SK Group to invest $1.36 trillion in AI chips and data centres

The South Korean giant is betting heavily on both chip production and data centre growth

South Korean conglomerate SK Group has announced a massive 2,100 trillion won ($1.36 trillion) investment roadmap targeted at domestic semiconductor manufacturing and AI data centre deployments.

The strategic push focuses heavily on securing upstream supply chain dominance and scaling computing infrastructure to reposition South Korea on the global AI stage.

“We should not simply export AI products. We need to export intelligence itself while building a domestic market for AI-driven intelligence,” said SK Group’s chairman Chey Tae-won, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.. “To achieve that, we will rapidly build AI factories in the form of large-scale AI data centers.”

SK Hynix plots memory chip production expansion

The group’s semiconductor division, SK Hynix, is spearheading the hardware allocation by committing 1,100 trillion won ($706 billion) to scale production capacity for High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and next-generation DRAM and NAND flash components critical for AI workloads.

Key capital projects within the chip investment include:

• Cheongju: 100 trillion won ($65 billion) allocated for site expansion.
• Southwest Cluster: 400 trillion won ($261 billion) earmarked to construct an entirely new semiconductor production hub.
• Yongin Mega-Cluster: 600 trillion won ($392 billion USD) dedicated to fast-tracking the deployment of its primary semiconductor hub. The group has pulled forward the completion timeline for this project to 2033, moving it 12 years ahead of its original 2045 deadline.

The broader long-term vision outlines a sustained capital expenditure of approximately 100 trillion won ($65.3 billion) annually in South Korea over the next decade, according to Chairman Chey.

SK Telecom pivots to GPUaaS and regional infrastructure

In tandem, telecom unit SK Telecom will deploy 1,000 trillion won ($642 billion) to build out physical AI data centres. The operator intends to establish 15 GW of AI data centre capacity across South Korea by 2035, with an interim target of 5 GW operational by 2029.

The initial phase involves a 140 trillion won ($91.5 billion) investment targeting the southeastern Yeongnam region to create a localised AI hub. This rollout begins with a 100MW hyperscale AI data centre in Ulsan, scheduled to begin operations in Q4 2027. SKT plans to expand this site by an additional 900MW, alongside another 1GW deployment elsewhere in the region.

“The massive AI data centers could transform the region into a hub for the verification and expansion of manufacturing AI, when combined with the manufacturing capabilities in the region,” SK Telecom’s CEO Jung Jai-hun announced during a public briefing with South Korean president Lee Jae Myung last week.

SK Group’s multi-year investment plans arrive amid unprecedented infrastructure spend across the global technology landscape; US hyperscalers, including Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Oracle, are forecast to spend a combined $600 billion to $750 billion USD in 2026 alone. While SK Group’s investments pale in comparison to these true giants, it nonetheless places the organisation firmly as a regional competitor.

For a telco, on the other hand, the scale of these AI investments is broadly unrivalled. SK Telecom has long signalled its intent to shake off its role as a traditional telco and embracing a new persona as an ‘AI factory’. Backed by architectural alignment with NVIDIA, the operator aims to leverage this massive footprint to position itself as a major GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) provider in the Asia-Pacific region.

SK Group has interntional AI ambitions too. Last month, SK Telecom said it would invest 738 billion won ($480 million) into the newly formed ‘AI Co.’, a US-based subsidiary of memory giant SK Hynix created in January by repurposing its US flash memory firm Solidigm. The business, which is intended to operate as a strategic investment and ecosystem vehicle, is backd $10 billion from SK Hynix and a further $250 million and $380 million from SK Inc. and SK Innovation, respectively. By unifying upstream chip manufacturing via SK Hynix with mega-scale data center infrastructure from SK Telecom, SK Group is establishing a strong foundation for global AI development. This multi-trillion-won capital strategy effectively shifts the conglomerate from a regional component supplier into a high-margin, full-stack intelligence powerhouse capable of reshaping the Asia-Pacific tech landscape. SK Group to invest $1.36 trillion in AI chips and data centres

Read More........ → August 10, 2026

India's AI ambitions get boost from nearly $80 billion Big Tech investments

India's AI ambitions get boost from nearly $80 billion Big Tech investments. (IANS Photo)

New Delhi, (IANS): India’s ambitions to emerge as a global artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse are receiving a major boost as global technology giants have committed nearly $80 billion towards AI and cloud infrastructure in the country over the next few years, strengthening its position as a key innovation and digital infrastructure hub, a report has said.

The latest push came after Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced an additional $13 billion investment in AI and cloud infrastructure in India by 2030, taking the company's total planned investment in the country to $48 billion over the next five years, according to an analysis by One World Outlook.

The report further highlighted that the fresh commitment includes more than $21 billion earmarked for expanding AI and cloud infrastructure.

In addition, the investment adds to similar commitments by other global technology companies.

Microsoft has announced $17.5 billion in investments towards AI and cloud infrastructure in India through 2029, while Google has committed $15 billion over five years to establish its first AI hub in Visakhapatnam, it added.

Together, these investments amount to nearly $80 billion, reflecting growing confidence among global technology firms in India's AI ecosystem.

This momentum to a combination of government policy support, a large technology talent pool, expanding digital infrastructure and a rapidly growing domestic market, the report said.

The government's IndiaAI Mission -- launched with a budget of about $1.25 billion -- aims to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem by supporting computing infrastructure, indigenous AI models, datasets, startups, skilling and responsible AI development, it added.

The government has also operationalised a $12 billion Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to promote private sector investment in emerging technologies such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum computing.

Meanwhile, India is witnessing rapid expansion in digital infrastructure.

As per industry estimates, AI funding in India rose 58 per cent year-on-year in 2025, according to the report.It further noted that with over 1.5 million engineering graduates entering the workforce annually and a large digital consumer base, India is increasingly being viewed as a preferred destination for developing and deploying AI applications at scale. India's AI ambitions get boost from nearly $80 billion Big Tech investments | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → July 17, 2026

Tata Motors targets 1.2 million annual PV sales by FY30, plans Rs 40,000 crore investment

Tata Motors targets 1.2 million annual PV sales by FY30, plans Rs 40,000 crore investment. (IANS File Photo)

New Delhi, July 8 (IANS): Tata Motors on Wednesday unveiled an ambitious five-year roadmap for its passenger vehicle business, targeting annual sales of more than 1.2 million units by FY30, a 20 per cent share of the domestic passenger vehicle market and revenues of Rs 1.4 lakh crore, backed by investments of nearly Rs 40,000 crore in products and manufacturing.

