SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has unveiled an ambitious proposal. He plans to build a $1 trillion AI and robotics hub in Arizona.
The project, codenamed Project Crystal Land, aims to position the United States as a global leader in high-end technology manufacturing.
The initiative mirrors China’s Shenzhen, a major industrial and tech center, but would be located on American soil.
A Trillion-Dollar Vision
According to Bloomberg, Son envisions a vast industrial complex. It would house AI research, robotics production, and advanced chip-making.
SoftBank officials have already begun talks with U.S. government leaders. These discussions include potential tax breaks for companies willing to invest in the project.
Son’s goal is to bring high-tech manufacturing back to the United States. He wants to build an ecosystem that supports long-term innovation and economic growth.
TSMC and Samsung
SoftBank is actively seeking partnerships. One major target is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest chipmaker.
While TSMC has committed over $165 billion to U.S. chip plants, it remains unclear if the company will join this new venture.
SoftBank has also approached Samsung Electronics and other top-tier technology firms. However, none of these companies has publicly confirmed involvement.
U.S. Leadership
SoftBank is lobbying both federal and state officials. Son’s team has met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
They are exploring incentives that could make the project more viable. Additionally, Son is reportedly gauging interest from the Trump campaign team to anticipate possible political shifts.
Government support could prove crucial because without it, a project of this scale may not proceed.
Project Crystal Land vs. Project Stargate
This new proposal would surpass existing tech investments. For comparison, the Stargate project, backed by SoftBank, Oracle, and OpenAI, carries a price tag of $500 billion.
It focuses on data center expansion across the United States. However, Project Crystal Land is different. It emphasizes hardware (factories, robots, and chips), not just software and cloud infrastructure.
Strategic Moves
SoftBank’s recent actions hint at its long-term vision. In March, the company acquired Ampere, a U.S. semiconductor design firm, for $6.5 billion.
And in April, it pledged up to $40 billion in new funding for OpenAI, including $10 billion from partner investors.
Earlier this week, SoftBank raised $4.8 billion by selling shares in T-Mobile. These suggest that the firm is preparing for major investments.
National Benefits
If realized, Project Crystal Land could offer a significant outcome. These include:
- Thousands of new, high-paying tech jobs
- A reduced reliance on foreign chip production
- Stronger U.S. presence in global AI and robotics markets
- Fresh investment in local infrastructure and education
The ripple effects would be widespread. Schools could create new STEM programs, and small businesses might support the supply chain.
