13. January 2026
Trillion-Dollar Bet On Ai: Openai And Softbank Unveil 1 Billion Data Center Investment
The recent investment of $1 billion by OpenAI and SoftBank Group in SB Energy marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to develop and construct data centers, a critical component of the AI revolution. This collaboration is part of the Stargate initiative, a public-private partnership unveiled nearly a year ago by President Donald Trump, aimed at delivering world-leading AI infrastructure for the United States.
The launch of Stargate saw SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman join Trump to announce a $500 billion project, hailed as one of the largest in American history. This ambitious endeavor is designed to drive innovation and growth in the AI sector, while also promoting economic development and job creation.
SB Energy, a company formed in 2019 as an energy provider, has shifted its focus towards the rapid data center buildout required to support the increasing demand for AI services. The latest investment from OpenAI and SoftBank Group builds on the $800 million injection received by SB Energy from Los Angeles-based Ares Management Infrastructure Opportunities in 2025.
The agreement includes a $500 million commitment from each investor, with SB Energy responsible for building and operating OpenAI’s new 1.2 gigawatt data center site in Milam County, Texas, as announced in September. This facility will serve as the primary hub for OpenAI’s AI services, providing a scalable and reliable infrastructure to support the company’s growth.
Aside from the Milam facility, SB Energy is developing other multi-gigawatt data center campuses, with some already under construction and expected to start service later this year. These projects are designed to minimize environmental impact while reducing energy costs for businesses and consumers alike.
The partnership between OpenAI, SoftBank, and SB Energy aims to create a new model for data center builds, combining the chatbot maker’s first-party center design with SB Energy’s expertise in speed, cost discipline, and integrated energy delivery. This collaboration has the potential to disrupt the traditional data center construction process, offering businesses a fast, reliable, and cost-effective way to scale their compute capabilities.
SB Energy cited its work in Milam County as an example of its efforts to develop new facilities efficiently without causing problems for local residents. The company’s commitment to minimizing water usage and reducing environmental impact is a key aspect of its approach, reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of sustainability in data center design.
“Partnering with SB Energy brings together their strength in data center infrastructure and energy development and OpenAI’s deep domain expertise in data center engineering,” said Greg Brockman, OpenAI co-founder and president. “The result is a fast, reliable way to scale compute through large, highly optimized AI data centers.”
This partnership also marks an important milestone for SB Energy, which has confirmed the acquisition of California-based Studio 151, a company involved in the development of 20 data center campuses. This move demonstrates SB Energy’s commitment to expanding its presence in the data center market and solidifying its position as a leading player in this critical sector.
As the AI revolution continues to gain momentum, the need for robust and reliable data centers will only grow more pressing. The investment by OpenAI and SoftBank Group in SB Energy is a significant step towards addressing this challenge, while also promoting innovation and economic growth in the process.
The collaboration between these three companies has far-reaching implications for the future of AI infrastructure development. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, they aim to create a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective way to build data centers, driving growth and prosperity in the AI sector.
With SB Energy’s commitments continuing to grow, it is clear that this partnership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI infrastructure development. As the demand for AI services continues to rise, companies like OpenAI and SoftBank Group are taking bold steps towards creating a more sustainable and reliable future for the industry.
The Stargate initiative has already made significant progress since its launch, with several key milestones achieved thus far. The partnership between OpenAI, SoftBank, and SB Energy marks an important chapter in this journey, as they work together to build a comprehensive AI infrastructure that will drive growth and innovation across the United States.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI revolution, partnerships like this one offer hope for a brighter future. By working together, companies can leverage their collective expertise and resources to create a more sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective way to build data centers, driving growth and prosperity in the process.
The need for efficient and sustainable data center development is becoming increasingly important as the demand for AI services continues to grow. The partnership between OpenAI, SoftBank, and SB Energy represents a significant step forward in addressing this challenge, offering businesses a fast, reliable, and cost-effective way to scale their compute capabilities.
This collaboration has the potential to disrupt traditional data center construction methods, providing businesses with a scalable and sustainable solution for their AI needs. By working together, companies can create a more efficient and sustainable future for the industry, driving growth and prosperity across the United States and beyond.
The Stargate initiative aims to deliver world-leading AI infrastructure for the United States, promoting innovation and economic development in the process. The partnership between OpenAI, SoftBank, and SB Energy is a significant milestone in this journey, marking an important chapter in the development of comprehensive AI infrastructure that will drive growth and innovation across the country.
The future of AI infrastructure development looks bright, with partnerships like this one playing a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future. By leveraging their collective expertise and resources, companies can create a more sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective way to build data centers, driving growth and prosperity in the process.
As the world continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI revolution, it is clear that partnerships like this one will be increasingly important. By working together, companies can create a brighter future for the industry, driving innovation and economic growth in the process.