Speaking at the company's 81st annual general meeting held virtually on Wednesday, Tata Motors Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said the automaker aims to achieve a tenfold increase in passenger vehicle volumes over the decade from FY20 to FY30.

"Looking ahead in the next five years, the company has a big ambition. Basically, the decade between FY20 and FY30, the company wants to achieve a 10x growth in volumes with an ambition of 1.2 million plus vehicles and achieve a market share of 20 per cent from the current 14.2 per cent," Chandrasekaran said.

The company plans to strengthen its product portfolio with six new nameplates and more than 20 product refreshes over the next five years, while focusing on improving profitability. It is targeting double-digit EBITDA margins, with electric vehicles expected to contribute more than 30 per cent of its passenger vehicle sales volumes by the end of the decade.

Managing Director and CEO Shailesh Chandra said the passenger vehicle business is aiming to achieve revenues of Rs 1.4 lakh crore by FY31, supported by double-digit EBITDA margins and an EBIT margin of more than 5 per cent.

"By FY31 TMPV aspires to Rs 140,000 crore revenues, double-digit EBITDA margins and over 5 per cent EBIT margin, driving PBT to over five times the current level," Chandra said.He added that the company's growth strategy will be supported by investments of around Rs 40,000 crore in new products and manufacturing capacity, while also targeting free cash flows of Rs 10,000 crore. Tata Motors targets 1.2 million annual PV sales by FY30, plans Rs 40,000 crore investment | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → July 09, 2026

Orange acquires 100% ownership of MasOrange

Press Release

Posted by Harry Baldock, Orange today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the 50% stake in MasOrange held by Lorca, its joint venture partner in Spain. The Group now owns 100% of the operator’s capital and will fully consolidate MasOrange’s results in its financial statements from going forward.

This transaction follows the signing of a binding agreement with Lorca on 12 December 2025, under which Orange agreed to acquire full ownership of MasOrange for a cash consideration of €4.25 billion. Since then, Orange has obtained all the necessary approvals for the transaction to be completed, including from the European Commission.

A key milestone in the Group’s strategy in Spain

Christel Heydemann, Chief Executive Officer of the Orange group, said: “Acquiring full ownership of MasOrange is a strategic step of our Trust the future plan and strengthens Orange’s position in Spain, our second-largest market in Europe. It paves the way for accelerated industrial, operational and commercial synergies, supporting greater value creation. With full ownership comes full agility, MasOrange can now move at full speed backed by the strength and scale of the Orange group.”

Meinrad Spenger, Chief Executive Officer of MasOrange, added: “By becoming fully part of the Orange group, MasOrange now has an even stronger foundation for future growth. It will allow us to accelerate our momentum in the Spanish market, supported by a greater capacity for investment and innovation as well as global expertise. This is good news for the Spanish consumers, enterprises and public administrations, since we will continue to provide them high-quality and innovative services, while benefiting from the Orange group’s industrial strength and scale to create even more value in Spain.”

As a follow-up to this transaction, Meinrad Spenger will join the Orange group’s Executive Committee. This appointment reflects the strategic importance of Spain for the Group and will further leverage his recognized experience in the telecommunications market and his leadership in advancing MasOrange’s development.

MasOrange is currently the leading operator in the Spanish market by customer base and customer satisfaction. At the end of the first quarter of 2026, it had 26 million mobile customers and 7.1 million fixed broadband customers. MasOrange relies on the most advanced leading fiber and 5G mobile infrastructure, enabling it to provide high-quality connectivity and other innovative services across the country to meet the needs of public administrations, consumer and business customers.After closing, the Group intends to refinance MasOrange financial debt over time. Orange acquires 100% ownership of MasOrange - Total Telecom

Read More........ → June 15, 2026

AT&T to invest $250bn to expand and enhance networks

Press Release: Posted by Harry Baldock, AT&T (NYSE: T) is proud to announce an investment and spend of more than $250 billion in the future of U.S. advanced connectivity, building the high-speed networks and resilience required for the next era of innovation and economic growth.

Building on the legacy of founder Alexander Graham Bell’s first phone call 150 years ago, AT&T is reaffirming its leadership as the company driving America’s connected economy so every community, family, and business can participate in the promise of American progress.

“Today, we’re committing more than $250 billion to increase U.S. connectivity competitiveness and expand access to AT&T’s leading fiber and wireless networks – the best way to get on the internet,” said John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of AT&T. “Current Federal telecommunications policy is as strong as I’ve seen in my career, making our commitment to invest possible. We look forward to serving American communities and businesses for the next 150 years.”

What began with a single copper wire has evolved into the nation’s largest converged network of fiber internet and 5G wireless services, connecting people at home, at work, and on the go.

This next chapter of investment and long-term operating commitment builds on that foundation through three strategic areas: deploying always-on connectivity, investing in people and communities, and innovating to secure America’s connected economy. The current tax and regulatory environment are the most conducive to such investment in decades.

Deploying Always-On Connectivity

Ubiquitous networks that provide reliable, always-on connectivity are the critical conduits that make Artificial Intelligence, autonomous technologies, cloud computing, and data-heavy digital services possible. AT&T’s investment will expand future-ready fiber and wireless services, modernize critical infrastructure, and strengthen network resilience and security to support communities and the economy for decades to come, including:

• Accelerating the deployment of fiber, 5G home internet, wireless and satellite across urban, suburban, and rural America

AT&T’s satellite collaboration with AST SpaceMobile will extend coverage into remote areas.

• Strengthening FirstNet, Built by AT&T – the nation’s first and only network built with and for first responders – and modernizing vital infrastructure for public safety and resilience

With AT&T Dynamic Defense, we deliver the only network connectivity with comprehensive built-in security controls.

