The SoftBank data center project, valued at up to $100 billion, has emerged as one of Europe’s most ambitious artificial intelligence infrastructure construction proposals. SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son is holding advanced talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to potentially unveil the project in the coming weeks. Moreover, discussions indicate the announcement could take place during the Choose France Summit, which France uses to attract major global investment. The project would significantly expand AI computing capacity across Europe while positioning France as a strategic hub for sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The initiative forms part of SoftBank’s wider global AI buildout, which already includes large-scale data center plans in the United States and partnerships with major technology firms. Son is reportedly considering a multibillion-dollar entry into France, although the final investment may fall well below the $100 billion figure depending on financing priorities.
Additionally, Macron initially proposed the AI infrastructure idea during a recent meeting in Tokyo, which directly encouraged Son to review the opportunity in detail. The discussions remain private, and neither SoftBank nor the French presidency has publicly confirmed the negotiations.
SoftBank Data Centre Project Gains Momentum Ahead of Potential Summit Announcement
The SoftBank data center project is gaining momentum as both political and industrial stakeholders push for accelerated AI infrastructure development. Macron and Son may jointly announce the plans during the Choose France Summit, an annual event created to attract foreign investment and strengthen France’s industrial base. Furthermore, the summit has previously hosted major AI infrastructure commitments, including a 1.4-gigawatt data center initiative involving Nvidia, MGX, and French AI firm Mistral AI.
France is actively positioning itself as a European leader in sovereign AI development. Therefore, the country promotes its nuclear-powered energy grid as a competitive advantage for energy-intensive data centers. Macron has consistently advocated for nations to build independent AI infrastructure to reduce reliance on US and Chinese platforms. Consequently, the SoftBank data center project aligns with this broader strategic vision of technological sovereignty.
However, the scope of the investment remains fluid. Sources familiar with the talks indicate Son frequently revises large-scale investment plans across his global portfolio. In addition, financing feasibility remains a key concern, as SoftBank continues to balance multiple high-capital AI commitments worldwide.
SoftBank Data Centre Project Builds on SoftBank’s Global AI Infrastructure Expansion
The SoftBank data center project follows a series of aggressive global infrastructure moves by SoftBank. Earlier this year, the company announced plans for a massive US-based AI data center complex in Ohio, which could reach $500 billion in total investment value. That facility is expected to deliver approximately 10 gigawatts of computing capacity powered partly by natural gas energy systems.
In parallel, SoftBank remains deeply involved in the $500 billion Stargate initiative, developed alongside OpenAI, Oracle Corporation, and MGX. This programme aims to deploy large-scale AI data center networks across the United States to support generative AI services. Additionally, SoftBank has already committed over US$60 billion in investment into OpenAI, securing an estimated 13% ownership stake.
Moreover, SoftBank is expanding into complementary AI infrastructure sectors, including robotics through ABB and digital infrastructure through DigitalBridge. These investments reinforce Son’s long-term strategy of building vertically integrated AI ecosystems. However, analysts have raised concerns about SoftBank’s financing capacity, particularly after reports that planned margin loans backed by OpenAI stakes were reduced due to creditor hesitation.
Despite these financial uncertainties, global demand for AI infrastructure continues to surge. Tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta are expected to spend up to US$725 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026 alone. Consequently, competition for data center capacity, energy supply, and land continues to intensify worldwide.
SoftBank Data Centre Project Highlights Europe’s Push for AI Sovereignty and Industrial Power
The SoftBank data center project also reflects Europe’s broader push for technological independence. Macron has consistently promoted “sovereign AI” policies that encourage domestic control over data and computing infrastructure. Furthermore, France is leveraging its nuclear energy capacity to attract hyperscale data center investments, offering stable and low-carbon electricity supply.
The proposed project could significantly strengthen France’s position within the global AI infrastructure race. Additionally, it may stimulate construction activity across energy systems, fiber networks, and advanced cooling facilities. However, the final structure, scale, and financing model remain uncertain.
SoftBank’s strategy suggests a long-term ambition to establish multiple AI data center hubs across key global regions. Nevertheless, execution challenges remain due to capital intensity and evolving market conditions. If finalized, the France AI data center project would become one of the largest AI construction programs in Europe’s history, reshaping both digital infrastructure and regional construction markets.
The rapid expansion of hyperscale infrastructure in Europe continues to accelerate, with major contractors securing complex digital buildouts across key markets. This momentum is clearly reflected in the UK, where advanced facility upgrades are reshaping operational capacity for AI-ready environments. For instance, the Skanska data center project in London, highlights the growing demand for high-performance digital infrastructure across the region
Project Fact Sheet
Project Name: SoftBank Data Centre Project
Estimated Value: Up to $100 billion
Location: France
Project Type: Artificial intelligence hyperscale data center construction proposal
Status: Advanced negotiations and pre-announcement discussions
Lead Investor: SoftBank Group Corp
Key Executive: Masayoshi Son
Government Partner: French Republic
Head of State Engagement: President Emmanuel Macron
Proposed Announcement Platform: Choose France Summit
Core Objective: Large-scale AI computing infrastructure development
Strategic Focus: Sovereign AI infrastructure expansion in Europe
Energy Strategy: Nuclear-powered and national grid-supported systems
Infrastructure Scope: Hyperscale multi-site AI data centers
Development Stage: Pre-investment and planning phase
Financing Status: Under evaluation, not finalized
Strategic Context: Global AI infrastructure competition
Key Risk Factors: Financing constraints, scope adjustment, capital prioritization
Project Team
Project Developer: SoftBank Group Corp
Strategic Lead: Masayoshi Son
Host Government: French Republic
Head of State Engagement: President Emmanuel Macron
Investment Platform: Choose France Summit framework
Policy Oversight: French Ministry of Economy and Finance
Energy Infrastructure Support: French national nuclear power system operators
AI Ecosystem Partners: OpenAI, Oracle Corporation, MGX
Technology Partners (ecosystem level): Nvidia, Mistral AI
Infrastructure Expansion Partners: ABB robotics division, DigitalBridge
Regulatory Authorities: French digital and energy regulatory agencies
Strategic Coordination Units: French sovereign AI and industrial strategy bodies
