Japanese telecom company SoftBank is investing 150 billion yen ($960 million) by 2025 to give its computing facilities the number-crunching power needed to develop world-class generative artificial intelligence. SoftBank aims to develop a Japanese-language-specific generative AI with world-class performance and hopes that the investment will help it achieve this goal. The company plans to purchase graphics processing units (GPUs) from U.S. chip designer Nvidia, which will not only be used for SoftBank’s development of generative AI but will also be loaned to other companies.

The investment in computing infrastructure is believed to be the largest of any Japanese company. SoftBank is currently developing a large language model (LLM), which serves as the basis for generative AI. The company expects to complete development of a model with 390 billion parameters in fiscal 2024, and will start developing a high-performance model with 1 trillion parameters as early as next year. This 1 trillion-parameter model is a de facto benchmark for world-class performance, and is expected to help SoftBank achieve its goal of developing world-class generative AI.

Generative AI is becoming increasingly important in various industries, and the Japanese generative AI market is expected to grow to around $13 billion by 2030, according to the latest forecast by Statista. SoftBank’s move to create its own AI has been well-received by investors, with the company’s share price hitting a record high in late March. Although U.S. tech companies currently lead in terms of both performance and investment, SoftBank’s investment in computing infrastructure is likely to put it among the highest in Japan and help it catch up with its competitors.

SoftBank’s Strategic Investment

Japanese telecom company SoftBank has announced its plan to invest 150 billion yen ($960 million) by 2025 to enhance its computing facilities for developing world-class generative artificial intelligence models. This investment is believed to be the largest of any Japanese company in computing infrastructure.

Financial Commitment

Last year, SoftBank invested 20 billion yen in building its computing infrastructure. The additional investment of 150 billion yen will be spent this year and next. The company is confident that the investment will give it the necessary number crunching power to develop a Japanese-language-specific generative AI with world-class performance.

Infrastructure Enhancement

SoftBank’s computing power is expected to be among the highest in Japan when the investment is completed. The company is currently developing a large language model (LLM), which will serve as the basis for its generative AI. The telecom company expects to complete development of a model with 390 billion parameters in fiscal 2024 and will start developing a high-performance model with 1 trillion parameters as early as next year.

GPU Acquisition from Nvidia

SoftBank will purchase graphics processing units (GPUs) from U.S. chip designer Nvidia. The GPUs will not only be used for the company’s own development of generative AI but will also be loaned to other companies. The company hopes that the acquisition of Nvidia chips will help it develop top models.

The stock market is responding positively to SoftBank’s move to create its own AI. Investors are betting that generative AI will be good for business. According to the latest forecast by Statista, the Japanese generative AI market is expected to grow to around $13 billion by 2030, which is 17 times larger than in 2023.

While U.S. tech companies such as Open AI are currently ahead in terms of both performance and investment, Japanese companies, including NTT and NEC, have entered the market. However, the number of parameters in their models runs from several billion to several tens of billions. SoftBank is determined to develop world-class generative AI and hopes to achieve this through its strategic investment in computing infrastructure.

Development of Generative AI

Language-Specific AI Focus

SoftBank is investing 150 billion yen ($960 million) to develop world-class generative artificial intelligence (AI) with a Japanese-language-specific focus. The company aims to boost its computing facilities’ number-crunching power, which is expected to be among the highest in Japan when the investment is completed by 2025.

The company is currently developing a large language model (LLM) that serves as the basis for generative AI. The focus is on developing a Japanese-language-specific generative AI with world-class performance. SoftBank will also loan out the graphics processing units (GPUs) it will purchase from Nvidia to other companies.

Large Language Model Ambitions

SoftBank expects to complete the development of a 390 billion-parameter model by fiscal 2024. The company will start developing a high-performance model with 1 trillion parameters as early as next year. This model is a de facto benchmark for world-class performance, with the number of parameters in GPT-4, developed by OpenAI of the U.S., which performed well on a mock bar exam, reaching the trillion-parameter range.