• Laying the groundwork for the next wave of American technological leadership through smart infrastructure and network optimization

AT&T’s Wi-Fi Personalization provides a tailored home experience that matches our customers’ daily habits, and AT&T Turbo Live allows customers to boost their data experience at live events to get the reliable connection they want, even in crowded venues.

Investing in People and Communities

Building the nation’s connectivity backbone requires dedicated, highly trained people. With approximately 110,000 U.S. employees today, AT&T will continue investing in America’s workforce, including supporting the largest unionized workforce in the U.S. telecom industry, with a focus on training and development.

Investing in education through connectivity also strengthens communities. When workers can train locally, communities retain talent, families gain stability, and local economies grow stronger. These are mission-critical roles that keep networks running safely and reliably – work that depends on skilled technicians, engineers, and customer-facing experts that will remain essential as technology evolves. Focus areas include:

• Recruiting and training more skilled technicians that are needed to build and maintain essential telecommunications infrastructure
• Hiring thousands of technicians in 2026 alone; Only 5% of jobs at AT&T require a four-year degree
• Investing in training, upskilling, and career pathways to keep roles current as tools and technology change – including AI fluency
• Supporting American families with competitive wages, employee benefits and exceptional wellness programs, and long-term financial security

Innovating to Secure America’s Connected Economy

As connectivity becomes more essential, so do trust, security and continued American leadership in innovation. AT&T will continue investing in technologies that advance and protect the connected economy, including:

• Scaling network security and AI-driven threat intelligence
• Enabling the next wave of American invention across industries by opening up our network to allow new entrants to innovate and supply telecommunications equipment.
• Strengthening collaboration with public-sector partners to support national resilience and first responders
• Supporting America’s leadership in global technology and innovation

With this commitment, AT&T will keep building the network Americans rely on, whether delivered by fiber, wireless, or satellite, so more people and businesses have access to fast, reliable connectivity. It’s the foundation for what’s next, from remote care, to autonomous vehicles to AI, and it will help keep America connected for the next 150 years.Join AT&T and the US connectivity ecosystem in discussion at Connected America 2026 AT&T to invest $250bn to expand and enhance networks - Total Telecom

Read More........ → March 20, 2026

MTN to take control of IHS Towers for $2.2 billion

Posted by Harry Baldock: The operator says reintegrating the tower assets will strengthen its African operations and improve financial metrics

African telco giant MTN Group is set to take full control of IHS Towers, one of Africa’s largest independent tower companies, in a deal valued at $6.2 billion.

The deal will see MTN acquire the 75% stake in IHS that it doesn’t already own for $2.2 billion in cash.

“This proposed transaction is a pivotal step in further strengthening MTN Group’s strategic and financial position for a future where digital infrastructure will become ever more essential to Africa’s growth and development. This transaction gives us a unique opportunity to buy back our towers and strengthen our ability to be partners for progress to the nation states in which we operate,” said MTN CEO Ralph Mupita.

The deal is subject to the typical regulatory approvals, with watchdogs likely to look closely at the impact on competition, given IHS also rents their infrastructure to MTN’s rivals across Africa.

For MTN, the move represents something of a strategic U-turn. The operator group has pursued an asset-light approach for the past decade, selling many of its towers – largely to IHS – in multiple markets.

In recent years, however, MTN’s relationship with the tower company has grown more complicated. The operator has repeatedly complained about IHS’s corporate governance, particularly that IHS had capped its voting rights at 20%, despite MTN owning a stake of around 26% in the business.

At the same time, IHS saw major losses from the devaluation of the Nigerian naira in 2023, leading MTN to attempt to seek adjusted lease terms to reduce foreign‑currency exposure.

Given this increasingly difficult operating relationship, MTN’s stake acquisition represents an opportunity to simplify and de-risk the company’s balance sheet by removing long‑term lease liabilities.Market watchers will be watching whether MTN’s reintegration of roughly 29,000 African sites delivers the financial and strategic gains management forecasts, and whether rivals respond with selective buybacks, new sharing deals, or continued reliance on independent towercos. MTN to take control of IHS Towers for $2.2 billion - Total Telecom

Read More........ → March 03, 2026

Nissan to invest $17.6 bn in EV development over next 5 years

IANS Photo

Tokyo, (IANS): As the adoption of electric vechicles enters top gear globally amid rising petrol-diesel prices, Japanese auto-maker Nissan on Monday said it will invest $17.6 billion (2 trillion Yen) in developing new EVs and battery technology over the next five years.

Unveiling the 'Nissan Ambition 2030' plan, the company announced it will launch 23 new electrified models, including 15 new EVs, aiming for 50 per cent electrification mix, by fiscal year 2030.

"We will drive the new age of electrification, advance technologies to reduce carbon footprint and pursue new business opportunities. We want to transform Nissan to become a sustainable company that is truly needed by customers and society," said Makoto Uchida, Nissan CEO.

Over the next 10 years, Nissan aims to deliver exciting, electrified vehicles and technological innovations while expanding its operations globally.

The vision supports Nissan's goal to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products by fiscal year 2050.

With the introduction of 20 new EV and e-POWER equipped models in the next five years, Nissan intends to increase its electrification sales mix across major markets by fiscal year 2026, including Europe by more than 75 per cent of sales, Japan by more than 55 per cent of sales, China by more than 40 per cent of sales and the US by 40 per cent of EV sales in fiscal year 2030.

"With our new ambition, we continue to take the lead in accelerating the natural shift to EVs by creating customer pull through an attractive proposition by driving excitement, enabling adoption and creating a cleaner world," said Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta.

Representing the next stage of Nissan's electrified future, the company also unveiled three new concept cars that offer enhanced experiences through sophisticated technology packaging.

Nissan aims to launch EV with its proprietary all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) by fiscal year 2028 and ready a pilot plant in Yokohama as early as fiscal year 2024.

With the introduction of breakthrough ASSB, Nissan will be able to expand its EV offerings across segments and offer more dynamic performance.

"By reducing charging time to one-third, ASSBs will make EVs more efficient and accessible. Further, Nissan expects ASSB to bring the cost of battery packs down to $75 per kWh by fiscal year 2028 and aims to bring it further down to $65 per kWh to achieve cost parity between EV and gasoline vehicles in the future," the company announced.

