The ambitious project, with an estimated value of up to $1 trillion, is contingent on regulatory and financial backing from the Trump administration, according to a Bloomberg report.
Project Crystal Land aims to host state-of-the-art robotic factories and AI research centers, as well as startups from the SoftBank Vision Fund portfolio. Negotiations are underway regarding tax incentives, strategic partnerships, and the potential involvement of Vision Fund-backed companies. Analysts draw parallels to China’s Shenzhen model, positioning the project as a catalyst for reshoring high-tech manufacturing in the U.S.
TSMC, a key Nvidia chip supplier, is already building a $165 billion fab in Arizona. However, a source close to TSMC told reporters that Son’s plans have yet to impact ongoing company projects. SoftBank is also considering Samsung and other global tech leaders as partners. In addition to robotics manufacturing, Crystal Land could house operations for SoftBank ecosystem startups, including Agile Robots and other AI-driven ventures. Funding models under discussion reportedly mirror those used in Stargate data center developments.
Success will depend on buy-in from major tech players and support from both federal and state authorities, including Donald Trump’s administration. Sources say SoftBank has already met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other key officials.
Crystal Land financing would complement SoftBank’s ongoing investments in OpenAI and its $6.5 billion acquisition of Ampere Computing. With $23 billion in liquidity and a significant stake in Arm Holdings, SoftBank has the leverage to attract additional capital using these assets as collateral.
Analysts suggest the project represents Son’s vision to cement a technological legacy in AI, despite significant risks. If realized, Crystal Land could mark a turning point for strategic manufacturing in the U.S., solidifying SoftBank’s role as an AI infrastructure leader. The news comes as NVIDIA ramps up U.S. production of AI supercomputers.