The Texas Tech University System has announced a partnership with NVIDIA to deploy advanced computing infrastructure, placing Texas Tech University among the leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing.
Chris Malachowsky, co-founder of NVIDIA, stated, “Texas Tech University is positioning itself and the state of Texas as leaders in the AI race by being one of the first universities to purchase the NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 – a system purpose built for large scale AI training and inference. This investment in AI infrastructure, powered by the NVIDIA accelerated computing platform, drives economic growth, fuels research and workforce development, and strengthens America’s industrial ecosystem to compete globally.”
Texas Tech will use the NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra (B300) platform rather than current-market hardware such as H100 or B200. This move provides the university with one of the most advanced supercomputing architectures available in higher education or industry.
The new acquisition includes GB300 NVL72 systems powered by Grace CPUs along with B300 accelerators. The resulting supercomputing environment is designed for both academic and industry applications.
Lawrence Schovanec, President of Texas Tech University, said, “This investment reflects the kind of strategic decision that strengthens Texas Tech University’s trajectory as a preeminent research university. It will create a new level of AI research capacity that enhances our existing strengths while deepening engagement with external partners. It also supports our AAU aspirations, faculty recruitment, and our workforce development efforts. Chancellor Creighton’s vision and engagement throughout this process were critical in making it possible.”
Texas Tech will be the first R1 public university to own and operate a system designed for Agentic AI after early adoption at the Naval Postgraduate School.
Chancellor Brandon Creighton commented on the broader significance: “This is a defining moment for Texas Tech and for the state of Texas. We are not chasing the future—we are building it. By moving directly to NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra, we’ve made it clear: Texas Tech intends to lead in advanced computing and AI—both in Texas and nationally. What drew me here is that this system thinks big. There are no ceilings and no hesitation about doing what it takes to lead. NVIDIA is a bold American company built on innovation and the promise of the American dream, and that spirit aligns with who we are. I’m grateful for President Schovanec’s leadership and the Board of Regents’ vision to make this possible. Together, we are building infrastructure that will power discovery, attract industry and position Texas at the forefront of advanced technology for decades to come.”
The new platform aims not only to expand research but also serve as an economic driver through partnerships offering secure cloud-based computing resources to businesses across Texas.
Dustin Womble, Vice Chair of TTU System Board of Regents said: “I started my first company as a student at Texas Tech and what we’re building today gives the next generation access to world-class technology and a front-row seat to the industries shaping the future. This partnership creates a launchpad for entrepreneurs, innovators and industry leaders who will build their companies right here in Texas.”
Cody Campbell, Chairman of TTU System Board of Regents added: “This investment is not only visionary—it’s strategic. In West Texas, we know how to build infrastructure that powers the country and stands the test of time. This region has fueled America’s growth for generations—and with this investment, we’re proving that the next frontier of innovation isn’t somewhere else—it’s right here. Texas Tech is building world-class capability in a place that understands scale, resilience and results.”
In addition to supporting research goals such as AAU membership aspirations—a distinction given by invitation based on research activity—the initiative will increase opportunities for students by expanding hands-on training with advanced AI systems.
Further details about workforce training programs or access options will be released soon via official platforms from TTU System.
