June 21, 2025

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Midjourney V1 Video Model, $500B AI Hub, IBM's $6B AI Book

Several significant developments are unfolding in the AI space. SoftBank is spearheading an ambitious $1 trillion "Project Crystal Land" in Arizona, aiming to create an AI and robotics hub akin to China's Shenzhen. Masayoshi Son is in talks with TSMC and Samsung, seeking tax breaks and partnerships to realize this vision, which would dwarf the $500 billion 'Stargate' data center project. TSMC, already investing $165 billion in the U.S., is being courted for this project. Meanwhile, AI is increasingly integrated into various sectors. Midjourney has launched its V1 AI video model, challenging Sora and Veo, while Udemy acquired Lummi to incorporate AI-generated designs into its courses. China's mid-year sales reflect a growing demand for AI-powered products, and IBM's stock target has been raised due to its AI growth potential, with a $6 billion generative AI 'book of business'. In enterprise applications, AI agents are evolving, necessitating better identity management for security, and TP is leveraging AI to transform B2B sales. MIT researchers are also exploring AI's potential across healthcare, business, and education. Kevin Frazier has shifted his stance to support AI advancement, emphasizing its benefits in areas like neurosurgery and deforestation tracking.

Key Takeaways

  • SoftBank is planning a $1 trillion AI and robotics hub in Arizona, dubbed "Project Crystal Land," seeking partnerships with TSMC and Samsung.
  • TSMC is already investing $165 billion in U.S. factories, and SoftBank is trying to get them involved in their $1 trillion project.
  • SoftBank's "Project Crystal Land" aims to replicate China's Shenzhen in the U.S. and would be double the $500 billion 'Stargate' project for data centers.
  • Midjourney has released its V1 AI video model to compete with Sora and Veo.
  • Udemy acquired Lummi to integrate AI-generated designs into its courses.
  • China is seeing a surge in demand for AI-powered products, with searches for 'AI elements' increasing by 120%.
  • IBM's stock target has been raised, citing a $6 billion generative AI 'book of business'.
  • AI agents are becoming more prevalent, requiring enhanced identity management for security.
  • TP is using AI to transform B2B sales, automating tasks and personalizing outreach.
  • MIT researchers are exploring AI applications in healthcare, business, and education.

SoftBank and TSMC plan Arizona tech hub worth $1 trillion

SoftBank is planning a $1 trillion high-tech complex in Arizona with TSMC called 'Project Crystal Land'. The goal is to create a tech hub similar to China's Shenzhen, focusing on AI and robotics. SoftBank is in talks with Samsung Electronics to bring in major industry players. TSMC's involvement is still being discussed, but the project has already boosted SoftBank and TSMC shares. This project could attract investments and talent, redefining the US tech scene.

SoftBank pitches $1 trillion AI hub in US to TSMC

Masayoshi Son, SoftBank's founder, wants to partner with TSMC to build a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona for robots and AI. This project, called "Project Crystal Land," aims to bring high-tech manufacturing back to the US, like China's Shenzhen. SoftBank has discussed tax breaks with US officials and is talking to Samsung. TSMC already plans to invest $165 billion in the US, but its role in this project is unclear. SoftBank is also investing in OpenAI and Ampere Computing.

SoftBank proposes $1 trillion US AI hub to TSMC and Trump

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son is proposing a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona for AI and robots, partnering with TSMC. The project, named "Project Crystal Land," aims to replicate China's Shenzhen in the US. SoftBank is seeking tax breaks and has approached Samsung. TSMC, already investing $165 billion in the US, may not be interested. SoftBank is also investing in OpenAI and Ampere Computing, while exploring project financing similar to that used for Stargate data centers.

SoftBank plans $1 trillion US AI and robotics hub with TSMC

SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is planning a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona for AI and robotics. The company has approached TSMC to play a key role in the project, known as "Project Crystal Land." This complex aims to be a high-tech hub like China's Shenzhen. SoftBank has also talked with Samsung and US officials about tax benefits. TSMC, already investing $165 billion in Arizona, says this project won't affect their plans.

SoftBank's Son pitches $1 trillion US AI hub to TSMC and Trump team

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son wants to build a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona for AI and robots. He is partnering with TSMC to bring high-tech manufacturing back to the U.S., like China's Shenzhen. SoftBank is seeking tax breaks from U.S. officials and has contacted Samsung. TSMC is already investing $165 billion in U.S. factories. This project would be double the $500 billion 'Stargate' project for data centers.

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son proposes $1 trillion US AI hub to TSMC

SoftBank officials have spoken with US federal and state government officials to discuss possible tax breaks for companies building factories or otherwise investing in the industrial park, including talks with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Bloomberg said.

SoftBank plans $1 trillion US AI hub with TSMC and Trump team

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son is planning a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona for AI and robots. He wants to partner with TSMC to bring high-tech manufacturing back to the U.S., like China's Shenzhen. SoftBank is seeking tax breaks from U.S. officials and has contacted Samsung. TSMC is already investing $165 billion in U.S. factories. This project would be double the $500 billion 'Stargate' project for data centers.

