Softbank and Three Other Japanese Companies Establish New Firm to Develop Domestic AI Foundational Model

Odaily News: SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group have established a new company named "Japan AI Foundational Model Development," aiming to build a domestic AI foundational model and provide it to Japanese enterprises. The company's president is a senior executive from SoftBank, with Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, as well as Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Mizuho Bank participating in the investment. SoftBank and NEC are responsible for the development work, Honda plans to apply the results to autonomous driving, and Preferred Networks is also involved. The company will soon apply for the public solicitation by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). If selected, it is expected to receive support of approximately 1 trillion yen over five years starting from fiscal year 2026.