Jensen Huang in Taipei: Nvidia says it will “definitely participate” in OpenAI funding after reports of a stalled $100 billion plan
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang rejected reports his company’s multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI had stalled, telling reporters in Taipei Jan. 31, 2026 that Nvidia would “definitely participate” in OpenAI’s latest funding round, calling earlier reports “nonsense”.
- Huang denied reports the $100 billion plan had stalled and said Nvidia would definitely participate in OpenAI’s funding round.
- The original 10‑gigawatt / $100 billion plan was framed as a non‑binding letter of intent and remains subject to final terms and timing.
- Priority access to Nvidia compute is strategically important for competitive advantage and could reshape infrastructure deployment.
- The announcement’s uncertainty leaves room for varied investment structures and local economic impacts, particularly in regions like the Inland Empire.
Background: the partnership and what was announced
In September 2025, Nvidia and OpenAI announced a strategic partnership to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of Nvidia systems and outlined an intention by Nvidia to invest up to $100 billion progressively as capacity is built. The companies described the agreement as staged and non‑binding; deployment was slated to begin in the second half of 2026 using Nvidia’s Vera Rubin platform. See the Nvidia investor announcement for the full text and forward‑looking language.
High‑profile quotes: Jensen Huang said the partnership would “mark the next leap forward — deploying 10 gigawatts to power the next era of intelligence.” OpenAI leaders, including Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, emphasized that compute is central to future economies and partnerships are key to advancing AI.
The Wall Street Journal report and Nvidia pushback
On Jan. 30, 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported internal doubts at Nvidia had led some executives to question the original $100 billion outline, suggesting Huang had privately emphasized the non‑binding nature of the deal and voiced reservations about OpenAI’s business discipline and competitive threats from Google and Anthropic. A summary of that coverage and the ensuing industry reaction was published by TechCrunch.
Huang in Taipei: Speaking to reporters Jan. 31, 2026 in Taipei, Huang pushed back hard on the idea Nvidia was unhappy with OpenAI. He called the reports “nonsense” and said Nvidia would “definitely participate” in OpenAI’s latest funding round but declined to give a firm dollar amount, deferring to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for detailed terms. An OpenAI spokesperson said the two companies were “actively working through the details” and affirmed Nvidia’s foundational role.
“Nonsense,” Huang said of the reporting, adding Nvidia would “definitely participate” in the funding round while not disclosing a specific figure.
Other reporting and the funding landscape
Independent coverage shows multiple large companies — including Microsoft, Amazon, and SoftBank — have signaled interest in backing OpenAI’s next phase as it reportedly seeks roughly $100 billion. Some accounts suggested Nvidia might scale back to a smaller equity investment; one outlet reported Nvidia had “halted negotiations” at one point, an unconfirmed detail summarized in the MLQ report. Taken together, the public record shows three facts: the 10‑gigawatt/$100 billion plan was announced, it was framed as non‑binding, and Nvidia’s CEO has publicly affirmed participation while declining to firm up terms.
Why this matters: compute, competition and risk
Large AI models require massive computing power. The announced deal centers on giving OpenAI priority access to Nvidia’s next‑generation systems — a strategic edge in the race to build bigger, faster models. Control over compute capacity can shape market positioning among AI developers, which is why chip suppliers and cloud providers are deeply involved.
Business and governance risks: Because the original letter was non‑binding, staged investments leave room for internal review, regulatory hurdles, and changing market conditions. Reported private concerns about OpenAI’s business discipline and competition from Google and Anthropic reflect strategic considerations investors weigh before committing capital.
Implications for The Inland Empire, California
Economic impact
The Inland Empire sits within Southern California’s growing cloud and data center region. If Nvidia follows through with large infrastructure deployments, local firms that host or service data centers — from construction and electrical contractors to logistics companies — could see increased demand. New spending on compute can create high‑skilled technical jobs in system installation, maintenance and operations, but many roles could be filled by specialists recruited nationally unless local workforce programs expand.
Political consequences
Building and powering large AI infrastructure requires permits, grid upgrades, and land use considerations. Inland Empire city councils and county officials will likely face requests tied to data centers. Officials must balance growth with community needs, environmental regulations, and potential requests for state support for grid and broadband improvements.
Social effects
An influx of tech workers or construction crews can drive demand for housing and services, potentially worsening affordability without policy responses. Educational partnerships and retraining programs at institutions like UC Riverside and community colleges could help residents capture higher‑paying roles created by AI infrastructure buildouts.
Cultural relevance
A visible role supporting national AI infrastructure could reshape the region’s identity, long tied to logistics and manufacturing. Community concerns — environmental impacts, traffic, and local control — will require transparent planning and engagement.
Practical applications for residents and businesses
- Local businesses may benefit from more AI‑driven services in logistics, warehousing and healthcare, such as TechCrunch coverage of potential applications and industry shifts.
- Small firms and public services could see pilot programs or partnerships with AI providers, but may face competition from larger, automated operations.
- Residents should watch for job announcements, apprenticeships, and community meetings about proposed data center projects.
Sources and further reading
- TechCrunch reporting on Huang’s remarks and the Wall Street Journal coverage
- Nvidia investor announcement of the September 2025 partnership with OpenAI
- Report that Nvidia paused negotiations (unconfirmed detail)
The situation remains fluid. Nvidia’s public affirmation in Taipei reduces, but does not remove, uncertainty because the original agreement was non‑binding and final terms have not been disclosed. Local officials, businesses and workers in the Inland Empire should follow developments closely as the funding round and infrastructure plans progress.
