SoftBank and three other Japanese companies establish a new company to develop domestic AI foundational models

MeNews · 2026-04-13T03:43:19+00:00

SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group jointly establish a new company "Japan AI Foundation Model Development" aimed at developing domestically-produced AI models. The company is led by SoftBank executives, with multiple companies participating in funding, and plans to apply for government financial support.

MeNews

2026-04-13 03:43:19

Abstract generation in progress

ME News message: On April 13 (UTC+8), four companies—SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group—have established a new company named “Japan AI Foundation Model Development,” with the aim of building domestically developed AI foundation models and providing them to Japanese enterprises. The company’s president will be a senior executive from SoftBank. Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Mizuho Bank will take part in the investment. SoftBank and NEC will be responsible for the development work, and Honda plans to apply the results to autonomous driving. Preferred Networks is also involved. The company will soon submit an application for a public call for proposals by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO); if selected, it is expected to receive support on the scale of 1 trillion yen over five years starting from the 2026 fiscal year. (Source: ODAILY)

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.