Nissan intends to increase its global battery production capacity to 52 GWh by fiscal year 2026, and 130 GWh by fiscal year 2030.

Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from news agency feeds and has not been edited by The Morung Express.Source: IANS Nissan to invest $17.6 bn in EV development over next 5 years | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → January 15, 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles to invest Rs 544 crore to boost manufacturing in India

IANS Photo

New Delhi, (IANS): VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, on Thursday announced an investment of Rs 544 crore (about 576 million Swedish Krona) to set up a new factory for the production and final assembly of Volvo Group’s advanced 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) systems.

The greenfield facility will come up at the Vikram Udyogpuri Integrated Industrial Township near Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

This new plant marks another milestone in the 18-year-long successful partnership between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, strengthening India’s position as a key manufacturing hub for the global automotive industry.

Sofia Frandberg, Chairperson of VE Commercial Vehicles and Senior Leader at Volvo Group, said that the new investment reflects the growing trust and synergy between the two partners.

“This investment represents another win-win collaboration with the Volvo Group and leverages the strong technical and industrial capabilities we have built over the past 18 years,” she said.

Siddhartha Lal, Chairman of Eicher Motors, said the initiative further strengthens the joint venture’s technological foundation.

“Since its inception in 2008, our partnership has consistently delivered advanced programmes. This new AMT project is built on trust and capability and marks another important step towards our vision of becoming a leading commercial vehicle player in India and other emerging markets,” he said.

Jens Holtinger, Executive Vice President of Group Trucks Technology and Volvo Group CTO, said the new AMT facility demonstrates the Volvo Group’s commitment to efficient and collaborative global manufacturing.

“VECV has become a core part of Volvo Group’s supply chain over the years, and this investment marks a new chapter in our successful relationship,” he said.

Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director and CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles, highlighted the transformative impact of the AMT technology on the Indian commercial vehicle industry.

“As the market moves towards higher-capacity vehicles, Eicher truck customers and drivers will benefit from Volvo Group’s world-class AMT technology, which enhances fuel efficiency, reduces driver fatigue, and improves productivity,” he said.

The new facility will be built to Volvo Group’s global standards and aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ vision.The plant will have an initial capacity to produce up to 40,000 units annually, with production and local sourcing to be ramped up gradually in line with Volvo’s quality benchmarks. VE Commercial Vehicles to invest Rs 544 crore to boost manufacturing in India | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → October 13, 2025

Temasek Invests in Haldiram’s as India Becomes a Key Market

Singapore’s state-owned investment fund, Temasek, has made yet another major investment in India; this time it acquired a 10% stake in Haldiram‘s Snacks Food, one of the leading snack brands in India.

This deal was worth $1 billion, giving Haldiram’s a valuation of $10 billion. This is the largest private equity deal in the consumer sector in India.

Reasons for Investing in Temasek Haldiram’s

Temasek has put up investments across several sectors in India, including but not limited to medicals, finance, and technology. Long-term growth potential for India is seen by the fund, which plans to invest $10 billion in the next three years.

The spokesperson from Haldiram’s said they’re thrilled to welcome Temasek as an investor and partner. It is going to complement the company’s expansion further, both within India and abroad.

Haldiram’s: A Legacy of Success

Haldiram’s started as small snack shop in Bikaner, Rajasthan, in 1937. Today, it is a household name across India famous for savoury snacks, sweets, and fast-food outlets.

Beverage brand holds nearly 13% of India’s $6.2 billion snack market according to Euromonitor International. It has also set up a manufacturing facility in the UK from where products are exported to different countries.

Haldiram’s Attracting More Investors

Haldiram’s has already positioned itself as a company sought out by major global investors. Companies such as the Tata Group and Bain Capital have toyed with earlier decisions about purchasing a stake in the company.

It is joined in this latest funding round by Temasek, along with two other investors- Alpha Wave Global (New York-based) and the UAE’s International Holding Co.

Temasek Expanding Its Footprint in India

Since 2004, Temasek has been building its presence in India based on its Mumbai office. Investments in the country are nearing $40 billion by 2024.

Apart from Haldiram’s, Temasek has now invested in leading Indian companies like: 

• HDFC Bank (private banking)
• Ola Electric (producing e-scooters)
• Zomato (food delivery)
• Manipal Hospitals (healthcare)
• Devyani International (KFC & Pizza Hut operator in India)

Looking Beyond India

But while Temasek stays optimistic about India, it has been restructuring its portfolios across all geographies depending on economic and geopolitical factors.In 2020, China constituted 29% of Temasek’s investments. That is set to fall to 19% by 2024, whereas India now makes up 7% of the total portfolio.Temasek Invests in Haldiram’s as India Becomes a Key Market

Read More........ → September 03, 2025

Suzuki to invest Rs 70,000 crore in India over next 5–6 years

IANS File Photo

New Delhi, (IANS): Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation on Tuesday announced that it will invest Rs 70,000 crore in India over the next five to six years.

The investment will be used to increase production, introduce new car models, and protect its leadership position in the world’s third-largest automobile market.

The announcement was made by Suzuki Motor Corporation President Toshihiro Suzuki during the launch of Maruti Suzuki’s first electric SUV, the ‘e-Vitara’, at the company’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first batch of the electric SUVs at the inauguration ceremony.

The e-Vitara will be manufactured exclusively at Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG), a unit of Maruti Suzuki India, and exported to more than 100 countries.

The first shipment will leave from Pipavav port for Europe, covering markets like the UK, Germany, France, Norway, Italy, and several others.

Suzuki also confirmed that the electric SUV will be exported to Japan.

Toshihiro Suzuki said the Gujarat facility is being developed into one of the world’s largest automobile hubs with a planned capacity of 10 lakh units annually.

“We chose this facility to manufacture our first battery electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, and make it a global production hub,” he said.

Calling it a “historic day” that coincided with Ganesh Chaturthi, Suzuki praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in driving India’s green mobility push.

