can offer GPU (graphics processing unit) capacity to developers – addressing what Nvidia describes as a “very manual” and fragmented process.
Nvidia’s GPUs are the global standard for training AI models. As the demand for powerful computing continues to soar, a wave of emerging “neocloud” providers like CoreWeave and Nebius Group have built businesses around renting out Nvidia chips to meet that need. These firms, along with others such as Crusoe, Firmus, Foxconn, GMI Cloud, Lambda, Nscale, SoftBank Corp and Yotta Data Services, will be among the first to offer capacity through the Lepton platform.
Alexis Bjorlin, Nvidia’s Vice President of Cloud Platforms, told Reuters that Lepton will streamline the way companies and developers find available compute resources.
“At the moment, it’s almost like everyone’s calling everyone just to find out what’s available. This tool simplifies that – it allows the entire ecosystem to grow.”
While some of the biggest names in cloud computing – including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud – are not yet part of Lepton, Nvidia says the platform is designed to be open to them if they choose to participate.
Looking ahead, Lepton will also allow developers to filter GPU availability by country to meet specific data localisation and compliance needs. In addition, organisations that already own Nvidia chips will be able to more easily find extra capacity for short-term or large-scale projects.
Mario Morales, Group Vice President at research firm IDC, welcomed the move. “It’s a smart step for Nvidia,” he said.
“They’re close to five million developers worldwide, and this creates a better way to connect them with the technology.”
Nvidia has not yet revealed how Lepton will generate revenue, nor whether it will charge commissions or fees. However, Bjorlin confirmed that developers will maintain direct relationships with the cloud providers they rent from.
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