SoftBank Acquires Former Sharp Plant for $676M to Build AI Data Center

The Osaka facility will support AI model development with OpenAI and is set to begin operations in 2026.

SoftBank purchased Sharp's defunct LCD plant in Osaka for 100 billion yen ($676 million) to convert it into a large-scale AI data center.
The facility will initially operate at 150 megawatts, scaling to over 250 megawatts, making it one of Japan's largest AI-focused data centers.
The center will support SoftBank's collaboration with OpenAI, including potential development and commercialization of AI agent models in Japan.
SoftBank plans to use the facility for generative AI development, offering its services to businesses, universities, and research institutions.
Sharp, struggling financially, expects the sale to provide a significant boost, while SoftBank's total investment in the project could eventually reach $6.7 billion.