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Nebius Breaks Ground on Gigawatt-Scale AI Factory in Independence, Missouri

City leaders and local stakeholders help launch construction of multi-building campus that supports 1,000+ jobs, sizable tax revenues, and area education programs

INDEPENDENCE, MO — May 12, 2026 — Nebius (Nasdaq: NBIS), the AI cloud company, today broke ground on its flagship AI factory campus in Independence, Missouri – the company’s first gigawatt-scale digital infrastructure project in the U.S.

The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, economic development partners, community members and company representatives to mark the start of construction of the multi-building AI factory on approximately 400 acres in eastern Independence.

Nebius already operates in the Kansas City area and sees the Independence AI factory as a critical next step in its long-term growth in the U.S.

“Missouri continues to lead in innovation, infrastructure, and investment, and this facility in Independence is another example of that momentum in action,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “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. We are proud to support investments that keep Missouri competitive and moving forward.”

“Projects like this are built for the long term, and we are committed to developing this facility in a way that directly benefits Independence,” said John Boynton, Nebius Board Chairman. “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 of the AI factory is now underway. In both the construction and operation phases, Nebius has put in place intentional design measures to minimize impact at a local level, including by minimizing water use, containing noise and light, and protecting ratepayers.

Creating approximately 1,200 construction jobs – overwhelmingly drawn from local union building trades – and 130 permanent high-tech positions at full operation, Nebius’ Independence investment is also expected to generate $650 million in tax payments to local school districts and taxing jurisdictions over the next 20 years.

Nebius is committed to transparent operations and sustained community engagement. As part of this, the company has established a community benefits plan focused on education and local investment, and has already begun to put this into practice, including a recent donation to eliminate school meal debt at Independence and Ft. Osage School Districts and an initial agreement with Metropolitan Community College focused on AI literacy and workforce development.

More information about the Nebius AI factory in Independence, Missouri, can be found at nebius-independencemo.com.

Here’s what community, business, and education leaders are saying about Nebius’ collaborative, partnership-focused investment approach:

Valerie Byrnes, President of the Independence Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership: “This project is a powerful catalyst for sustained economic growth in Independence. 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.”

Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development: “Nebius’ decision to expand in Independence is another strong signal that Missouri is competing and winning in the technology and innovation economy. This billion-dollar-investment and creation of new jobs will bring new opportunities to the region while strengthening the state’s growing reputation as a destination for high-tech industry and forward-looking investment.”

Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership: “This project highlights the extraordinary pace of growth in the AI industry – and why Missouri is the right place for that growth. With our central location, robust infrastructure, and ability to deliver power at scale, Missouri offers a compelling environment for next-generation technology investment, and Nebius’ decision reinforces our strength as a global competitor.”

Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council: “The Kansas City region continues to stand out as a top destination for global technology investment. 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.”

Ned Finkle, NVIDIA Vice President of External Affairs: “Artificial intelligence is driving the largest infrastructure buildout in history — and that buildout must be rooted here in the United States. 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.”

Dr. Cynthia Grant, Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services, Independence School District: “The Nebius AI factory represents a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity for our community. For our district, it is projected to generate more than $463 million over the next 20 years, providing long-term stability and allowing us to better support our students, staff, and schools.”

Dr. Kimberly Beatty, Chancellor, Metropolitan Community College: “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. For MCC and most education entities, the ability to learn and partner with an AI expert has tremendous return on investment as we continue to serve our communities and students.”

Chris Wilson, CEO of ARCO National Construction: “Projects of this scale require deep coordination and technical expertise. We are proud to partner with Nebius to deliver a facility of this complexity and bring it online in Independence.”

About Nebius

Nebius, the AI cloud company, is building the full-stack platform for developers and companies to take charge of their AI future — from data and model training to production deployment. Founded on deep in-house technological expertise and operating at scale with a rapidly expanding global footprint, Nebius serves startups and enterprises building AI products, agents, and services worldwide. Nebius is listed on Nasdaq (NASDAQ: NBIS) and headquartered in Amsterdam. For more information, please visit www.nebius.com

About Missouri Partnership

Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization that attracts new jobs and investment to Missouri by promoting the state’s competitive business strengths. Since 2008, Missouri Partnership has led and supported economic development projects in collaboration with partners across the state, generating thousands of jobs and billions in new capital investment. Learn more about our recent projects.

