Trump launches $500bn Stargate project to boost AI
WASHINGTON, 7 days ago
US President Donald Trump has launched a massive artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure initiative named "Stargate Project" with an investment of up to $500 billion over the next four years.
This project is a collaboration between OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX. Other IT leaders are also expected to join the venture.
The Stargate Project aims to construct a network of data centres across the United States, beginning in Texas, to bolster AI development and applications. The initial investment of $100 billion will be deployed immediately, with plans to create over 100,000 jobs.
Key figures present at the White House announcement included OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison. They emphasised the project's potential to advance AI capabilities, including early disease detection and personalised medical treatments.
This initiative is also seen as a strategic move to enhance US competitiveness in AI technology, particularly in response to advancements from countries like China.
Microsoft, Nvidia, and Arm are also expected to join the venture according to OpenAI’s post. Arm, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Oracle, and OpenAI are the key initial technology partners.
“The buildout is currently underway, starting in Texas, and we are evaluating potential sites across the country for more campuses as we finalise definitive agreements,” OpenAI stated.
"As part of Stargate, Oracle, NVIDIA, and OpenAI will closely collaborate to build and operate this computing system. This builds on a deep collaboration between OpenAI and NVIDIA going back to 2016 and a newer partnership between OpenAI and Oracle," OpenAI said.
This also builds on the existing OpenAI partnership with Microsoft. OpenAI will continue to increase its consumption of Azure as OpenAI continues its work with Microsoft with this additional compute to train leading models and deliver great products and services, it said.
"All of us look forward to continuing to build and develop AI—and in particular AGI—for the benefit of all of humanity. We believe that this new step is critical on the path, and will enable creative people to figure out how to use AI to elevate humanity," Open AI added.
However, the energy-intensive nature of AI infrastructure has raised concerns about sustainability. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the rapid growth of data centres could strain local power grids.
Unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, who championed clean energy for tech projects, Trump is expected to prioritise fossil fuel production under his "drill, baby, drill" policy, signalling a departure from renewable energy subsidies.
