Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

£406 billion AI infrastructure plan announced by Trump

The initiative, named "Stargate," involves a joint venture between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. Trump said the project would result in the construction of data centres and the creation of over 100,000 jobs in the US.

Trump-AI-Getty

Trump speaks flanked by Masayoshi Son (2R), chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp, Larry Ellison (2L), executive charmain Oracle and Sam Altman (R), CEO of Open AI at the White House on January 21, 2025

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a private-sector investment of up to £406 billion to develop artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, with the aim of positioning the United States as a leader in the technology.

The initiative, named "Stargate," involves a joint venture between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. Trump said the project would result in the construction of data centres and the creation of over 100,000 jobs in the US.


The companies, along with other investors, have pledged an initial £81 billion for immediate use, with the remaining investment expected over the next four years.

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison joined Trump at the White House to announce the project.

Ellison stated that the first data centres, each spanning half a million square feet, are already under construction in Texas. In total, 20 centres are planned.

“These centres could power AI systems that help doctors manage electronic health records and provide better care,” Ellison explained at the press conference.

The executives attributed the decision to proceed with the venture to Trump. “We wouldn’t have decided to do this,” Son told Trump, “unless you won.” Altman added, “For AGI to get built here, we wouldn’t be able to do this without you, Mr. President.”

The announcement followed Trump’s rollback of an executive order issued by former president Joe Biden, which had sought to mitigate the risks posed by AI to consumers, workers, and national security.

AI infrastructure requires significant electricity, which Trump promised to support. “We’ll make it possible for them to get that production done very easily at their own plants if they want,” he said.

AI’s demand for computing power has driven an increase in specialised data centres, which link thousands of chips to handle the intensive tasks required by AI models.

However, rising power consumption has led to concerns about energy supply. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation warned in December that nearly half of the US could face power supply shortfalls within the next decade.

The announcement also referenced previous reporting. In March 2024, The Information reported a similar project involving OpenAI and Microsoft called “Stargate,” which included plans for an AI supercomputer set to launch in 2028.

Shares of Oracle rose by 7 per cent following the initial report of the project, with Nvidia, Arm Holdings, and Dell also seeing gains.

Investment in AI has grown significantly since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, prompting companies across industries to integrate AI into their operations.

(With inputs from Reuters)

More For You

National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lepra

'The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,' said the organisers.

Lepra launches 100 Club to support community-based leprosy detection

LEPRA launched its first high-value giving network, the 100 Club, on June 26. The event was held at Quilon Restaurant in London and brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters of the charity’s work.

The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club. Remarks were delivered by Lepra’s Chair of Trustees Suzanne McCarthy and CEO Jimmy Innes, who spoke about the organisation’s ASPIRE project.

Keep ReadingShow less
family-centre-iStock

Currently, one in four families with children under five do not have access to local children’s centres or Family Hubs. (Representational image: iStock)

£500 million plan to expand family services across England

THE UK government has announced the nationwide rollout of Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, aiming to support 500,000 more children by 2028.

The hubs are intended to offer easier access to family services and reduce pressure on parents.

Keep ReadingShow less