Hyperscaler Nscale has agreed to rent data center capacity to Microsoft at its campus in Narvik, Norway. Located in the Arctic Circle, the site was previously intended for OpenAI as part of its Stargate initiative — a project that has also recently been put on hold in the UK.

ASML reported first-quarter 2026 results in line with expectations, signaling continued momentum from surging artificial intelligence (AI) demand and strengthening semiconductor industry fundamentals.

Japan is accelerating efforts to build domestic AI capabilities, with SoftBank and major industrial partners forming a new company focused on physical AI to power robots, vehicles, and factory systems. Referred to as the Japan AI Foundation Model Development, the new venture was established by SoftBank, NEC, Honda Motor, and Sony Group, each holding stakes of more than 10%, according to Nikkei Asia and TechWire Asia. Additional investors include Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, and major Japanese banks such as MUFG, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho, reflecting broad backing from Japan’s industrial and financial sectors.