Intelligent CIO North America Issue 66 | Page 12

NEWS

SoftBank accelerates AI ambitions with DigitalBridge acquisition and expanded OpenAI investment

SoftBank Group is doubling down on its ambition to build the world’ s leading artificial intelligence infrastructure platform, announcing a US $ 4.0 billion acquisition of DigitalBridge Group alongside the completion of a landmark US $ 22.5 billion investment in OpenAI.

Under the agreement, SoftBank will acquire DigitalBridge, a global alternative asset manager focused on digital infrastructure such as data centres, cell towers, fibre networks and edge computing. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2026 subject to regulatory approvals, will see DigitalBridge continue to operate as a separately managed platform led by CEO Marc Ganzi. SoftBank said the acquisition will strengthen its ability to build, scale and finance the foundational infrastructure required for next-generation AI services.
“ This acquisition will strengthen the foundation for nextgeneration AI data centres and advance our vision to become a leading ASI platform provider,” said SoftBank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son.
In parallel, SoftBank confirmed the completion of an additional US $ 22.5 billion investment in OpenAI, fulfilling its previously disclosed commitment of up to US $ 40 billion. Combined with an oversubscribed US $ 11.0 billion contribution from co-investors, total funding reached US $ 41 billion, giving SoftBank an aggregate ownership stake of approximately 11 %.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said SoftBank’ s scale and long-term conviction would help accelerate the responsible development of advanced AI technologies globally.
Together, the two moves underline SoftBank’ s strategy to pair cutting-edge AI development with the physical infrastructure needed to support its rapid global deployment.

CACI to deliver secure software-defined network modernization capabilities to the US Space Force

CACI International has been awarded a five-year task order valued at up to $ 212 million to deliver softwaredefined enterprise-level network modernization for the US Space Force – providing reliable, secure and modernized base area networks( BAN) capabilities that scale with mission-critical demand.

Through this effort, CACI will design, engineer, integrate and sustain resilient network architectures that enhance operational readiness while strengthening cybersecurity protections across all operational environments. The modernized infrastructure will support high-bandwidth, low-latency communications, improved visibility and centralized management, ensuring Guardians have continuous, trusted access to data and services required to execute global missions.
“ CACI stands with America’ s Guardians, delivering insights and keeping pace with evolving threats to ensure the Space Force has connectivity, across all classifications, when they need it most,” said John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer.
“ At CACI, we have a proven history of delivering resilient, software-defined network infrastructure that is more secure and efficient. We are accelerating innovation and enabling success by delivering a modern infrastructure that supports highbandwidth, high-security operations in a contested domain.”
Under the United States Air Force Base Infrastructure Modernization( USAF BIM) indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity( IDIQ) contract vehicle, CACI is spearheading the transformation and unification of legacy network infrastructures across 14 Space Force installations, improving interoperability, enhancing sustainment, increasing visibility and reducing lifecycle risk. This initiative delivers scalable, secure and mission-ready connectivity that empowers decision-making, strengthens resilience and ensures the Space Force remains prepared to meet challenges. •
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