Entrepreneurs in the United States are increasingly looking at new opportunities within the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and the realignment of global supply chains, particularly those related to critical minerals, manufacturing, and data infrastructure. The U.S.–Saudi investment forum held on November 19, 2025, provided a striking example of this trend with the announcement of a joint venture between a U.S. mining company and its Saudi counterpart. Together, they plan to build a rare-earths processing facility, underlining the growing recognition of the strategic importance of critical minerals in supporting the tech industry.
This partnership marks a significant moment for entrepreneurs, signaling a shift in entrepreneurial opportunities beyond just software development and AI models. There is now a burgeoning interest in the hardware, infrastructure, and supply-chain ecosystems that are necessary to support the rapid development and deployment of new technologies. Critical minerals, such as rare earth elements, are vital to the production of advanced electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies, which in turn power AI systems, data centers, and more. Entrepreneurs who can tap into these industries are positioning themselves in a unique spot to benefit from a rising tide of investment targeting these critical sectors.
The alignment of AI technology with the supply chains that support it creates differentiated advantages for those with the foresight to enter this space. Venture-backed companies, as well as startups, are becoming increasingly interested in industries that connect the digital and physical worlds, where real infrastructure and supply chains play a vital role in technology’s growth. This trend highlights the growing importance of securing reliable access to critical minerals and materials needed for the high-tech sector’s exponential growth. As governments and private investors alike pour capital into these adjacent areas, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to innovate across multiple fronts—whether by developing cutting-edge hardware for AI technologies or creating new ways to address global supply-chain challenges.
Capital flows from both public and private sources are increasingly being directed at industries that sit on the periphery of AI and tech innovation. These sectors—ranging from rare-earth mining to advanced manufacturing and data infrastructure—are now seen as essential for powering the next wave of technological advances. Entrepreneurs who can combine expertise in AI and tech with an understanding of these physical, geopolitical, and global supply-chain factors will be well-positioned to take advantage of these new investment flows.
In essence, the entrepreneurial playbook is evolving in response to these changes. Success in this emerging landscape will require more than just a software business model. It will demand the ability to connect technology with infrastructure and supply chains, taking into account the complexities of geopolitics and global value chains. For today’s entrepreneurs, understanding how technology, minerals, and manufacturing intersect will be crucial in navigating this evolving landscape of opportunity.
In summary, the rise of AI and critical-mineral supply chains signals a transformative shift in entrepreneurial opportunities. Entrepreneurs who can operate at the intersection of these two domains—leveraging AI technologies while addressing the underlying infrastructure and supply-chain needs—will be well-positioned to benefit from the increased capital flows and strategic importance of these sectors. As the global market continues to shift, the role of infrastructure in tech innovation will be just as critical as the software driving that innovation, creating new pathways for success in the tech world.
