Superintelligence Could Arrive Within Two Years, Says SoftBank CEO

The emergence of machines designing machines marks a significant moment in artificial intelligence, according to SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. In a recent interview with CNBC, Son revealed that an AI model is behind the creation of OpenAI's next-generation offerings. He believes this development suggests that superintelligence—the point at which AI exceeds human cognitive abilities—could arrive within just two years.

Son's perspective comes from direct conversations with OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman and the company's engineering team. This insight has led him to adjust his timeline for the onset of superintelligence, indicating it could happen sooner than expected. With a massive $65 billion investment on the line, this is more than just speculation.

SoftBank's significant financial backing of OpenAI includes a 13% ownership stake, with $41 billion already committed by the end of 2025. This investment has made OpenAI a key element of SoftBank’s portfolio, accounting for over 20% of its net asset value. Son has described the current AI revolution as "50 times bigger" than the dot-com boom, signaling a major shift in technological progress.

The impact of these trends is evident in SoftBank's financial results, with shares seeing notable gains in 2026, largely fueled by investor excitement over AI technologies and initiatives like Stargate AI. This increasing interest highlights the market's recognition of AI as a crucial source of economic value.

Looking forward, the ability of AI models to design themselves could transform various industries, from healthcare to finance, as superintelligence begins to emerge. If Son's predictions are accurate, the next few years could bring groundbreaking advancements in AI capabilities, fundamentally changing technology's role in daily life. The intersection of AI development and investment represents a critical moment for both innovators and investors as they adapt to this fast-evolving landscape.