“Suzuki has proudly partnered in India’s mobility journey for over four decades, and we remain committed to supporting India’s vision of sustainable mobility and contributing to Viksit Bharat,” he added.

India is Suzuki’s biggest market by sales and revenue, largely through its majority-owned subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, the country’s top carmaker.

Over the years, Suzuki has invested more than Rs 1 lakh crore in India, creating over 11 lakh direct jobs in its value chain.

Alongside the e-Vitara launch, the company also marked another milestone by beginning production of India’s first lithium-ion battery and cell with electrode-level localisation.

These batteries, used in hybrid vehicles, will now be made in India with only raw materials and some semiconductor parts imported from Japan.

Suzuki said this step is a strong push towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, and the company will follow a ‘multi-powertrain strategy’ to meet its carbon neutrality goals.

This includes electric vehicles, strong hybrids, ethanol flex-fuel vehicles, and compressed biogas.Following the announcement, shares of Maruti Suzuki India Limited were trading higher at Rs 14,608.10, up 1.04 per cent during intra-day trade on Tuesday. Suzuki to invest Rs 70,000 crore in India over next 5–6 years | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → August 28, 2025

€631bn ‘Made for Germany’ initiative presents major opportunity for telcos

Major investments planned by both the private and public sectors could see connectivity flourish

This week, a consortium of 61 German companies have announced the launch of the ‘Made for Germany’ initiative, aimed at streamlining private sector dialogue with government and roadblocks for investment.

According to a shared press release, the initiative aims to create “a key point of contact for the government, working to define priorities, develop targeted measures and implement reforms effectively”. This, the companies say, will help to boost Germany as an economic hub and create a stable and inviting investment landscape for investors.

The 61 private companies participating in the initiative include major players from a wide variety of industries, from banking and automotive to semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. The full list of initiative members can be found here.

The initiative is supported by a collective pledge to invest €631 billion by 2028, demonstrating the companies’ continual commitment to the growth of the national economy.

The investments reportedly includes a mix of both planned and new capital investments and R&D efforts, although exactly how much of the total comprises new commitments is unclear.

“Germany needs a new operating system – one focused on growth, technology, and competitiveness. The time for change is now. Government and business must forge a new kind of partnership and take joint responsibility for society,” said Roland Busch, the CEO of Siemens. “This initiative embodies that spirit of solidarity and stands for a fresh start: with less bureaucracy, and more innovation. Germany is home to world-class companies, has a strong industrial base, and exceptional talent. We have everything it takes to reclaim a leading economic role – especially in digitalization and artificial intelligence.”

Busch’s reference to ‘joint responsibility’ should not come as a surprise given the recent pressure on the German government to make its investment landscape more appealing. In fact, the initiative’s announcement follows major government reforms to debt handling announced earlier this year. These reforms focus primarily on revising the strict borrowing rules that were introduced after the 2008 global financial crisis, removing what has been described as a ‘fiscal straitjacket’ on Germany’s economic growth.

In parallel, the government also pledged to create a €500 billion infrastructure fund to modernise the nation’s infrastructure and bolster national defence. Industries targeted for this funding include energy, transport, R&D, education, and healthcare.

“We are facing one of the largest investment initiatives that we have seen in Germany in recent decades,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a news conference announcing the ‘Made for Germany’ initiative. “The investment tasks we are facing cannot be achieved by public budgets alone. On the contrary, the lion’s share must be provided by private investors.”

But what does this all mean for the German telecoms sector?

While Deutsche Telekom and United Internet (1&1) are the only explicitly telecoms companies directly listed as participating in the ‘Made for Germany’ initiative, the sector as a whole has much to gain from its creation. When combined with the newly created infrastructure fund, the German market can expect €1 trillion to be poured into infrastructure and industrial projects in the coming years, all of which will need to be backed by the provision of high quality connectivity. This opportunity will be particularly acute around heavy industries like the automotive sector, where digitalisation efforts to expand the use of robotics, IoT, and AI will rely on high capacity low-latency connectivity – at least, that is what the telcos will argue.

At the same time, the reduction in bureaucratic hurdles and closer public–private cooperation could allow for the further acceleration of fibre rollouts, an area where Germany still significantly lags behind the rest of Europe.

In short, as the German public and private sectors grow more closely aligned on investment, German telcos will strive to position themselves key enablers of national digital transformation, without whom economic growth will remain unattainable.How is the German connectivity market changing in 2025? Join the discussion at Connected Germany live in Munich €631bn ‘Made for Germany’ initiative presents major opportunity for telcos | Total Telecom

Read More........ → August 06, 2025

Oracle’s $3 billion bet on AI and cloud infrastructure

News

Oracle has unveiled a substantial $3 billion investment to significantly expand its cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Europe. This strategic commitment is designed to meet soaring demand for AI services and sovereign cloud solutions, catering to enterprises, public sector entities, and AI developers amid an evolving technological landscape.

In the Netherlands, Oracle plans to invest $1 billion over the next five years, concentrating its efforts in the Amsterdam region to enhance its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) capabilities. This development aims to empower a wide range of organisations – from large enterprises to startups and public institutions – by providing more robust AI and sovereign cloud services. Wilfred Scholman, Oracle’s vice president and country leader in the Netherlands, highlighted the nation’s dynamic technology ecosystem and governmental ambitions to foster a technology-driven industrial environment. Key sectors targeted include financial services, logistics, life sciences, and energy, where organisations are actively migrating workloads to the cloud, modernising applications, and leveraging cutting-edge AI innovation. Oracle asserts its unique position as the only hyperscaler able to deliver over 200 AI and cloud services across various environments, including edge, customer data centres, multi-cloud, and public cloud settings, which is critical for addressing stringent EU data privacy requirements and minimising latency.

Meanwhile, Germany will see a $2 billion investment focused on expanding Oracle’s OCI footprint in Frankfurt, reinforcing AI infrastructure capacity in tandem with the country’s commitment to digital transformation and industrial evolution. Thorsten Herrmann, Oracle Germany’s senior vice president and country leader, emphasised that this investment aims to accelerate AI and cloud transformation across numerous sectors, supporting Germany’s ambition to cement itself as a leading hub for AI innovation in Europe. The initiative is particularly designed to benefit manufacturing, automotive, renewable energy, healthcare, and scientific research sectors. Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital Affairs, Karsten Wildberger, welcomed the development, noting that it positions Germany as an attractive centre for digital innovation and investment.

