Softbank Group founder Masayoshi Son may invest $1 trillion to build AI manufacturing hub in US: Report
SoftBank Group
founder
Masayoshi Son
is reportedly planning a massive AI and robotics industrial zone in Arizona, a project that could cost up to $1 trillion if fully developed. The project, previously referred to as
Project Crystal Land
, aims to create a US-based manufacturing ecosystem for artificial intelligence and robotics technologies. The proposed site, informally dubbed the
Arizona AI megaproject
, is being compared to China's innovation and manufacturing hub. The project, as per reports, includes research and development labs, semiconductor production units, housing for tech workers, and integration with smart grid systems.
Talks with Samsung, TSMC and US government
Son has allegedly held discussions with major tech players like Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), as well as US government officials, including Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to seek support for the initiative.
The plan follows SoftBank's growing investments in artificial intelligence.
The company recently committed $19 billion to Trump's Stargate Project, a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative backed by
OpenAI
CEO Sam Altman and Oracle's Larry Ellison. SoftBank has also invested $40 billion in OpenAI and spent $6.5 billion to acquire Ampere Computing.
To fund the Arizona project, SoftBank is likely to adopt a project-based financing model, similar to the approach used in oil pipeline development. This would reduce upfront capital needs while using the firm's existing $23 billion liquidity and its stake in
Arm Holdings
as collateral.
Following the reports, SoftBank's stock rose by 2%, while TSMC shares increased by 1.9%, reflecting market optimism around the potential scale and impact of the project.
No formal timelines or construction details have been confirmed yet. The project's future will depend heavily on regulatory approval and securing support from industry partners and federal agencies.
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