Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, during his recent visit to India, emphasized the nation’s potential to evolve into a global technology hub, dubbing it the “new Silicon Valley” due to its chip design expertise and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
In meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business leaders, including Mukesh Ambani, Son shared his vision of positioning India as a global leader in chip design and AI innovation. He proposed leveraging Arm Holdings, a semiconductor design firm in which Softbank holds a 90% stake, to train 1 million chip designers through partnerships with universities and institutions.
Son also encouraged Indian entrepreneurs to adopt a forward-looking approach toward AI, envisioning transformative possibilities over the next decade. Highlighting an anticipated $9-12 trillion investment in AI infrastructure globally, he underscored India’s opportunity to play a central role in this paradigm shift.
His vision aligns with India’s growing momentum in the global tech ecosystem, moving beyond software services to focus on high-value capabilities in chip design and AI-driven solutions.