The $1 trillion AI super project of the Japanese technology tycoon

This could be SoftBank's biggest gamble ever. Photo: AI .

SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is looking to partner with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to realize what could be his biggest gamble yet: a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona.

Mr. Son envisions the complex as a version of the giant manufacturing hub in Shenzhen, China, according to people familiar with the matter. The park could include production lines for AI-powered industrial robots, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Bringing tech manufacturing back to America

The project, dubbed “Project Crystal Land,” is expected to bring high-tech manufacturing back to the U.S. In his vision, Mr. Son wants TSMC, the world’s leading chipmaker for advanced AI processors, to play a key role.

However, details of TSMC’s involvement remain unclear. This is further complicated by the fact that TSMC has already planned a massive $165 billion investment in Arizona, and its first factory there is already in full production. A source close to TSMC also confirmed that SoftBank’s project will not affect its existing plans.

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, 67, has personally approached major tech companies, including Samsung. SoftBank officials have also worked with U.S. federal and state officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The discussions have focused on tax incentives to attract companies to invest in the park.

SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son. Photo: Kosuke Okahara/Bloomberg.

While representatives from SoftBank, TSMC and Samsung all declined to comment, SoftBank has identified several companies in its Vision Fund portfolio, such as robotics and automation startup Agile Robots SE, as potential partners.

These plans are still in the preliminary stages, and the success of the project will depend largely on support from the incoming Trump administration and state officials.

While the project is expected to cost as much as $1 trillion , the actual scale will depend largely on the level of interest from major tech companies. If successful, Mr. Son even has the idea of expanding to build more advanced industrial parks across the United States.

Accelerating investment in AI

Project Crystal Land is not a standalone effort by SoftBank. It is part of a comprehensive and aggressive strategy by the group to strengthen its position in the field of AI.

The company is also planning to invest up to $30 billion in OpenAI and is aiming to acquire Ampere Computing LLC for $6.5 billion . SoftBank is also a key partner in the "Stargate" joint venture with OpenAI, Oracle and Abu Dhabi's MGX, which aims to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in data centers and infrastructure globally.

To fund these massive projects, SoftBank is considering project finance, a common method for large infrastructure projects. This approach allows SoftBank to raise capital on a project-by-project basis, reducing the initial capital required.

As of the end of March, SoftBank had 3.4 trillion yen ( $23 billion ) in cash. It also recently raised another $4.8 billion by selling about a quarter of its stake in T-Mobile. With its substantial net worth, SoftBank has the ability to borrow billions of dollars more if needed.

Source: https://znews.vn/sieu-du-an-ai-1000-ty-usd-nham-dua-san-xuat-cong-nghe-tro-lai-my-post1562492.html