Benchmarking Against Global Standards

At present, U.S. tech companies such as OpenAI are ahead in terms of both performance and investment. Japanese companies, including NTT and NEC, have entered the market, but the number of parameters in their models runs from several billion to several tens of billions. SoftBank’s large language model ambitions aim to benchmark against global standards and develop a Japanese-language-specific generative AI with world-class performance.

Generative AI is starting to be integrated into services and products in various industries. The Japanese generative AI market is expected to grow to around $13 billion by 2030, which is 17 times larger than in 2023, according to Statista, a German research specialist. The stock market is responding positively to SoftBank’s move to create its own AI. Investors are betting generative AI will be good for business.

Market Impact and Projections

Japanese AI Market Growth

The generative AI market in Japan is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with Statista projecting it to reach around $13 billion by 2030. This represents a 17-fold increase from the market size in 2023. The growth is driven by the increasing integration of generative AI into services and products across various industries. SoftBank’s investment of $960 million to boost computing power for generative AI is expected to further fuel the growth of the market, as the company aims to develop a Japanese-language-specific generative AI with world-class performance.

Stock Market Response

SoftBank’s move to create its own AI has had a positive impact on the stock market, with the company’s share price hitting 2,064 yen in late March 2024, the highest since its listing in 2018. Investors are betting that generative AI will be good for business, and SoftBank’s investment in computing infrastructure is believed to be the largest of any Japanese company. While U.S. tech companies such as Open AI are currently ahead in terms of both performance and investment, SoftBank’s investment is expected to position the company as a major player in the generative AI market.

International Competition and Domestic Importance

Current Global Leaders

The race to develop generative AI has become a highly competitive field among countries around the world. At present, U.S. tech companies such as OpenAI are leading the way in terms of both performance and investment. OpenAI is known for developing large language models with a high number of parameters, such as GPT-3 with 175 billion parameters, which performed well on various language tasks.

China is also making significant investments in AI, with the government setting a goal to become the world leader in AI by 2030. In 2020, China’s total AI investment reached $15.2 billion, according to a report by McKinsey & Company. The country’s leading tech companies, such as Alibaba and Baidu, are also investing heavily in AI research and development.

Japanese Technological Advancements

SoftBank’s recent investment in computing power for generative AI is a sign of Japan’s growing interest in this field. While Japanese companies, including NTT and NEC, have entered the market, the number of parameters in their models runs from several billion to several tens of billions, which is still far behind the trillion-parameter range.

However, SoftBank’s investment is expected to give the company the computing power needed to develop world-class generative AI, and the company’s share price has already seen an increase as investors bet on the potential success of the project. The Japanese generative AI market is expected to grow to around $13 billion by 2030, according to a forecast by Statista.

Domestically generated AI is also considered important by countries around the world. In Japan, the government has set a goal to create a “Society 5.0” where AI and other advanced technologies are used to solve social problems and improve people’s lives. The government is also promoting research and development in AI through various initiatives, such as the “AI Japan R&D Network” and the “AI Grand Challenge.”

In conclusion, the development of generative AI has become a highly competitive field among countries around the world. While the U.S. and China are currently leading the way, Japan’s recent investment in computing power for generative AI is a sign of the country’s growing interest in this field. Domestically generated AI is also considered important by countries around the world, including Japan, where the government is promoting research and development in AI through various initiatives.

In a significant move, the US Justice Department, along with fifteen states and the District of Columbia, has filed a lawsuit against tech giant Apple, accusing the company of maintaining an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market. This legal action marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing antitrust scrutiny faced by major tech companies and signals a new chapter in regulatory efforts under the Biden administration.

Understanding the Allegations

The core of the lawsuit revolves around the claim that Apple has established an unlawful monopoly in the smartphone industry, particularly concerning its iPhone products. The Justice Department and participating states argue that Apple’s control over key aspects of its ecosystem, such as the App Store and app distribution, stifles competition and harms consumers by limiting choice and potentially driving up prices.

