SoftBank, NEC, Sony Group, and Honda Motor established a new company to develop high-performance domestic artificial intelligence. Each founding member holds a stake exceeding 10% in the venture.
The initiative aims to provide advanced AI to Japanese firms to increase competitiveness against United States and Chinese rivals.
The firm will apply for a ¥1 trillion government support program through the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization. This funding will span five years beginning in fiscal 2026.
Engineers from SoftBank and Preferred Networks will lead the development. The long-term strategy focuses on physical AI to control robotics and real-world applications.