SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son is making headlines with his most ambitious bet yet: a $1 trillion artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics manufacturing hub in Arizona. The proposal, known as “Project Crystal Land,” aims to create an industrial complex on a scale comparable to China’s Shenzhen, positioning the United States as a global epicenter for AI-powered manufacturing and semiconductor production.

A Vision to Rival Shenzhen

Son’s pitch, revealed by Bloomberg and confirmed by multiple sources, seeks to partner with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM), also known as TSMC — the world’s leading chipmaker — and the Trump administration. The envisioned hub would house production lines for AI-driven industrial robots and advanced semiconductors, targeting a resurgence of high-tech manufacturing on American soil.

Project Crystal Land is designed to attract major technology players and SoftBank (SFTBY) portfolio companies, such as robotics innovator Agile Robots SE, to establish manufacturing operations at the Arizona site. Son has also reached out to Samsung Electronics and other global tech giants to gauge their interest in joining the initiative.

Strategic Timing Amid Semiconductor Boom

The timing of Son’s proposal aligns with TSMC’s massive expansion in the U.S. In March, TSMC announced plans to boost its American investment to $165 billion, up from $65 billion, to build five fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities, and a major R&D center in Arizona. This expansion is expected to generate tens of thousands of high-paying jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in semiconductor value, particularly for AI and other advanced applications.

President Trump has publicly praised TSMC’s move, calling it vital for making the U.S. a global AI hub and supporting companies like Nvidia (NVDA) and Apple (AAPL). Apple, for example, has committed substantial resources to TSMC Arizona, with plans to produce advanced silicon for AI, autonomous vehicles, and 5G/6G technologies at the site.

Political and Financial Hurdles

Son has reportedly discussed potential tax incentives with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and is in talks with both federal and state officials to secure government backing. The project’s viability, however, hinges on the participation of major technology companies and the extent of government support. While Son is seeking TSMC’s involvement, the chipmaker has not yet confirmed any formal commitment to Project Crystal Land.

SoftBank is also exploring ways to finance the venture, including syndicating investments and leveraging its existing relationships. The company recently led a $40 billion funding round in OpenAI and is collaborating with OpenAI and Oracle on the $500 billion “Project Stargate” to build AI data centers across the U.S.

A Bold Bet with a Mixed Track Record

Masayoshi Son is renowned for his high-stakes investment strategies. His early $20 million bet on Alibaba (BABA) turned into a $75 billion windfall, but he also weathered losses exceeding $59 billion during the dot-com crash and faced setbacks with ventures like WeWork. Project Crystal Land, if realized, would dwarf all previous SoftBank investments and could redefine America’s role in the global AI and semiconductor landscape.

As negotiations continue, the tech world is watching closely. If Son’s vision materializes, Arizona could become the beating heart of a new era in AI and robotics manufacturing, reshaping supply chains and innovation for decades to come. For now, the project remains in the proposal stage, with many details — especially TSMC’s level of involvement and government incentives — yet to be finalized