These investments not only reflect Oracle’s intent to expand its European cloud infrastructure but also align with broader strategic imperatives related to data sovereignty and compliance with stringent EU regulations. Oracle’s focus on sovereign cloud services, such as OCI Dedicated Region and Oracle Cloud@Customer, addresses growing demands for localised data governance and regulatory adherence—an increasingly critical factor for both public institutions and private enterprises operating under tight data protection regimes. This places Oracle in a competitive race alongside other major hyperscalers like Google, Microsoft, and AWS, all seeking to establish sovereign cloud presences across Europe.

Additionally, Oracle’s expansion efforts are connected to its collaboration with OpenAI, particularly within the Stargate initiative, which involves the development of advanced AI data centre infrastructure globally. While financial returns from this partnership may not surface until 2028, it underscores Oracle’s forward-looking approach to AI infrastructure investment, positioning the company to capitalise on the technology’s accelerating adoption worldwide.

By bolstering infrastructure in two of Europe’s most pivotal markets, Oracle is strategically advancing its capabilities to serve the increasing demand for AI innovation, digital transformation, and sovereign cloud services across the continent. This investment not only supports existing industries but also strengthens the foundation for startups and new AI ventures, enabling European organisations to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes while fostering technological growth.How appropriate… this article is part of the Total Telecom AI content creation trial and is supplied by Noah Wire Services. Let us know if you spot any errors. Oracle’s $3 billion bet on AI and cloud infrastructure

Read More........ → July 23, 2025

Amazon India to invest over Rs 2,000 crore in 2025 to bolster operations network | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

New Delhi, (IANS): Amazon on Thursday said it will invest over Rs 2,000 crore ($233 million) in 2025 to expand and upgrade operations infrastructure, improve associate safety and well-being programmes, along with developing new tools and technology for its fulfillment network.

The new investment builds on top of Amazon’s investments in creating an operations network that helps the company deliver to all serviceable pin-codes across the country, the company said in a statement.

"For over a decade now in India, we have been focused on building the best-in-class logistics infrastructure — designed to deliver with safety, speed, scale, and reliability for our customers across the country,” said Abhinav Singh, VP-Operations, Amazon India and Australia.

“By strengthening our infrastructure capabilities, enhancing processing capacity, and implementing state-of-the-art technology, we're positioning Amazon to better serve customers throughout India while supporting our employees, associates and partners who are the heart of it all,” Singh mentioned.

The tech giant plans to leverage these investments to launch new sites and upgrade existing facilities across its fulfilment, sortation and delivery network.

This investment will enhance processing capacity, improve fulfillment speed, and increase efficiency across the company's operations network that will help Amazon serve customers across India faster and more reliably.

Amazon said it will also continue to invest and expand initiatives aimed at improving the health and financial well-being of employees and associates across the operations network.

At the fifth edition of its annual ‘Smbhav Summit’ in the national capital in December last year, the e-commerce giant announced to increase its exports commitment fourfold to enable over $80 billion in cumulative exports from India by 2030.

The e-commerce major also earmarked $120 million from its ‘Smbhav Venture Fund’ to invest in startups that digitise consumer goods. The company had earlier pledged to digitise 10 million MSMEs, generate $20 billion in cumulative exports from India and create 2 million jobs in India by 2025Amazon India to invest over Rates 2,000 crore in 2025 to bolster operations network | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → June 21, 2025

Coal India to invest in green power for AM Green at ₹25000 crore

By Neeta Mishra, Coal India Ltd is moving to cleaner energy and has signed an agreement to supply 4,500 megawatts of renewable energy to AM Green, a company backed by the founders of Greenko. The agreement involves solar and wind for green ammonia plants.

The Memorandum of understanding was signed on 7 May and is one of the largest renewable energy deals anywhere in the world. To meet the demand, Coal India will invest about ₹25000 crore in adding solar and wind power capacity.

The company is planning to build 2,500–3,000 MW of solar power in sunny states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan and 1,500–2,000 MW of wind power in southern states.

AM Green will use this clean energy with hydro storage to run its green ammonia plants stably. The company aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green ammonia by 2030—equivalent to about 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen, which is 20% of India’s target.

Coal India chairman P.M. Prasad said, “This development shows their desire to meet India’s energy requirements while developing a more sustainable future.”

Anil Chalamalasetty, founder of Greenko and AM Green, stated they will help position India as a global leader in low-cost green hydrogen and ammonia.AM Green plans to produce not only sustainable aviation fuel, green chemicals, and biofuels, but has also partnered with Rio Tinto to develop a large aluminum facility powered one-hundred percent on renewable energy. Coal India to invest in green power for AM Green at ₹25000 crore

Read More........ → June 20, 2025

Maruti Suzuki to invest Rs 7,410 crore to set up 3rd factory at Haryana’s Kharkhoda

New Delhi, (IANS): India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki Ltd, on Wednesday announced an investment of Rs 7,410 crore to build a third factory at Kharkhoda in Haryana, to expand production capacity to meet the rising domestic demand as well as exports.

The company's Board of Directors at a meeting held on Wednesday approved the establishment of a third plant at Kharkhoda, which will have a production capacity of 2.5 lakh vehicles per year, Maruti Suzuki said in a stock exchange filing.

The factory is expected to start production by 2029 taking the total capacity at Kharkhoda to 7.5 lakh vehicles a year.

The investment will be funded through internal accruals. The Kharkhoda plant is a greenfield project where the first factory started commercial operations in February this year to produce the compact SUV Brezza.

Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki India, had last month announced a new mid-term plan with a "rethink" in its strategy as "the business environment has changed due to declining market share in India" and the growing electric vehicles segment.

In its new mid-term plan for 2025-30, the company has identified India as its “most important market.” Maruti Suzuki aims to create a manufacturing capacity of producing 4 million cars annually to reclaim a 50 per cent market share in India and use the country as a global export hub as well.

