SoftBank’s pledge strengthens France data centre momentum

- SoftBank Group has pledged an initial 3.1GW of data center capacity in France's northern Hauts-de-France region, with sites planned for Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain.
- CEO Masayoshi Son stated that France's industrial capabilities and talent base make it an ideal hub for European AI infrastructure, with goals to eventually reach 5GW of total capacity.
- The announcement was timed to coincide with the annual Choose France summit, following similar infrastructure investment trends seen with the UAE fund MGX.
- This strategic expansion signals a significant push to scale AI computing power and digital infrastructure across France to support growing technological demands.
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SoftBank Group to Build 5 GW of AI Data Center Capacity in France
• SoftBank Group Corp. announced on May 29, 2026, its plan to develop and operate 5 GW of AI data center capacity in France. • The initiative involves a massive capital commitment with an investment totaling up to €75 billion.
Read original · group.softbankSoftBank Pledges €75 Billion for Europe's Biggest AI Data Center Project
• SoftBank has pledged an investment of up to €75 billion ($87.5 billion) to develop AI data center capacity in France. • The project aims to establish 5 gigawatts of capacity by 2031, marking the largest AI infrastructure commitment in European history.
Read original · opentools.aiSoftBank commits up to €75B to build AI data centres in France, but only €45B is firm — TFN
• SoftBank Group has committed up to €75 billion to develop 5 GW of AI data center capacity in France, though only €45 billion of that investment is currently firm. • The project is distinguished by its massive scale and a strategic partnership with Schneider Electric to integrate data center capacity with onshore manufacturing.
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Tech Funding News37 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in June 2026
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Read original · technical.lySoftBank to invest up to Euro 75 billion (USD 87 bn) in France for 5 GW AI data centre capacity
• SoftBank announced plans to invest up to €75 billion ($87 billion) in France to develop 5 GW of AI data center capacity. • The initial phase involves an investment of €45 billion ($52.2 billion) to establish 3.1 GW of capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.
Read original · news.webindia123.comChina index reshuffle to entrench tech trades and boost AI rally: brokerages
• The Shanghai exchange is implementing an index reshuffle that increases the weighting of technology stocks and adds several chipmakers to its rosters. • This strategic revamp is designed to entrench technology-focused trades and provide a significant boost to the ongoing artificial intelligence rally.
Read original · scmp.comSoftBank to spend up to $87 billion on French AI data centers — country offers ample nuclear grid that US sites lack
• SoftBank plans to invest up to $87 billion to develop AI data centers in France, leveraging the country's robust nuclear energy grid. • The initial phase involves a $52 billion investment to establish 3.1 GW of capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.
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Tom's HardwareJapan's SoftBank to spend €75bn on AI centres in France - Yahoo News UK
• SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son announced plans to invest €75 billion ($87.5 billion) to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure in France. • The investment will focus on building AI data centers and enhancing the country's technological capabilities to support advanced computing.
Read original · uk.news.yahoo.comSoftBank to spend $87.5 billion on AI centers in France
• SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son announced plans to invest $87.5 billion to develop AI data centers in France. • The decision follows a meeting between Son and French President Emmanuel Macron during the leader's visit to Tokyo in April.
Read original · lemonde.frSoftBank plans 75 billion euros of AI investments in France, as Europe struggles to catch up with U.S. and China
• SoftBank plans to invest 75 billion euros in France to develop and operate 5 GW of AI data center capacity. • The initiative includes an initial 3.1 GW of facilities in northern France and a partnership with Schneider Electric to build an industrial production cluster in Dunkirk.
Read original · cnbc.comSoftBank plans up to 75 billion euro investment in French AI centres - The Business Times
• SoftBank plans to invest up to 75 billion euros in French artificial intelligence infrastructure, marking the Japanese conglomerate's largest AI investment in Europe. • The initiative will focus on delivering data centers in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, with plans to develop further sites across France.
Read original · businesstimes.com.sg