TL;DR:
- SoftBank launches SB Intuitions, a new venture focusing on Japanese language AI services.
- SB Intuitions to research and develop homegrown Large Language Models (LLM) for Japanese.
- Plans to offer generative AI services based on Japanese data sets.
- Capitalized by SoftBank, tapping into their extensive consumer and enterprise operations in Japan.
- Strategically aligned with Microsoft to enhance AI capabilities.
- Utilizing a computing platform with Nvidia GPUs for AI development, set to be operational by March 2024.
Main AI News:
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, the focal point may have been the Bay Area, but now, the tides are shifting as players from diverse regions seek to capitalize on the market opportunities of innovation. Joining this endeavor is SoftBank, with the launch of SB Intuitions – a new venture aimed at catering to businesses and consumers in Japan by harnessing the power of Large Language Models (LLM) tailored specifically for the Japanese language.
While AI giants have predominantly developed language models based on English and Chinese datasets, SoftBank’s strategic move is grounded in their belief that Japan needs a domestically-driven generative AI system that aligns seamlessly with the country’s unique business practices and cultural expressions.
SB Intuitions intends to spearhead cutting-edge research and development of homegrown Large Language Models for Japanese language processing. Additionally, they plan to offer generative AI services based on Japanese data sets, ensuring a superior level of relevance and accuracy in handling public and medical services expressions.
Hironobu Tamba, a seasoned SoftBank executive, will be at the helm of this visionary venture, capitalizing on SoftBank’s existing AI and IoT division’s expertise. SB Intuitions is starting strong with an initial capital investment of 150 million yen ($1 million) and full ownership by SoftBank, showing a firm commitment to driving the growth of this transformative project.
SoftBank is strategically aligning itself with Microsoft, fostering a secure data environment for enterprises in Japan interested in collaborating on AI and generative AI initiatives. Additionally, SoftBank will leverage Microsoft’s Copilot service internally to enhance its own capabilities.
Furthermore, to bolster the project, SoftBank plans to deploy a powerful computing platform, built on Nvidia GPUs, capable of supporting the development of generative AI and other applications. This platform is slated to be operational by March 2024.
While the path to AI prominence has been fraught with challenges for SoftBank, it is clear that they are undeterred. Despite past hiccups, the conglomerate remains bullish on AI investments and is determined to carve a path that will establish Japan as a formidable player in the generative AI landscape.
CEO and President Junichi Miyakawa emphasizes the importance of generative AI as a groundbreaking technology with unparalleled significance, paralleling the transformative impact of search engines, operating systems, and cloud services. With the unveiling of SB Intuitions, SoftBank forges ahead, ambitiously staking its claim in the future of AI and redefining the landscape of language models and generative AI services in Japan.
Conclusion:
The launch of SB Intuitions by SoftBank signifies a significant stride towards establishing a stronghold in the Japanese language AI services market. With a dedicated focus on Large Language Models and generative AI, SoftBank aims to cater to the unique expressions and cultural nuances of Japan. This strategic move can potentially reshape the landscape of AI services in the country and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers seeking cutting-edge AI solutions. As SoftBank partners with Microsoft and deploys advanced computing platforms, it signals a strong commitment to cementing Japan’s position as a prominent player in the global AI industry.
