TechFlow News, April 13: According to Kyodo News, SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group have jointly established a new company named “Japan AI Foundation Model Development” to advance the research and development of domestically produced AI foundation models. The company plans to assemble approximately 100 AI developers, with its president appointed from SoftBank’s executive leadership. In addition to the four founding companies, Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Mizuho Bank are also participating as investors.
SoftBank and NEC will lead development efforts, while Honda will apply the outcomes in autonomous driving. Preferred Networks is also involved. The company plans to widely open its AI technologies to Japanese enterprises beyond its investor base and expand into robotics AI. If selected by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the company expects to receive ¥1 trillion (approximately RMB 43 billion) in government support over five years starting in fiscal year 2026.