SoftBank seeks support for $1 trillion AI and robotics complex

SoftBank is seeking support to build a $1 trillion complex in Arizona for robots and AI. Masayoshi Son has discussed partnerships with TSMC and Samsung, and is seeking tax incentives. The project aims to solve labor shortages for American manufacturers. SoftBank is also involved in the $500 billion Stargate project for data centers. In March 2025, SoftBank planned to invest nearly $9 billion in AI.

SoftBank's Son proposes $1 trillion Arizona AI hub to TSMC

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son is planning a $1 trillion industrial complex in Arizona for AI and robots. He wants to partner with TSMC to bring high-tech manufacturing back to the U.S., like China's Shenzhen. SoftBank is seeking tax breaks from U.S. officials and has contacted Samsung. TSMC is already investing $165 billion in U.S. factories. This project would be double the $500 billion 'Stargate' project for data centers.

AI agents face identity gaps needing solutions for secure future

AI agents are becoming more active, making decisions and interacting with systems on their own. Gartner predicts that by 2026, 30% of companies will use AI agents with little human help. However, current identity systems aren't ready for these AI agents. There are nine key identity problems that need to be solved to secure AI agent operations. These include issues with authentication, delegation, intent, task discovery, and authorization.

AI agents need better identity management for security

AI agents are now able to reason, plan, and act on their own, but current identity and access management (IAM) systems aren't designed for this. By 2026, Gartner predicts 30% of companies will use AI agents with minimal human intervention. AI agents need the same security as human users, but with unique adaptations. Strata’s Maverics Agentic Identity helps bridge these gaps by providing just-in-time provisioning, OAuth orchestration, and attribute-based authorization.

MIT researchers share AI ideas at Generative AI Impact Consortium event

MIT researchers presented ideas for AI projects at the MIT Generative AI Impact Consortium (MGAIC) kickoff event. The event showcased innovative uses of AI in healthcare, business, and education. Over 30 projects were presented, including AI-driven tutors for early literacy and AI for musical improvisation. The MGAIC received 180 submissions from across MIT. The goal is for MIT to lead in shaping the future of generative AI.

AI flip-flopper explains shift to supporting AI advancement

Kevin Frazier explains his change in perspective on AI regulation, shifting from prioritizing safety to supporting AI advancement. He now believes the focus should be on realizing the benefits of AI. Frazier highlights positive AI use cases like neurosurgery, material science, and deforestation tracking. He supports a federal-first approach to AI regulation, preventing states from strict safety measures. He emphasizes the importance of technological diffusion for national security and economic prosperity.

Midjourney releases V1 AI video model to compete with Sora and Veo

Midjourney has released its first AI video model, V1, allowing its community to create short video clips from images. The tool allows users to animate images they create or upload, with options for different motion settings. Midjourney V1 is cheaper than other AI video services, costing about the same as upscaling an image per second of video. Midjourney is also planning to expand its video production capabilities with 3D rendering and scene control.

Udemy buys Lummi to add AI-generated designs to courses

Udemy has acquired Lummi, an AI-driven design tool creator, to enhance its courses with AI-generated content. Udemy instructors can now use Lummi tools for illustrations and visual storytelling. Lummi has been used on platforms like Canva and Adobe Express. Udemy's business customers can add Lummi Pro to their plans. This move aims to make Udemy courses more interactive and relevant, as part of its AI-enabled platform strategy.

AI-powered products boost sales in China's mid-year shopping season

China's mid-year sales season shows a surge in demand for AI-powered products. Over 70% of trending brands are Chinese, with searches for 'AI elements' increasing by 120%. AI-equipped smart fridges, TVs, and robotic dogs are popular among consumers. A report indicates that over 80% of people prefer devices with AI features. Regional governments are promoting 'AI plus Consumption' to support the AI sector.

IBM stock target raised amid AI growth potential

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives raised the price target for IBM stock to $325, citing the company's potential for AI growth. IBM reported a $6 billion generative AI 'book of business' and is integrating AI across its offerings. The company is also focusing on quantum computing for long-term opportunities. BofA Securities also raised its price objective for IBM stock to $320. IBM stock has gained 29% this year.

AI digital co-workers may replace employee surveys

AI could soon be replacing those long, stressful employee surveys in offices around the country.

TP uses AI to transform B2B sales

TP is using AI to transform B2B sales beyond basic customer service. They automate tasks, personalize outreach, and improve lead generation. TP's sales teams use AI daily to make B2B sales faster and more effective. This approach is called “Revenue-as-a-Service,” supporting the entire sales lifecycle.

Sources

AI SoftBank TSMC Project Crystal Land Arizona Industrial Complex Robotics Samsung Tax Breaks US Officials OpenAI Ampere Computing Stargate Data Centers Masayoshi Son High-Tech Manufacturing AI Agents Identity Management Security Gartner MIT Generative AI Healthcare Business Education AI Regulation Midjourney AI Video Model Sora Veo Udemy Lummi AI-Generated Designs AI-Powered Products China IBM Stock Target AI Growth Quantum Computing Employee Surveys B2B Sales TP Revenue-as-a-Service