OpenAI Unveils $500 Billion 'The Stargate Project': Details

OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, has revealed a new plan called 'The Stargate Project,' which will invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure over the next four years. 

As the company's generative AI computing capabilities grow, the project will prioritize the construction of data centers dedicated solely to OpenAI. An initial $100 billion will be deployed immediately to kick-start the effort. 

SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX of Abu Dhabi are leading the development of Stargate. SoftBank will manage the financial aspects, while OpenAI will handle the operations. Masayoshi Son, SoftBank's founder, has been appointed project chairman. 

The construction phase has already begun, starting in Texas. This initial site is thought to be Oracle's project in Abilene, Texas, which was leased from Crusoe. Oracle founder Larry Ellison stated at a White House news conference that ten data centers are under development in Texas.

OpenAI has also announced ambitions to expand, claiming that it is "evaluating potential sites across the country for additional campuses as we finalise definitive agreements." 

The Stargate Project: What do we know so far?

Several technology titans, including SoftBank's Arm, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, and OpenAI, will be key players in the initiative. The collaboration between OpenAI, Oracle, and Nvidia will be critical in developing and operating the new computer system.During the launch of The Stargate Project, OpenAI also mentioned its long-standing connection with Nvidia, which began in 2016, as well as a more recent collaboration with Oracle. 

While exact project specifics are kept under wraps, OpenAI previously presented a proposal with the White House describing plans for 5GW data centers, which would be among the world's largest.  

During the press conference introducing the Stargate Project, US President Donald Trump stressed the necessity of retaining such advancements in the United States. "China and others are rivals, but we want this to remain in our country. We'll use emergency declarations to speed up the process, ensuring that the required electrical production and infrastructure are built efficiently," he said.  

On the occasion, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described The Stargate Project as revolutionary, saying, "I believe this will be the most important endeavour of the era.