SoftBank discusses creating the largest AI complex in Arizona with TSMC and Samsung.
The project worth up to $1 trillion depends on the support of the Trump administration.
In Crystal Land, robot factories and Vision Fund centers can enter.
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son discusses with TSMC and U.S. authorities the possibility of building the Project Crystal Land industrial complex in Arizona. The complex, estimated at $1 trillion, is expected to become the largest manufacturing hub in the U.S. for robots and artificial intelligence systems, according to Bloomberg.
At this stage, negotiations are underway regarding tax incentives, partnerships, and potential participation from startups in the Vision Fund portfolio.
Experts note that the project resembles China's Shenzhen and is aimed at bringing high-tech manufacturing back to the U.S. It is believed that TSMC—a leading chip manufacturer for Nvidia, already building a $165 billion factory in Arizona—could play a key role. At the same time, a source close to TSMC noted that Son's plan has not yet affected the company's current projects.
SoftBank is also considering participation from Samsung and other tech companies. In addition to robots, the hub may include productions from startups in the SoftBank ecosystem, including Agile Robots and other AI-oriented projects. Project financing models similar to those used in the construction of Stargate data centers are being discussed, the authors note.
Successful implementation, according to analysts, will depend on the interest of major technology players and support from federal and local authorities, including the administration of Donald Trump. SoftBank representatives have reportedly already held meetings with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and other officials.
Funding for Crystal Land will be supplemented by SoftBank's efforts to invest in OpenAI and acquire Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion. Against the backdrop of $23 billion in liquidity and a large stake in Arm Holdings, the company may attract additional funds against its assets.
The project reflects Son's desire to leave a technological legacy in the field of AI, despite its ambition and high risks. The success of Crystal Land could become an important milestone in bringing strategic manufacturing back to the U.S. and strengthen SoftBank's position as an infrastructure player in the era of artificial intelligence.
