SoftBank Revamps Former Sharp Factory into AI Data Powerhouse with OpenAI Collaboration

SoftBank's ambitious plan to transform a former Sharp liquid crystal display factory in Japan into a cutting-edge data center marks a significant development in the AI landscape. The facility is designed to host artificial intelligence agents developed in collaboration with OpenAI, indicating a strategic push by SoftBank to expand its influence in the rapidly evolving tech industry.

The acquisition of the defunct Sharp factory and adjacent land, slated to be finalized as early as Friday, reflects SoftBank’s commitment to repurpose existing infrastructure for cutting-edge technology. Estimated at approximately 100 billion yen, the purchase reinforces SoftBank's confidence in leveraging underutilized assets amidst Japan’s thriving digital economy.

Starting construction in the 2025 fiscal year, the data center promises substantial capacity with an initial power supply aimed at reaching 150 megawatts by its operational debut in 2026. By 2028, the center is projected to expand its power capability to 250 megawatts, positioning itself as one of Japan's largest facilities of its kind.

Central to this project is the commercialization of OpenAI's foundational AI agents, an initiative spearheaded by SoftBank in Japan. Essential GPUs for AI model development and operation will be sourced from NVIDIA and Stargate, the latter being a recent joint venture focusing on AI infrastructure in the United States.

Through collaboration with OpenAI, SoftBank is poised to utilize client resources, including human resources, marketing, and other data, to train and customize AI agents. These intelligent programs can independently make decisions and execute tasks based on user-defined criteria, presenting a transformative potential akin to advanced AI chatbots.

This visionary approach by SoftBank, alongside OpenAI, signals a paradigm shift in Japan's technological endeavors, bringing about promising opportunities for economic rejuvenation and technological leadership on a global scale. By converting a historic manufacturing hub into a future-oriented AI data center, SoftBank underscores its pivotal role in steering the tech industry towards new horizons.