Contacts

For media: media@nebius.com

For Independence residents: IndependenceMO@nebius.com

Beale Infrastructure Announces $250,000 in Community Investments for De Soto, Kansas

DE SOTO, Kan. – May 11, 2026 – Beale Infrastructure has announced it will launch a $250,000 community investment fund for its $3B De Soto Data center campus that will benefit local and regional nonprofits. Beale will work with local partners over the next year to identify additional grant projects.

Beale is solidifying its commitment to the De Soto community through a series of local initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life for residents today and into the future. Cornerstone partnerships include:

The De Soto Kansas Food Pantry
The USD232 Education Foundation
City of De Soto initiatives, including:
- Lighting the downtown De Soto water tower near 83rd St. and Wea St.
- Revitalizing local recreation by sponsoring the irrigation system for two new ballfields at Riverfest Park
De Soto Days
Additional grant projects identified by local partners

Beale is prioritizing supporting projects that benefit the needs and well-being of its neighbors, and we are proud to support local programs to help ensure the community’s traditions continue to thrive.

“This significant investment in our community, both in terms of economic impact and community support, speaks to Beale’s commitment to being a true community partner,”said Rick Walker, Mayor of De Soto. “Their support for local organizations and initiatives will have a real impact, and we appreciate their investment in De Soto’s future, and we look forward to our community having the opportunity to learn more at the June public event.”

The first phase of the data center project is expected to generate significant economic impacts with more than $150 million in local and county revenue over 25 years. Of that, the De Soto Unified School District 232 will receive more than $75 million. In addition, the project will create local workforce opportunities for thousands of construction workers and at least 50 full-time, on-site jobs once operational, with additional positions added in future phases.

The project reflects Beale’s responsible development model, which emphasizes disciplined site selection aligned with local land use planning, proactive engagement and long-term partnership with local communities, as well as direct investment to strengthen area infrastructure and the local workforce. All major project infrastructure – including power delivery, water systems and site improvements – will be privately funded by Beale, ensuring costs are not passed on to residents and ratepayers. Beale is committed to paying its own way and providing the infrastructure that we all depend on.

“Beale’s investment is a win for DeSoto and Kansas,” said David Campbell, chairman and chief executive officer at Evergy. “Evergy has established rates that ensure new large energy users like Beale pay prices that cover the cost to serve them plus bring benefit to all our customers. Beale’s agreement to long-term energy contracts and to cover the costs for infrastructure that solely serves its facility demonstrates its commitment to the community.”

“Kansas City’s growth in the digital infrastructure sector continues to accelerate, and projects like this reinforce the region’s position as a destination for forward-looking investment,”said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Beale is an excellent company with impeccable credentials in the global technology community. The company’s commitment to De Soto and KC as a whole further ensures this growth translates into real, lasting benefits for residents all across the region.”

“Beale’s significant support for the City of De Soto is certainly worth celebrating,”De Soto Chamber & Economic Development Council President Tim Holverson. “It says a lot about Beale Infrastructure that this historic investment in our digital infrastructure is accompanied by impactful investment in the surrounding community. It is the beginning of a long-term partnership that is truly Community First.”

Beale is also actively engaged in conversations with Johnson County Community College (JCCC)to build out enhanced workforce and educational partnerships. In aligning with JCCC, Beale aims to create a sustainable pipeline for high-tech careers, while fostering a local robust talent pool that will drive De Soto’s growth into the future.

“Our investment in De Soto goes far beyond the physical infrastructure. We are investing in the people, the educational pathways and the community fabric that will drive this region’s growth in the evolving digital economy for decades to come,”said Tony Burkart, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Public Affairs at Beale. “We are committed to being a catalyst for growth, beyond the four corners of our site. We look forward to growing

alongside our neighbors and contributing to the enduring prosperity of De Soto for future generations.”

Beale is planning for a community-focused event in June; more information will be shared on the project page, which can be found at https://bealeinfra.com/de-soto-kansas/.

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About Beale Infrastructure

Beale Infrastructure develops digital infrastructure for the world’s leading technology companies, partnering closely with customers, communities and utilities to enable innovative data center solutions with sustainable long-term impact. For more information about Beale, please visit www.bealeinfra.com.

For media inquiries, contact: media@bealeinfra.com

Beyond the Org Chart: What Leadership Really Means

As we approach graduation season, we’re not just celebrating accomplishments. We are welcoming a new generation of leaders into the workforce. This time of year offers a natural moment to pause and reflect on what leadership really means beyond titles and organizational charts.

