Databricks has announced a significant partnership with OpenAI, committing $100 million in a multi-year deal aimed at integrating advanced AI models into its data platform. On Thursday, the partnership was announced. This enterprise-focused move seeks to boost enterprise adoption of AI technologies by embedding OpenAI’s foundational models—most notably the newly launched GPT-5.
In fact, almost two months prior to that announcement, Databricks did just that by implementing OpenAI’s open-weight models. They added the gpt-oss 20B and gpt-oss 120B to their platform. These models supercharge Databricks’ new AI product, Agent Bricks. With Agent Bricks, organizations can create sophisticated AI applications and autonomous agents utilizing the power of their enterprise data. This flexibility allows companies to benefit from the power of many different AI models, fine-tuned to their unique requirements.
With the help of Agent Bricks, organizations are finally able to benchmark the performance accuracy of various models on specific tasks. This capability gives users the ability to customize and adapt the models to their unique needs and specifications. Finally, it enhances the impact of their AI projects greatly. The partnership aims to streamline the process for businesses looking to experiment with, deploy, and scale AI agents securely within their existing data environments.
Brad Lightcap, chief operating officer of OpenAI, shared his excitement about the partnership, saying,
“Our partnership with Databricks brings our most advanced models to where secure enterprise data already lives, making it easier for businesses to experiment, deploy, and scale AI agents with real impact.”
The financial terms of the partnership require Databricks to pay at least $100 million to OpenAI. If the revenue brought in by this partnership goes above that, OpenAI will make extra money. On the flip side, if revenue does come in below expectations, Databricks is required to make good on the full $100 million commitment.
This new partnership is another sign that Databricks thinks OpenAI has the power to bring the enterprise customers. Databricks, for example, is infusing state-of-the-art generative AI models into its platform. This acquisition is intended to enhance its competitive position in the rapidly evolving, competitive market for AI based solutions.