Tech Companies Invest $500 Billion in ‘Stargate’ Initiative to Advance US AI Capabilities -

The Stargate Project, a massive AI infrastructure initiative in the United States, has become a subject of contention between key figures in the tech world. The project, announced at the White House, is a partnership between OpenAI, Oracle, Japan’s SoftBank, and MGX, a tech investment arm of the United Arab Emirates government. It aims to build $500 billion (£405 billion) worth of AI infrastructure, creating an estimated 100,000 jobs.

While touted as “the largest AI infrastructure project by far in history,” the venture has been met with skepticism. A prominent tech entrepreneur and advisor to the administration claimed the project “does not actually have the money” it has pledged to invest, stating SoftBank has far less than the projected amount secured. This individual cited unnamed sources.

OpenAI’s CEO responded, refuting the claim and suggesting a visit to the first construction site, emphasizing the project’s benefit to the nation. He also alluded to potential conflicts of interest given the advisor’s role and business ventures.

Despite the controversy, the partners in Stargate maintain they have $100 billion in funding immediately available, with the remainder to be deployed over four years. A source close to the project disputed the advisor’s claim, asserting the company’s strong financial position. The first data center is currently under construction in Texas, with plans for more locations across the US.

The project was reportedly in development before the current administration took office.

‘Most important project of this era’

The US currently leads the world in AI investment, significantly outpacing other nations. Major tech companies have been heavily investing in data centers, with Microsoft committing $80 billion this year alone for AI-focused data center development. Microsoft is also involved in a separate $100 billion venture with BlackRock and MGX for further AI data center investments. Amazon has also made substantial investments, announcing two $10 billion projects in recent months.

A McKinsey report predicts global data center capacity demand will more than triple by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 19-27%. To meet this demand, the report estimates that double the data center capacity built since 2000 will need to be constructed by 2030.

However, analysts caution that challenges such as power and land availability, as well as permitting processes, could hinder this growth. The administration has pledged to intervene and streamline the process, with the president promising to use “emergency declarations” to expedite production, emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining US leadership in AI. He stated his government would “make it possible for them to get that production done very easily.”

Mushrooming demand

OpenAI has consistently advocated for increased investment in AI data centers. The Stargate project was initially reported by The Information in March of the previous year. Key technology partners involved include Arm, Nvidia, and Microsoft, the latter of which already has an established partnership with OpenAI.

Alongside skepticism regarding the Stargate project’s funding, broader concerns are emerging about the strain data centers place on energy resources and the implications of foreign investment.

In a move to maintain US control over the AI industry, the previous administration introduced regulations restricting the export of AI-related chips to numerous countries. Additionally, executive orders were issued concerning data center development on government land, emphasizing the utilization of clean energy sources to power these facilities.