17. June 2025
Amazon Unveils 10 Billion Ai And Cloud Powerhouse In North Carolina
Amazon’s $10 Billion Investment in AI and Cloud Expansion in North Carolina
A major boost for its AI and cloud computing operations, Amazon has announced a $10 billion plan to build out data center and AI infrastructure across the state of North Carolina. This significant investment is expected to create at least 500 high-skilled jobs, including roles for data center engineers, network specialists, and operations managers in Richmond County.
The project will also include training and education programs for communities in the area, focusing on developing skills in data center technician programs, fiber optic fusion splicing workshops, and STEM awareness and learning opportunities for K-12 schools. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein hailed the investment as a testament to the state’s growing role in the national tech economy.
Amazon’s latest investment builds on more than a decade of expansion in North Carolina, with the company having invested $12 billion in the state since 2010, contributing over $13 billion to its GDP. This significant investment is part of Amazon’s broader strategy to establish itself as a leader in cloud computing and AI.
The project will see Amazon rolling out data training programs alongside the state’s community colleges and universities, focusing on developing skills in fiber optic fusion splicing, AWS-sponsored pre-apprenticeship tracks, and other areas relevant to the growth of AI and cloud computing. This investment has sparked debate among local politicians and corporate interests, with some advocating for tariffs on power costs for data centers.
Amazon will launch the Amazon Richmond County Community Fund, which will provide $150,000 in grant funding for local initiatives focused on STEM education, sustainability, economic development, and community well-being. Grants of up to $10,000 will be available to local organizations.
The investment is part of a broader trend in the tech industry, with other companies also expanding their operations in North Carolina. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Amazon will invest another $10 billion on its data center expansion in Ohio, creating at least 1,058 “full-time equivalent” jobs and supporting thousands more in construction and the broader AWS supply chain.
The project will solidify North Carolina’s position as an innovation hub, with the state already attracting top technology companies like Amazon. The company plans to spend $75 billion on capital expenditures in 2024, with most of that going towards cloud computing and data centers. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has stated that the company expects to spend even more next year.
The investment is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, creating new job opportunities and driving economic growth. As North Carolina continues to attract top technology companies like Amazon, it is likely that the state will remain at the forefront of the national tech economy for years to come.