Nebius, the Nasdaq-listed AI cloud company, has officially broken ground on its flagship AI factory campus in Independence, Missouri, marking the launch of what the company describes as its first gigawatt-scale digital infrastructure project in the United States.

A ceremony was held, drawing state and local government leaders, economic development partners, community members, and company representatives to the approximately 400-acre site in eastern Independence.

A Campus Built for the Long Term

The Independence project is described by Nebius as a multi-building AI factory campus and a critical next step in its long-term growth strategy in the United States. The company already operates in the Kansas City area, and sees this development as an extension of that existing regional presence.

John Boynton, Nebius Board Chairman, framed the project in explicitly long-term terms. "Projects like this are built for the long term, and we are committed to developing this facility in a way that directly benefits Independence," Boynton said at the groundbreaking.

"We want to create lasting opportunities, act as a good partner with the community, and set a standard for developing AI and digital infrastructure responsibly."

Construction of the first phase is now underway. Nebius has stated that it has incorporated design measures intended to minimize local impact, including reducing water consumption, containing noise and light pollution, and protecting ratepayers.

Jobs, Construction, and Economic Projections

The project is expected to generate approximately 1,200 construction jobs, which Nebius says will be drawn overwhelmingly from local union building trades. Once fully operational, the campus is projected to support 130 permanent high-tech positions.

Beyond direct employment, the company projects that the investment will generate USD 650 million in tax payments to local school districts and taxing jurisdictions over the next 20 years. Of that total, the Independence School District alone is projected to receive more than USD 463 million over the same period, according to Dr. Cynthia Grant, Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services for the district.

"The Nebius AI factory represents a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity for our community," Grant said. "For our district, it is projected to generate more than USD 463 million over the next 20 years, providing long-term stability and allowing us to better support our students, staff, and schools."

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe voiced support for the project, describing it as consistent with the state's broader ambitions in digital infrastructure. "Missouri continues to lead in innovation, infrastructure, and investment, and this facility in Independence is another example of that momentum in action," Kehoe said.

"This investment from Nebius strengthens Missouri's position as a national leader in digital infrastructure, while creating quality jobs, supporting local schools and businesses, and generating long-term opportunity."

Community Benefits and Education Partnerships

Nebius has established a formal community benefits plan centered on education and local investment. The company has already taken initial steps under this plan, including a donation to eliminate school meal debt at the Independence and Ft. Osage School Districts. Nebius has also entered into an initial agreement with Metropolitan Community College focused on AI literacy and workforce development.

Dr. Kimberly Beatty, Chancellor of Metropolitan Community College, characterized the partnership as an opportunity with broad educational value. "The addition of Nebius to the Kansas City region will add value to the economic development ecosystem through their contribution to the community and K-16 education system," Beatty said. "For MCC and most education entities, the ability to learn and partner with an AI expert has tremendous return on investment."

Regional and Industry Reactions

The groundbreaking drew statements from a range of economic development leaders across the region. Valerie Byrnes, President of the Independence Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership, described the project as a catalyst for sustained local growth.

"This is a pivotal project that elevates a city's trajectory, attracting new industries, driving infrastructure investment, and creating momentum that will shape our economy for decades to come," she said.

Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council, pointed to regional infrastructure and talent as factors in Nebius's decision to site the campus in Independence.

"The Kansas City region continues to stand out as a top destination for global technology investment," Cowden said. "Nebius' decision to choose Independence underscores the strength of our infrastructure, our talent pipeline, and a highly collaborative, business-focused environment that helps companies scale and succeed."

Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, called the project a signal of the state's competitiveness in technology sectors.

"Nebius' decision to expand in Independence is another strong signal that Missouri is competing and winning in the technology and innovation economy," she said, describing it as a billion-dollar investment that will bring new opportunities to the region.

Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership, cited the state's central geographic location and power delivery capacity as key competitive factors. "With our central location, robust infrastructure, and ability to deliver power at scale, Missouri offers a compelling environment for next-generation technology investment," Alias said.

NVIDIA Signals Broader Industry Significance

Ned Finkle, NVIDIA's Vice President of External Affairs, spoke at the groundbreaking and placed the project within the context of what he described as the largest infrastructure buildout in history.

"Artificial intelligence is driving the largest infrastructure buildout in history, and that buildout must be rooted here in the United States," Finkle said. "This Nebius campus will create thousands of jobs, strengthen American supply chains, and build the AI factories that will power the next era of computing. NVIDIA is proud to stand with Nebius and the State of Missouri as we build the future of AI in American communities, with American workers."

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