The auto major plans to expand its EV lineup starting with the e-Vitara, and is aiming to launch four new EV models by FY30 in a segment where its rivals like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra already have a varied EV portfolio in India.

Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki reported a 16 per cent increase in net profit to Rs 3,727 crore for the October-December quarter of the current financial year compared to the corresponding figure of Rs 3,206.8 crore in the same quarter last year.The company’s revenue from operations rose 15.7 per cent year-on-year to Rs 38,764.3 crore on the back of higher sales from Rs 33,512.8 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. Maruti Suzuki to invest Rs 7,410 crore to set up 3rd factory at Haryana’s Kharkhoda | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → April 07, 2025

SoftBank in talks to invest $25bn in OpenAI

The investment follows a SoftBank taking a $1.5 billion stake in OpenAI last year

Japanese conglomerate SoftBank reportedly in discussions to invest between $15 billion and $25 billion in OpenAI, according to a recent report from the Financial Times.

If it goes ahead, the investment will make SoftBank OpenAI’s largest financial backer and would significantly expand the Japanese company’s presence in the AI sector.

“The talks are ongoing and the amount that SoftBank could invest in primary equity into OpenAI is a moving target,” said an anonymous source.

In addition to this potential investment in OpenAI, SoftBank has already committed $15 billion to Stargate, recently announced a joint venture between involving Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank.

The Stargate Project is a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative to build advanced US-based AI data centres. Announced at the White House last week, it aims to invest $500 billion over the next four years to build new AI infrastructure in the US, starting with deploying $100 billion immediately.

SoftBank’s CEO Masayoshi Son is the chairman of the joint venture.

This week, competition in the AI landscape has greatly intensified following the launch of Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek. It has quickly positioned itself as a strong competitor to the likes of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, having seemingly trained a comparative AI model at a fraction of the usual cost. As a result, SoftBank’s share price dropped by 8.3%. Neither SoftBank nor OpenAI have responded to the news. SoftBank in talks to invest $25bn in OpenAI | Total Telecom

Read More........ → February 07, 2025

India’s non-fossil, fuel-based energy capacity reaches 217.62 GW: Centre

New Delhi, (IANS): India’s total non-fossil, fuel-based energy capacity has reached 217.62 GW (as of January 20), and addressing regulatory, financial and infrastructural challenges world be crucial this year towards meeting the clear energy goals, the government said on Wednesday.

With continued policy support, increased investment, and a focus on emerging technologies, India is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets and solidify its status as a global leader in the clean energy transition, according to a statement by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

In 2024, the country made significant strides in solar and wind energy installations, policy advancements, and infrastructural improvements, setting the stage for ambitious targets in 2025.

With a commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, India is emerging as a global leader in clean energy.

The year 2024 saw a record-breaking 24.5 GW of solar capacity and 3.4 GW of wind capacity added, reflecting a more than two-fold increase in solar installations and a 21 per cent rise in wind installations compared to 2023, according to the ministry.

This surge was driven by government incentives, policy reforms, and increased investments in domestic solar and wind turbine manufacturing.

Solar energy remained the dominant contributor to India’s renewable energy growth, accounting for 47 per cent of the total installed renewable energy capacity.

Last year saw the installation of 18.5 GW of utility-scale solar capacity, a nearly 2.8x increase compared to 2023.

Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the top-performing states, contributing 71 per cent of India’s total utility-scale solar installations.

According to the government data, the rooftop solar sector also experienced significant growth last year, with 4.59 GW of new capacity installed, marking a 53 per cent increase from the year 2023.

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in 2024, played a crucial role in this expansion, facilitating 7 lakh rooftop solar installations within 10 months.

Additionally, the off-grid solar segment recorded a 182 per cent increase, adding 1.48 GW in 2024, furthering India's energy access goals in rural areas.

India added 3.4 GW of new wind capacity in 2024, with Gujarat (1,250 MW), Karnataka (1,135 MW), and Tamil Nadu (980 MW) leading the way.These states accounted for 98 per cent of the new wind capacity additions, highlighting their continued dominance in wind power generation, said the ministry. India’s non-fossil, fuel-based energy capacity reaches 217.62 GW: Centre | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → January 28, 2025

The multi-billion dollar startup sector is bouncing back – 8 big trends will shape 2025

Rod McNaughton, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Startups have always been at the forefront of innovation. But factors such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and decentralisation are set to reshape industries in 2025.

Businesses are defined as startups when they are in the initial stages of development. They are characterised by the potential for rapid growth and external funding. And they are also sensitive to economic shifts and investment uncertainty.

For Australia and New Zealand, startups play an important role in overcoming geographic and market constraints. They can also help address both countries’ persistent productivity challenges.

Industry body Startup Genome estimates Sydney’s startup ecosystem was worth US$72 billion in 2024 with more than 3,000 startups. New Zealand’s ecosystem is valued at $9 billion across 2,400 startups.

Both Australia and New Zealand have weathered global challenges such as recent slowdowns in investment activity when startups struggled to secure funding.

But venture investments in both countries recovered well in 2024 compared to elsewhere. And the outlook for 2025 is cautiously optimistic.

Global trends in 2025

As global trends reshape industries, local startups could take the lead. Here are eight key trends set to define their path in 2025.

Generative AI: driving creativity and efficiency

Generative AI – a type of artificial intelligence technology that can produce text, images and audio – helps firms to automate complex tasks, create personalised user experiences and lower costs.

The challenge will be to balance rapid innovation with ethical considerations around data privacy, bias and environmental impact.

Businesses that demonstrate transparency and accountability are more likely to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

Sustainability: a competitive advantage

Sustainability has evolved from a compliance requirement to a strategic benefit.

Globally, carbon capture and green technology are attracting record investments. Sustainability drives some of the most innovative solutions in Australia and New Zealand, where climate resilience is a critical issue.

The rise of sustainable startups aligns with growing consumer expectations and government incentives.

Health tech: the personalisation revolution

Health tech is undergoing a profound shift, moving from reactive care to proactive, personalised solutions.

In 2025, personalisation will continue to influence healthcare. Startups using AI and data analytics to improve outcomes and accessibility are likely to see growth.

