Stargate: Ambitious AI project faces initial hurdles due to differences between OpenAI and SoftBank

One of the biggest bets to expand the global artificial intelligence infrastructure—a project led by Sam Altman and backed by SoftBank—has faced significant delays since its early stages. It is Stargate, an initiative designed to build a massive network of data centers capable of providing the massive computing power required to develop advanced AI models.

The idea was unveiled in January and generated anticipation because of its scale: it aspired to mobilize up to $100 billion to erect facilities that together would reach 5 gigawatts of capacity. However, six months later, definitive agreements have yet to be signed, and the plans have been scaled back.

Delays and lack of agreements

According to reports, OpenAI and SoftBank have failed to agree on key points, such as the location of the data centers or the role of SoftBank-linked energy companies. These differences have slowed the project's progress and led to a rethink of its initial implementation.

As a result, it is now being evaluated to start with a single, smaller-scale plant, which could serve as a model for future developments. While this turnaround does not mean that Stargate is cancelled, it does highlight the coordination difficulties involved in executing a project of this magnitude.

Parallel strategies and alliances

In parallel to the work with SoftBank, OpenAI has closed agreements with other companies to cover its immediate infrastructure needs. One of the most relevant is with Oracle, with whom it already spends more than 30 billion dollars a year on cloud services. In addition, it maintains a partnership with CoreWeave, which provides it with access to an energy capacity approaching 5 gigawatts.

These partnerships allow OpenAI to continue to expand its computational capacity, while Stargate remains in the design and tuning phase.

Public commitment intact

Despite the delays, both Altman and Son have reiterated their commitment to Stargate. At a recent SoftBank event, both defended the need to build massive data centers to power the next generation of artificial intelligence and claimed to be working "at hyperscale and speed" to provide the infrastructure needed for the AI of the future.

The development of Stargate involves solving complex technical and logistical challenges, such as acquiring land, securing a power supply, and securing multibillion-dollar financing. Even so, its drivers maintain the expectation that this data center model will become a key component for the global AI ecosystem.