OpenAI launched a new global initiative called OpenAI for Countries, supporting national governments in building AI infrastructure aligned with democratic principles. The initiative is part of the broader Stargate project, a collaboration with Oracle and SoftBank, first announced in January alongside President Donald Trump.
The Stargate project began with the construction of a supercomputing campus in Abilene, Texas, and plans are in place to establish similar sites elsewhere. Now, OpenAI says it has received interest from other countries to develop equivalent facilities domestically.
“We’ve heard from many countries asking for help in building out similar AI infrastructure—that they want their own Stargates and similar projects,” the company said in a statement. “It’s clear to everyone now that this kind of infrastructure is going to be the backbone of future economic growth and national development.”
OpenAI said the new initiative seeks to support governments that prefer to build “on democratic AI rails” and want an alternative to “authoritarian versions of AI that would deploy it to consolidate power.”
Key elements of the initiative include partnering with countries to build secure, in-country data centres. These centres will support data sovereignty, create local industries, and allow for AI customisation using local data “in a private and compliant way.”
OpenAI also plans to offer customised versions of ChatGPT, localised based on each country’s language and culture, to improve public services such as education and healthcare.
As part of its safety commitments, OpenAI claims to invest in physical and operational controls, and work with international partners to develop processes that respect democratic processes and human rights.
Another feature of the initiative is the creation of national AI start-up funds. “Together we can seed healthy national AI ecosystems so the new infrastructure is creating new jobs, new companies, new revenue, and new communities for each country,” OpenAI said.
Countries that participate would also invest in the global Stargate network and contribute to what OpenAI describes as a “US-led AI leadership” model.
The AI giant said it aims to pursue 10 partnerships in the first phase of the initiative and will coordinate with interested governments through US-based representatives and regional executives.
