Who is building this AI model?

Noetra, a Japanese company founded by firms including telecommunications operator SoftBank, is leading the project. Engineers from SoftBank and AI startup Preferred Networks will participate, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) will provide support.

When will the model be available?

A foundation model is planned for release as early as this fiscal year, with improved versions planned for release every fiscal year thereafter.

How much is Japan investing?

The industry ministry is providing ¥387.3 billion in aid for the five-year project, with plans to provide additional aid after the first year.

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Japan to fund domestic AI model for robot control

Japan Times Tech23h ago4 min read

Key takeaway

Japan's industry ministry is providing ¥387.3 billion to develop a domestic AI foundation model for robot control, led by Noetra with participation from SoftBank and Preferred Networks. The move aims to help Japan keep pace with the US and China in AI technology by making the model available to Japanese companies starting this fiscal year.

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3 Key Points

What happened
Japan's industry ministry announced ¥387.3 billion in aid for a five-year project led by Noetra to develop a domestic multimodal foundation model—an AI system that understands multiple types of data—designed to control robots. The project involves SoftBank, AI startup Preferred Networks, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). A foundation model is planned for release as early as this fiscal year, with improved versions to follow annually.
Why it matters
Japan aims to close the gap with the United States and China in AI technology by making this foundation model widely available to domestic companies. The ministry plans to provide additional funding beyond the first year, signaling sustained commitment to building competitive AI infrastructure at home rather than relying on foreign systems.
What to watch
The project will release an initial foundation model this fiscal year and plans yearly updates using data from manufacturers and other companies. The ministry's commitment to post-first-year funding indicates this is a long-term national effort.

FAQ

Who is building this AI model?: Noetra, a Japanese company founded by firms including telecommunications operator SoftBank, is leading the project. Engineers from SoftBank and AI startup Preferred Networks will participate, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) will provide support.
When will the model be available?: A foundation model is planned for release as early as this fiscal year, with improved versions planned for release every fiscal year thereafter.
How much is Japan investing?: The industry ministry is providing ¥387.3 billion in aid for the five-year project, with plans to provide additional aid after the first year.

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