According to Kyodo News, SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group have jointly established a new company, "Japan AI Foundation Model Development," aimed at advancing the development of domestic AI foundation models. The company plans to gather approximately 100 AI developers, with a SoftBank executive serving as president. In addition to these four companies, Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Mizuho Bank are also participating as investors. SoftBank and NEC will lead development, while Honda will apply the outcomes to autonomous driving; Preferred Networks is also involved. The company plans to widely offer its AI technology to other Japanese enterprises beyond its investors and expand into robotics AI. If selected by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the company expects to receive government support of up to 1 trillion yen (approximately RMB 43 billion) over five years starting in fiscal year 2026.
SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group Launch Japan AI Foundation Model Development Company
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Summary
SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group have launched Japan AI Foundation Model Development, a new initiative to advance domestic AI research. The company plans to hire 100 AI developers, led by a SoftBank executive. Key investors include Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, and major banks. Honda will apply AI to autonomous driving, while Preferred Networks is joining the effort. The company intends to make its AI services available to broader markets, including robotics AI. If approved by NEDO, it could receive up to 1 trillion yen in government funding starting in 2026. This development brings fresh AI + crypto news and suggests potential future announcements regarding a token launch.
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