SoftBank, a global technology company, has launched a new subsidiary called SB Intuitions to develop homegrown language models and generative AI specifically for the Japanese market. The company aims to create Large Language Models (LLMs) specialized for the Japanese language and leverage these models to provide generative AI services in Japan.
While details about the new venture are limited, SoftBank plans to fully own and operate SB Intuitions, without involving external investors. The company will exclusively use data stored in Japan-based data centers, although it has not disclosed its data sourcing methods or agreements yet. It is expected that SoftBank will utilize its extensive consumer and enterprise operations in the country to support this initiative.
The groundwork for SB Intuitions was laid earlier this year, and the company is now officially announcing its plans. SoftBank will leverage its existing AI efforts, including a computing platform powered by NVIDIA GPUs, to facilitate the development of generative AI and other applications. This platform will be available before the end of March 2024.
Hironobu Tamba, a seasoned employee at SoftBank who previously headed the company’s AI and IoT division, will lead the new subsidiary. SB Intuitions has a paid-in capital of 150 million yen ($1 million approximately) to establish the business, although SoftBank has not disclosed the total investment anticipated for this endeavor.
SoftBank’s decision to launch a new LLM business may seem ironic given its mixed history with AI. While the company recognized the importance of AI early on, its in-house services and partnerships in this field have not seen significant success or widespread adoption. SoftBank has also been an active investor in AI, with an estimated $140 billion spent on approximately 400 investments. However, it has struggled to make a significant impact on the current AI landscape.
SB Intuitions represents both an attempt to tap into a lost business opportunity and a grander objective. SoftBank’s CEO, Junichi Miyakawa, emphasized the significance of generative AI, stating that it will be a technology of unparalleled importance. He highlighted that foreign companies currently dominate the development of large language models, primarily based on English and Chinese datasets, and therefore lack the nuances of the Japanese language and culture. SB Intuitions aims to fill this gap and develop a generative AI system that can handle unique Japanese expressions used in public and medical services.
SoftBank also announced a strategic alliance with Microsoft, which involves providing a secure data environment for Japanese enterprises interested in working with Microsoft on AI and generative AI initiatives. This collaboration underscores SoftBank’s commitment to furthering AI development.
The launch of SB Intuitions aligns with SoftBank’s vision to ensure that innovation and advancements in AI are not limited to a single geographical location. While SoftBank’s previous forays into AI have faced challenges, the company remains dedicated to establishing a strong presence in this rapidly evolving field. By focusing on developing homegrown language models and generative AI for the Japanese market, SoftBank aims to address the specific needs and nuances of the country’s business practices and culture.
