SoftBank founder proposes $1 trillion AI and robotics complex in Arizona

SoftBank Group Corp. founder and CEO Masayoshi Son reportedly has plans to develop a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona to build artificial intelligence and robots, according to a Bloomberg report.

The Tokyo-based technology investment giant’s proposed complex in Arizona — dubbed "Project Crystal Land” — is intended to bring high-tech manufacturing back to the U.S. and could consist of production lines for AI-powered industrial robots, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.

What’s more, SoftBank is reportedly looking to work with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM) on the AI industrial complex, although it’s unclear what role the latter company would play in the project or whether it’s interested in a partnership with SoftBank.

TSMC recently broke ground on its third fab at its north Phoenix campus to meet increasing AI-related chip demand from customers including Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm and others.

A TSMC spokesperson declined to comment on whether the company has engaged in discussions with SoftBank about the proposed project.

Project dependent upon support from federal, state officials

SoftBank officials spoke with state and federal government officials — including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick  — about possible tax breaks and investments in the industrial complex in Arizona, according to Bloomberg.

Son is also assessing interest in the project among a variety of tech companies, including South Korea-based Samsung Electronics Co. In addition, the Japanese billionaire has compiled a list of SoftBank Vision Fund portfolio companies that could potentially set up production facilities at the industrial complex in Arizona.

SoftBank’s plans for the industrial complex are preliminary and hinge upon support from the Trump administration and state officials. In addition, the scale of the project is dependent upon product demand and interest from other technology companies. If successful, Son has floated building multiple cutting-edge industrial parks across the U.S., Bloomberg reported.

SoftBank did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposed project. An Arizona Commerce Authority spokesperson told the Business Journal that the organization is unable to comment on potential economic development projects.

SoftBank’s proposed Arizona industrial complex comes months after the Japanese firm invested $30 billion in OpenAI and amid its agreement to acquire Santa Clara, California-based Ampere Computing in a $6.5 billion all-cash deal that's expected to close in the second half of 2025.

SoftBank and partners OpenAI, Oracle and MGX are also spearheading the Stargate Project, which intends to invest $500 billion over four years to build advanced AI infrastructure in the U.S.

Arizona was reportedly among 16 states that OpenAI was scouting in February as part of its plans to build five to 10 large data centers in the U.S. While the 16 states under consideration showed “a real interest” in the project, it’s unclear whether Arizona officials formerly responded to OpenAI’s request for proposals, the Business Journal previously reported.

Final Thoughts

Arizona is fast becoming a key player in the global AI and advanced manufacturing revolution. With SoftBank proposing a $1 trillion robotics and AI complex — and ongoing investment from tech giants like TSMC, OpenAI, and Oracle — the state is positioned at the center of future innovation.

For out-of-state buyers, this signals more than just job growth. It reflects a long-term shift in Arizona's economy toward high-paying, future-focused industries. From rising demand in the housing market to new infrastructure and community developments, this kind of momentum drives opportunity — whether you're relocating for work, investing in real estate, or simply looking for a place with long-term promise.

Phoenix and its surrounding areas aren’t just growing — they’re transforming. Now is the time to get in early.