At its core, leadership is built on trust. People need to believe that you have their best interests at heart. That belief isn’t established through authority. It’s earned through consistency, integrity, and genuine care for others. The most effective leaders understand that influence is not measured by how many people report to them but by how many people choose to follow them. Leadership shows up in how you inspire, guide, and support those around you, regardless of formal structure.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating leadership with hierarchy, but true leadership is less about how many layers sit beneath you and more about how far your impact reaches. Can you bring people together around a shared purpose? Can you create alignment where there is uncertainty? Can you elevate others, even when you don’t have formal authority?

At its best, leadership is deeply human. It requires heart, the ability to care, to empathize, and to recognize the unique strengths and challenges of everyone. It requires listening not to respond, but to understand. When people feel heard, they feel valued, and when they feel valued, they are more willing to engage and contribute meaningfully.

Strong leaders also embrace the reality that they won’t always have the answers. And that’s not a weakness; it’s an opportunity to empower your team to contribute and offer solutions. Leadership is about bringing people together, harnessing collective insight, and creating an environment where ideas can surface and grow. It’s about getting a group of individuals rowing in the same direction, even when the path isn’t perfectly clear.

As we move into this next season, it’s worth asking: what kind of leader do you want to be remembered as? Not just in moments of success, but in the everyday interactions that define your impact. Leadership that stands the test of time is not loud or self-promoting. It is steady, intentional, and rooted in purpose.

Whether you are just beginning your leadership journey or continuing to grow in it, remember that leadership is less about position and more about presence. And the leaders who leave a lasting mark are those who lead with authenticity, clarity, and a genuine commitment to others.

The KC Advantage: 15 Reasons KC is a Top 15 U.S. Industrial Market

Two people walking around in an import warehouse

The Kansas City region didn’t become a top 15 U.S. industrial market by accident. It earned its status through decades of strategic growth, intentional investment and a foundation of unmatched connectivity.

Kansas City enables distribution to 90% of the contiguous U.S. within two days or less by truck.
Four major interstate highways intersect in Kansas City — supported by 30% more interstate miles per capita than any major U.S. metro.
As the largest rail hub in the U.S. by tonnage, Kansas City serves as a critical link in North American freight movement.
The region’s multimodal advantage is strengthened by four Class I rail lines and four intermodal parks.
Kansas City’s location along the largest navigable inland waterway in the U.S. adds a powerful, cost-effective freight option.
KC’s two-state region creates a competitive incentive environment, with a strong mix of state and local programs that offers businesses lower costs and speed-to-market.
A state-of-the-art terminal at Kansas City International Airport handles more cargo than any other airport in a six-state region.
Kansas City ranked 7th in the U.S. for industrial net absorption in 2025.
Kansas City ranked as a top 15 U.S. city for foreign multinationals to do business.
KC ranks in the top 10 markets for industrial pre-leasing activity, showing confidence in future development.
Nearly 200,000 people are employed in manufacturing and logistics across the region.
More than 1,400 architectural, engineering and construction firms call KC home.
KC Foreign Trade Zones move $2 billion in goods annually, positioning regional operators for more efficient, cost-effective supply chain operations.
30+ institutions and dozens of industry-aligned training programs work together on tailored solutions that fuel KC’s industrial workforce pipeline.
Kansas City consistently ranks among the most affordable major metros for industrial real estate, labor and operating costs.

Want to learn more about why you should invest in KC? See about why KC stands out.

Smarter A/E/C Workflows, Powered by AI

AI is no longer a future concept for the design + construction industry – it’s a present-day differentiator, reshaping workflows, decision-making and collaboration.

There are currently more than 90,000 AI platforms globally, and the pace of development is unlike anything seen before. But despite the noise, the core principle is simple: AI is only as effective as the data behind it — making strong data management a critical foundation, guided by human insight, for any firm looking to use these tools effectively.

Across the industry, KC firms are beginning to use AI both as an efficiency tool and a thought partner. That means offloading repetitive, non-billable tasks like filing timesheets or formatting specs, while also using AI to explore ideas and identify risk earlier. The goal isn’t replacement; it’s enhancement. Teams that embrace a “human-in-the-loop” approach are finding ways to streamline processes without losing critical oversight.

