Blaize Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BZAI) unveiled a new framework for strategic collaboration with Nokia Solutions and Networks Singapore Pte. Ltd. on Tuesday. This partnership focuses on addressing the expanding need for energy-efficient artificial intelligence (AI) solutions capable of operating effectively at the network edge, particularly within real-world deployments.
Nokia Solutions and Networks Singapore functions as the regional subsidiary of Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) dedicated to servicing telecommunications infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This alliance formally acknowledges the mutual objective of advancing AI inference systems optimized for environments where network latency, power efficiency, and operational reliability are paramount.
The non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishes a collaborative approach, linking Nokia’s comprehensive capabilities in networking, automation, and cloud infrastructure with Blaize’s expertise in programmable AI inference platforms. The intent is to facilitate AI deployments both at the edge and in hybrid cloud environments, enhancing adaptability and integration within existing technological frameworks.
Under this arrangement, the two companies plan to jointly develop reference architectures and solution blueprints tailored for AI inference applications. Verification and validation stages will include deploying these AI systems in production-like telecom, industrial, and smart infrastructure settings to test operational feasibility and effectiveness. Accompanying these technical developments will be joint customer workshops, pilot programs, and live demonstrations, forming a core component of their market introduction and adoption strategy.
Dinakar Munagala, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blaize, emphasized the significance of this collaboration as a milestone toward implementing Practical AI and Physical AI on a broader scale. He noted that integrating Nokia’s strengths in connectivity and automation with Blaize’s AI platform enables "Real World AI" solutions that are efficient at the edge while maintaining seamless compatibility with cloud and GPU infrastructures.
It is important to note that, as a non-binding framework, the MOU does not obligate either party to commit to specific projects at this stage. Rather, it creates a pathway for future collaborations focused on AI inference technologies that are both secure and scalable. The parties intend to maintain their focus on solutions capable of smooth integration into existing network architectures, cloud services, and industrial systems throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
In market response, shares of Blaize Holdings showed a significant increase during premarket trading on Tuesday, rising 26.44% to $2.20 according to Benzinga Pro data. Nokia’s stock also gained modestly, increasing 0.43% to close at $6.94.
This partnership between Blaize and Nokia emerges amid rising demand for AI technologies that support efficient processing at the network periphery, optimizing latency and power utilization. By harnessing combined technological assets, the companies aim to offer AI inference solutions that are suitable for telecom providers, industrial operators, and smart infrastructure developers who require reliable and energy-conscious AI performance in their ecosystems.
While further specifics about the projects or timeline were not disclosed, the MOU emphasizes collaborative development and pilot testing, aiming to refine deployment methodologies and establish practical use cases. Customer engagement activities, such as workshops and demonstrations, will play a pivotal role in validating these technologies and accelerating adoption.
This agreement positions both Blaize and Nokia at the forefront of the AI-at-the-edge movement, leveraging their complementary assets to meet the growing needs of APAC’s telecommunications and industrial sectors. Successful implementation could pave the way for enhanced AI capabilities that reconcile the challenges of latency, reliability, and power efficiency in edge environments.