Impact on Consumers and Competition

The implications of this legal battle extend beyond Apple and have broader implications for consumers and the competitive landscape of the tech industry. If the allegations hold, it could lead to significant changes in how smartphones are marketed, sold, and used, potentially opening up opportunities for increased competition and innovation.

Legal Precedents and Antitrust Regulations

Antitrust laws are designed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices that harm consumers or stifle innovation. By examining past cases and legal precedents, we can gain insights into how this lawsuit against Apple fits within the broader framework of antitrust regulations and enforcement.

Apple’s Response and Defense Strategies

As expected, Apple has vehemently denied the allegations put forth by the Justice Department and states involved in the lawsuit. The company is likely to deploy a range of defence strategies to counter these claims, including highlighting its contributions to innovation, consumer choice, and economic growth.

The Role of Regulatory Bodies in Tech Industry Oversight

The lawsuit against Apple underscores the growing role of regulatory bodies in overseeing tech companies’ practices and ensuring compliance with antitrust laws. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, regulators face the challenge of balancing innovation with fair competition to protect consumers’ interests.

Future Implications for Tech Industry Dynamics

The outcome of this legal battle will have far-reaching implications for not only Apple but also other tech giants operating in similar markets. Depending on how this case unfolds, we may witness shifts in industry dynamics, regulatory approaches, and consumer preferences that could reshape the tech landscape for years to come.

In a world where safety and security are paramount, the role of technology in enabling critical collaboration between public safety entities and enterprises cannot be overstated. Motorola Solutions, a global leader in mission-critical communication solutions, has once again been recognized for its innovative contributions. Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024 includes Motorola Solutions, highlighting the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of safety and security technologies.

Motorola Solutions: A Pioneer in Safety and Security Technologies

Motorola Solutions has a rich history of innovation dating back to its inception. With a focus on developing cutting-edge communication solutions for public safety agencies, enterprises, and other critical industries, the company has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancements. From two-way radios to advanced software solutions, Motorola Solutions has continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers.

Fast Company’s Recognition: A Testament to Innovation

Being named to Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies is a significant achievement for Motorola Solutions. This recognition not only acknowledges the company’s past successes but also highlights its ongoing commitment to driving innovation in the safety and security sector. By enabling critical collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises, Motorola Solutions is playing a crucial role in enhancing overall safety and security measures.

The Impact of Motorola Solutions’ Technologies

Motorola Solutions’ safety and security technologies have had a profound impact on how organizations approach critical communication and collaboration. By providing reliable and secure communication solutions, the company has helped streamline operations, improve response times, and enhance overall situational awareness. Whether it’s during emergencies, natural disasters, or day-to-day operations, Motorola Solutions’ technologies have proven to be indispensable for those tasked with ensuring public safety.

Enabling Collaboration: Bridging the Gap Between Public Safety and Enterprises

One of the key strengths of Motorola Solutions’ technologies is their ability to facilitate seamless collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises. By breaking down communication barriers and enabling real-time information sharing, these solutions empower organizations to work together more effectively during emergencies and other critical situations. This level of collaboration is essential for creating safer and more secure environments for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Safety and Security

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the role of companies like Motorola Solutions in shaping the future of safety and security becomes increasingly important. By staying at the forefront of innovation and embracing emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing, Motorola Solutions is poised to continue driving positive change in the safety and security landscape. The company’s commitment to excellence and its focus on enabling critical collaboration will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of safety and security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Motorola Solutions’ inclusion in Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024 is a testament to the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of safety and security technologies. By enabling critical collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises, Motorola Solutions is not only driving innovation but also making a tangible impact on the safety and security of communities worldwide. As we look to the future, it is clear that companies like Motorola Solutions will continue to play a vital role in shaping a safer and more secure world for all.