The Japanese government has announced a significant initiative in partnership with the private sector aimed at developing a national artificial intelligence (AI) system valued at approximately 3 trillion yen (around 19 billion dollars). This project is expected to commence in the coming spring and will involve SoftBank Group along with more than ten other Japanese companies. Together, these firms will establish a new company to create Japan’s largest foundational AI model. The company, led by SoftBank Group, will include around 100 experts selected through corporate competitions, featuring engineers from SoftBank and developers from Preferred Networks. The Japanese government has emphasized the critical importance of AI for industrial competitiveness and national security, warning that excessive reliance on foreign technology poses strategic risks. The rapidly growing significance of AI has revolutionized technology industries worldwide, prompting many countries to invest in AI research and development to ensure autonomy and economic growth. Japan’s efforts reflect its desire to become self-reliant in AI on a global scale and to strengthen its industrial base. While the project’s success could enhance Japan’s technological independence and global competitiveness, challenges remain, including the need for continuous innovation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape and addressing the shortage of experts. Nonetheless, this collaboration between the private sector and government represents a major advancement that could solidify Japan’s global technological standing in the future.
Source: binance