Stargate, a $500 billion U.S.-based data center initiative backed by SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle, is evaluating potential investment in the United Kingdom as part of its international expansion strategy, according to the Financial Times.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged a pro-innovation regulatory stance, increased access to public data for researchers, and the development of dedicated zones for data centers—measures aimed at positioning the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence.
These initiatives, particularly efforts to enhance data centers’ access to electricity, have drawn interest from the Stargate project. Germany and France are also being considered as promising locations, the FT reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
SoftBank and OpenAI reaffirmed their January announcement committing up to $500 billion toward AI infrastructure development in the United States over the next four years.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed interest in bringing a similar initiative to Europe, stating in February that the company would “love” to do a Stargate Europe.
The Stargate project, introduced in January by former U.S. President Donald Trump, is a major private sector investment designed to enhance AI infrastructure and maintain a competitive edge globally.
Investor interest in the AI industry has surged, spurred by the rapid adoption of chatbots and advanced AI agents.
