Musk’s xAI Plans Memphis Supercomputer, Taxpayer Incentives Not Yet Announced

Image Credit: City of Memphis

The Center Square [By Jon Styf] –

Elon Musk’s xAI will be building what it calls the world’s largest supercomputer in Memphis, according to project announcements, calling it the “largest capital investment by a new-to-market company in Memphis history” but not revealing what if any taxpayer incentives the company will receive related to the project.

The Memphis Chamber announced the plan but not specifics on the investment or incentives. Chamber President and CEO Ted Townsend said final job counts and total investment are still being calculated but the project will open this year, according to the Memphis Commercial-Appeal.

The announcement said the building is owned by Phoenix Investors and several media outlets reported it will be at a former Electrolux facility at 3231 Paul Lowry Road.

The announcement said the projects needs approval from the Memphis Shelby County Economic Development Growth Engine, Tennessee Valley Authority and “governing authorities.”

The announcement did not say how those entities would contribute to the project.

“The company expects to create high quality jobs upon completion of Phase 1, with opportunities for more substantial investment in future phases,” the chamber said.

Politicians and economic development agencies often point to the quality of jobs and average salary paid when awarding taxpayer economic incentives.

About the Author: Jon Styf, The Center Square Staff Reporter – Jon Styf is an award-winning editor and reporter who has worked in Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida and Michigan in local newsrooms over the past 20 years, working for Shaw Media, Hearst and several other companies. Follow Jon on Twitter @JonStyf.