44-firm SoftBank consortium launches domestic AI platform development

2026-06-30

44 firms join SoftBank-led consortium

SoftBank and 44 firms including major manufacturers will begin developing a domestic artificial intelligence (AI) platform. The manufacturing side includes 28 companies such as Hitachi and Toshiba, while the non-manufacturing side includes 16 companies such as Rakuten Group, helping promote the spread of 'physical AI' that uses AI to control machines and robots.

Investment expected to top 100 million yen

The companies will invest in Noetra, established by SoftBank, which was formerly known as Japan AI Foundation Model Development. A total of nine companies, including NEC, Honda and Sony Group, have already taken equity stakes, and another 35 firms are expected to make small investments in mid-July. The total investment is expected to exceed 100 million yen.

Large-scale model development targeted for 2027

The new company will be majority-owned by the four core firms: SoftBank, NEC, Honda and Sony Group. Existing investors will make additional investments in July to prevent dilution of their stakes. New investors will each contribute about 10 million yen.

NEDO selection turns it into public-private project

In April, the company applied for a domestic AI platform development project solicited by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and was selected on June 30. As a public-private project, it will play a role in supporting the country's AI strategy.

The company aims to develop one of Japan's largest large-scale models around 2027 and to establish a system by 2031 that can also handle real-world information in an integrated way. It will use data held by companies in development and build it into core infrastructure for physical AI that will handle advanced judgment and control on the front line.

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