SoftBank's $87 Billion AI Dream: Transforming France into Europe's Digital Powerhouse

SoftBank Group Corp. commits to a massive $87 billion investment to develop 5 GW of AI data centers in France, aiming to bolster Europe's AI infrastructure. Highlighted during the 2026 Choose France summit, the project positions France as a front-runner in AI technology, industry, and societal advancements.

In a pioneering move, SoftBank Group Corp. has unveiled ambitious plans to construct and manage 5 gigawatts of artificial intelligence (AI) data center capacity in France, backed by an impressive investment of up to €75 billion ($87 billion USD). This commitment emerges as one of the most significant AI infrastructure projects in Europe, announced at the 2026 Choose France summit, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.

The initial phase involves a €45 billion ($52.2 billion USD) investment to build 3.1 GW of AI data center capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. This initiative aims to cater to the escalating need for robust computing infrastructure required by AI companies, cloud service providers, and public institutions. Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank, emphasized the pivotal role of AI infrastructure in driving technological progress, affirming France's potential to rise as a leading AI hub in Europe.

France, equipped with necessary industrial strength and talent, is strategically positioned to capitalize on this major investment. The project encompasses development in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, with plans for additional sites nationwide. Collaborations with local companies like EDF and Schneider Electric are set to bolster this endeavor, reinforcing France's ambitious stance in the AI sector, as noted by Roland Lescure, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty.