Amazon Bets Big on NC’s Future as Tech Hub with $10 Billion AI Innovation Campus
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced that Amazon plans to invest $10 billion in a new cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation campus in Richmond County, creating at least 500 new high-paying tech jobs. The new facility will feature data center engineers, network specialists, security specialists, and other highly skilled technical roles.
“They said $10 billion is a floor. What we hope is that they see the value of being here in Richmond County and it becomes 10, 20, 30, 40,” Stein said, expressing optimism about the partnership’s future. “We don’t know where it’ll go, but we have incredibly optimistic hopes for the future, and we know the people of Richmond County can deliver.”
The investment is among the largest in state history and is expected to bring significant economic growth to Richmond County. Amazon credited North Carolina’s business-friendly environment for making Richmond County an ideal location for the new tech hub.
“Amazon’s $10 billion investment in North Carolina underscores our commitment to driving innovation and advancing the future of cloud computing and AI technologies,” David Zapolsky, Amazon’s chief global affairs and legal officer, said in a press release. “This investment will position North Carolina as a hub for cutting-edge technology, create hundreds of high-skilled jobs, and drive significant economic growth.”
Since 2010, Amazon has invested $12 billion in North Carolina, creating tens of thousands of jobs statewide. The company recently announced a major expansion in Greensboro, purchasing 85 acres for an undetermined facility.
The new data center will contain computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment, and other technology infrastructure to power cloud computing capabilities for Amazon Web Services. Stein emphasized that North Carolina will stay at the forefront of technological advancements with Amazon’s investment.
“Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and innovate, and I am pleased that North Carolina will stay at the forefront of all that’s ahead as we continue to attract top technology companies like Amazon,” Stein said.