Introduction
Japanese tech giant SoftBank is investing heavily in the future of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in developing a robust Japanese-language-specific generative AI model. This ambitious project, backed by a massive injection of funds, aims to elevate Japan’s AI capabilities and establish a formidable domestic player in the burgeoning generative AI space.
Investing in Computational Power
To train powerful language models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, SoftBank will invest an impressive 0 million over the next two years to upgrade its computing infrastructure. The centerpiece of this investment will be the acquisition of advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) from Nvidia, a leading U.S. chip manufacturer.
Creating a Domestic AI Powerhouse
This substantial investment, believed to be the largest of its kind by a Japanese company, will propel SoftBank to the forefront of Japanese computing capabilities. By enhancing its infrastructure, SoftBank aims to create a domestic AI powerhouse capable of competing with international players vying to enter the market.
The need for such investment is evident in Japan’s current AI landscape. Despite growing interest in generative AI, the country lacks private companies with the necessary high-performance supercomputers to develop such models. SoftBank’s investment could bridge this gap, empowering Japan to establish a strong foothold in this rapidly evolving field.
Global Competition
SoftBank’s AI ambitions come at a time when global players like OpenAI and Microsoft are making significant investments in Japan. OpenAI recently established its first office in Tokyo, while Microsoft pledged .9 billion for its AI infrastructure in the country.
Ambitious Model Development
In the coming years, SoftBank plans to unveil an initial LLM model with 390 billion parameters, followed by a more advanced version with a staggering 1 trillion parameters. These models will rival the capabilities of leading international LLMs, empowering Japanese researchers and businesses to harness the transformative power of generative AI.
Domestic Collaborations and Growth
SoftBank is not the only Japanese player in the AI game. Telecommunications giant NTT also announced plans to develop an LLM this year. NTT is investing heavily in growth areas such as data centers and AI, underscoring the growing significance of AI in the Japanese market.
Market Potential
Japan’s AI market is projected to soar to an astonishing billion by 2030, reflecting the country’s increasing embrace of this transformative technology. SoftBank’s entry into the AI arena has energized investors, leading to a substantial rise in the company’s stock price.
Conclusion
SoftBank’s bold investment in Japanese-language AI signals a paradigm shift in Japan’s technology landscape. By building a cutting-edge computing infrastructure, SoftBank is paving the way for Japan to become a major force in generative AI. As global competition intensifies, the company’s vision to establish a domestic AI powerhouse will enable Japan to unlock the transformative potential of this emerging technology.
Additional Information:
- Full report on Nikkei Asia
- Statista Market Insights: Japan’s AI Market
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
