Japan Initiates Ambitious AI Development Project Worth ¥3 Trillion
Tokyo, Dec 21 — In a significant stride towards harnessing cutting-edge technology, Japanese authorities, in tandem with the private sector, are set to embark on an expansive initiative aimed at developing a national artificial intelligence (AI) system.
This venture is projected to cost approximately ¥3 trillion (about US$19 billion), as reported by Sputnik/RIA Novosti, citing a draft plan published by the Yomiuri newspaper.
SoftBank, along with over ten prominent Japanese firms, is expected to forge a new enterprise in the spring aimed at constructing the nation’s most extensive AI baseline model.
This endeavor seeks to bridge the technological chasm between Japan and its major rivals, such as the United States and China.
Under the aegis of SoftBank, the new company will harness the expertise of around 100 specialists sourced through a competitive selection process. This includes engineers and developers from SoftBank and partners like Preferred Networks.
The anticipated model is projected to achieve a staggering one trillion parameters, positioning it on par with leading global counterparts from the US and China.
Designed for adaptability, this model will be accessible to Japanese businesses, catering to diverse applications, from manufacturing to robotics.
To facilitate the model’s training, the initiative will procure significant amounts of high-performance semiconductors from the American tech giant Nvidia and establish a robust computing infrastructure.
Given the steep costs associated with this colossal project, the government plans to partially subsidize infrastructure expenditures and aid in the collection and acquisition of data necessary for AI training.
Specifically, the administration aims to disburse roughly ¥1 trillion (approximately US$6.3 billion) over a five-year period starting in fiscal 2026. Furthermore, the fiscal budget for 2026 is anticipated to allocate upwards of ¥300 billion (more than US$1.9 billion) for related expenses.
In parallel, SoftBank intends to commit around ¥2 trillion (approximately US$12.7 billion) over six years towards the establishment and operation of data centers designed for AI development and deployment.
The company envisions that the advancement of national AI will catalyze the introduction of innovative products and services, generating substantial domestic demand to recuperate its considerable investments.
Current undertakings include the construction of data centers in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, and Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, which are slated to be operational by fiscal year 2026. These facilities are projected to form the cornerstone of Japan’s national AI infrastructure.
The Japanese government underscores that AI plays a pivotal role in enhancing industrial competitiveness and safeguarding national security.
Concerns regarding overreliance on foreign technologies further fueled the impetus for this transformative project.
Source link: Malaymail.com.