One emerging concept is the rise of personal AI agents. Instead of a single tool, firms can build networks of agents that communicate with each other and function almost like a digital workforce. This means smoother information handoffs between design teams, engineers and contractors — further strengthening the collaborative approach that defines KC’s A/E/C industry while reducing delays and improving accuracy.

There are also broader opportunities for the KC region. AI-driven infrastructure, including data centers, is opening the door to new forms of economic development. Concepts like heat-sharing, where excess heat from data centers is reused for adjacent developments such as vertical farming, highlight how sustainability and innovation can align.

For A/E/C leaders, the path forward isn’t about chasing every new tool. It’s about starting where you are, within existing platforms, and thoughtfully rethinking workflows. The firms that do this well won’t just work faster; they’ll work smarter, collaborate better and position themselves to win more projects.

Thank you to our partners, David Johnson, Jeff Danley, Josh Greenfield, Aaron Mendonca and Drew Peterson for sharing their insights on AI in the design + construction industry at our April 2026 Innovation Shop Talk.

To keep up with KC’s design + construction industry, follow KC Global Design on LinkedIn.

What Actually Makes an Internship Meaningful?

Woman in a pink jacket speaks to a room of people sitting at roundtables.

Kansas City intern programs are gearing up for an intern season unlike any other. Ranked a Top 10 city for Gen Z and recent grads in 2025, talent have their sights set on KC opportunities. With higher demand for internships in Kansas City and more than 650 thousand people expected to visit the region this summer, internship programs are undergoing a real-time stress test.

Here’s the exciting part: program leaders are getting creative and rising to the challenge, and the TeamKC network is here to support.

Across TeamKC conversations, one question keeps surfacing: what actually makes an internship meaningful? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all — and this summer, that’s more clear than ever.

Approaches are diverging. Some organizations are embracing flexibility, offering remote options and tailoring start and end dates to meet both business and intern needs. Others are holding steady with structured, business-as-usual programs, betting on consistency to best serve their interns.

But regardless of approach, there’s a shared shift underway. With 46% of hiring managers saying that internships are the leading way for students to gain early-career skills, employers are redefining what a “meaningful experience” really looks like — and it’s becoming far more intentional.

We’re seeing programs:

Design internships to mirror full-time roles as closely as possible
Prioritize hands-on, project-based work
Expand training and professional development opportunities
Focus on select schools to recruit from, and get creative with their on-campus presence
Secure housing as early as the summer before for the next intern class
Introduce simulated application and interview experiences to better prepare interns for what’s next
Organize fewer, more intentional events outside of business responsibilities

As leaders reframe the goals of their programs, internship success is increasingly defined by full-time conversion.

Employers are building year-round talent pipelines, not just summer programs. That looks like:

Maintaining relationships with past interns through newsletters and ongoing communication
Encouraging multi-year experiences
Providing curated guides to local opportunities (Pro tip: 83% of 2025 interns shared that the KC 101 program helped them explore the KC region in ways they wouldn’t have otherwise!)

This summer is more than another internship cycle; it’s a proving ground.

As Kansas City employers test new approaches, refine what meaningful experience really looks like and build more intentional pathways to full-time talent, they’re doing more than adapting to the moment. They’re shaping what internship programs will become, here in KC and well beyond.

TeamKC is here to help your interns create meaningful connections in KC. 98% of 2025 interns said they would recommend KC 101 to future interns! Don’t miss out — get plugged into KC 101 Programming.

The Connector | April 2026

Welcome to The Connector. Fetching the freshest animal health news.

Important Things You Need to Know

Axiota Animal Health Names Wamego, Kansas as its Global Headquarters

The move builds on the region’s powerful ecosystem, where proximity to leading research institutions and industry collaboration continues to drive breakthroughs that impact animal health worldwide.

Register Today: Spring Networking Event

Don’t miss this energizing evening designed to spark meaningful conversations, strengthen relationships, and build momentum ahead of the Animal Health Summit.

Animal Health Summit Programming Now Available

From industry-defining conversations to high-impact business partnering, this year’s agenda is built to inspire, connect, and spark what’s next across the global animal health ecosystem.

LEARN MORE

Rethinking Innovation: Why the Future Isn’t Limited to Big Cities

Innovation can take root and thrive anywhere. In Wamego, Kansas, a unique partnership between industry, academia, and community is turning global ideas into real-world impact. In this month’s blog, Axiota Animal Health’s story highlights how rural communities can drive meaningful innovation while strengthening local economies.

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