Remote work evolution

The shift to remote and hybrid work has reshaped business operations worldwide. This is particularly the case in the aftermath of the global pandemic.

Tools that enhance productivity and enable startups and big companies alike to build global teams will help businesses access talent across borders.

Decentralisation: blockchain beyond cryptocurrency

Blockchain technology is moving beyond its roots in cryptocurrency and is now integral to transparency, efficiency and data security.

Decentralised applications, which run on blockchain technology and rely on peer-to-peer networks, are changing how businesses do things in areas like finance, healthcare and entertainment.

Space tech: scaling the final frontier

Space technology is no longer the exclusive domain of government agencies. Startups such as New Zealand’s Rocket Lab are increasing access to space.

Australian company Fleet Space Technologies is deploying nanosatellites to improve connectivity in remote industries like mining and agriculture.

Diversity in funding and leadership

Globally, funding disparities remain a challenge for underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship, including women, Indigenous peoples and minority communities.

Startups led by these groups often receive a fraction of the funding allocated to their counterparts, limiting their ability to scale and compete.

Female-led startups, for example, attract less than 3% of venture capital. Indigenous and minority entrepreneurs frequently face unique barriers such as limited access to networks and culturally tailored support.

Programs designed to address these inequities can play an transformative role. These initiatives include those aimed at women founders, offering mentorship, funding and business development resources. Similar programs for cultural groups providing funding and culturally aligned advisory services are also important.

In 2025, systemic barriers will continue to attract attention, with increasing demands for startups to be more diverse and inclusive.

Alternative financing models

In the face of a continuing economic downturn, startups will likely continue to explore alternative financing models to fund growth without sacrificing significant equity.

Traditional venture capital often leaves gaps, especially for early-stage ventures or those in underserved sectors.

Bootstrapping, where founders self-fund and grow sustainably, continues to be a cornerstone for many entrepreneurs. However, crowdfunding platforms are evolving rapidly. Other options allow startups to engage directly with their communities and raise significant capital while building customer loyalty.

In 2025, new fintech developments and AI-driven platforms could streamline access to grants, loans and investment opportunities, making funding faster and more accessible.

These changes are set to expand the range of options for founders, reducing reliance on traditional venture capital and creating a more inclusive and dynamic funding ecosystem.

Startups as catalysts for change

Startups will continue to experience greater than usual uncertainty and must navigate the complexities of 2025, tackling global challenges with local ingenuity.

They will continue to reshape industries and address critical economic and environmental issues, harnessing generative AI, advancing green technologies and innovating financing models.

However, to succeed, startups must prioritise inclusivity and support innovative funding approaches to ensure broad-based participation in technology-driven growth.

Rod McNaughton, Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read More........ → January 22, 2025

40 Indian startups secure over $787 million in funding this week

New Delhi, (IANS) In a significant week for the Indian startup ecosystem, nearly 40 startups secured more than $787 million in funding as the economy remained resilient amid the geo-political conditions.

These deals included 16 growth-stage deals and 23 early-stage ones.

This is a massive jump from $250 million raised cumulatively across 18 deals last week.

Cloud kitchen unicorn Rebel Foods led the funding with $210 million led by Temasek in a mix of primary and secondary share sales. Rebel Foods is planning for a public listing by next year.

Fintech startup Mintifi raised a total of $180 million in its Series E round led by TVG and Prosus. Mintifi plans to deploy the fresh capital to expand its footprint across key sectors.

Meanwhile, CarDekho SEA, the Southeast Asia business unit of digital automotive solutions provider CarDekho Group, raised its first external funding round of $60 million.

The round was led by prominent growth and private equity investors Navis Capital Partners (Navis) and Dragon Fund. Following this round, the cumulative fundraise now stands at more than $100 million.

Haber, a leading industrial AI startup, raised $44 million in its Series C funding round, which included $38 million in equity and $6 million in debt. The funding round was led by Creaegis, BEENEXT, and Accel.

SolarSquare, India’s leading home solar startup based in Mumbai, secured $40 million in its Series B funding round, marking the largest venture capital raise in the Indian solar sector. The round was led by Lightspeed with participation from Lightrock.

K12 Techno Services secured $40 million in funding from Kenro Capital, a growth-stage secondary venture capital firm.

Moreover, 23 early-stage startups secured funding worth $54.01 million during the week.Nearly 73,151 startups in India now have at least one woman Director -- nearly half of the 1,52,139 startups supported by the government, thus showcasing the crucial role women play in driving innovation and economic growth, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry statement. 40 Indian startups secure over $787 million in funding this week | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → December 19, 2024

Softbank to invest $100bn in US AI

The cash injection follows a $50 billion investment in 2016 SoftBank Group, led by CEO Masayoshi Son, has announced plans to invest $100 billion in the US over the next four years, a move that will focus on advancing AI and its related infrastructure. This investment aims to create 100,000 new jobs. Son made the announcement alongside President-elect Donald Trump, who praised the deal as a strong sign of confidence in the future of the US economy. Trump said that the investment shows “monumental confidence in America’s future.” Trump welcomed the new investment as part of his broader strategy to boost the US economy and tackle inflation in his second term. “It will help ensure that artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and other industries tomorrow are built, created and grown right here in the USA,” he continued. The new pledge echoes a similar commitment made in December 2016, when Son promised a $50 billion investment and 50,000 jobs. While that money was deployed, the impact on job creation was unclear. Although the $100 billion is set to be deployed over the next four years, the funding sources remain uncertain. SoftBank reported $27 billion in cash reserves as of September 30, and the company’s Vision Fund 2 still has $3 billion left to invest. It’s also possible that SoftBank could use funds from its recent acquisition of chipmaker Arm Holdings to help support this ambitious pledge. This year, SoftBank also invested $960 million in Japanese AIto upgrade its computing infrastructure to deliver a Generative AI platform in the Japanese language. Over the next two years, SoftBank will purchase GPUs (graphics processing units) from US based chip company Nvidia, using them to train and power its own large language models (LLMs), and then loan access to them to other firms. Softbank to invest $100bn in US AI | Total Telecom

Read More........ → December 18, 2024