3M, Microsoft form strategic partnership on AI data center infrastructure

• 3M entered a strategic partnership with Microsoft focused on AI data center infrastructure, announced July 15, 2026.
• Microsoft’s Azure Cloud and AI Infrastructure will be the first announced hyperscaler to deploy 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical technology in its data centers.
• The optical connectivity rollout targets faster network builds, higher tolerance to contamination, reduced cleaning needs, improved reliability in dense deployments.
• 3M will use Microsoft’s AI and digital platforms to support enterprise transformation, with initial automation work in customer order management.
• 3M is scaling production of the optical technology to meet rising demand from hyperscalers, while backing industry standardization through an EBO MSA.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. 3M Company published the original content used to generate this news brief via PR Newswire (Ref. ID: 202607150901PR_NEWS_USPR_____CG04490) on July 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.