OpenAI and SoftBank are teaming up for a groundbreaking project, dubbed Stargate, aiming to invest $500 billion in AI technology across the United States. Although preparations have already commenced, the announcement took place during President Trump’s first week back in office, where he was accompanied by notable tech leaders including Sam Altman, Masayoshi Son, and Larry Ellison to promote the initiative.

The investment will focus on building AI data centers, with $100 billion allocated to kickstart the first facility in Texas, as reported by OpenAI, which is keen on expanding its operations nationally.

The initiative not only seeks to bolster AI infrastructure but also claims to create 100,000 jobs for Americans almost immediately according to Trump. This focus comes at a time when the Biden administration had proposed regulations on AI development, which Trump has now revoked, suggesting a freer reign for AI innovation.

Partners in the Stargate project include investors from Oracle and MGX, while tech collaborators feature industry giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. These data centers are intended to serve various applications, including advancements in healthcare such as early cancer detection and the development of personalized vaccines.

Critics remain skeptical about the feasibility and utility of such large-scale AI projects, yet proponents believe that they herald a transformative digital revolution.