Japan’s SoftBank and OpenAI are negotiating a major deal that could position SoftBank as the largest shareholder of the ChatGPT creator, surpassing Microsoft’s current stake. With a potential $15-25 billion investment, SoftBank aims to strengthen its foothold in the AI market.
SoftBank has partnered with Quantinuum, a quantum computing leader, to advance AI through hybrid quantum computing, integrating Central, Graphics, and Quantum Processing Units. This collaboration addresses challenges in offering quantum computing services, aiming to innovate solutions beyond current technologies.
SoftBank and NVIDIA have made a breakthrough in AI-driven RAN technologies by successfully integrating AI with 5G networks, branding it as AI-RAN. This collaboration, highlighted during the NVIDIA AI Summit in Japan, promises to convert base stations into AI revenue assets.
NVIDIA and SoftBank are joining forces to develop Japan’s premier AI supercomputer, leveraging NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform. This strategic partnership aims to advance AI technology and position Japan as a leader in global tech innovation.
SoftBank’s Sunglider, a groundbreaking solar-powered aircraft, has achieved a stratospheric flight, boosting prospects for VoIP solutions from the skies. With its massive 78-meter wingspan and high payload capacity, this advanced High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) marks a milestone in telecommunications.
SoftBank and Intelsat have launched an innovative hybrid network for seamless 5G connectivity, integrating mobile and satellite technologies. This groundbreaking initiative aims for uninterrupted global communication, supporting applications like connected vehicles and disaster response.
SoftBank and Nokia have partnered to research cutting-edge communication technologies, focusing on AI-RAN and 6G innovations. By leveraging Nokia’s Cloud RAN and conducting field tests, they aim to transform digital society. This collaboration underscores the critical role of AI in telecommunication, promising scalable and reliable communication networks essential for smart cities.
SoftBank and Eutelsat’s OneWeb have partnered to enhance communication services in Japan by integrating OneWeb’s LEO satellite connectivity. The multi-year deal will improve secure, reliable communications, particularly in remote areas. SoftBank’s SmartVPN service will benefit, and there’s potential for expansion abroad.
This week, SoftBank announced the acquisition of UK-based AI chipmaker Graphcore, valued around $600 million. Known for its intelligence processing units, Graphcore’s technology competes with Nvidia’s but has faced commercialization challenges. SoftBank aims to rejuvenate Graphcore, leveraging the rising demand for advanced AI compute power.
Softbank, the Japanese telecommunications giant, is gearing up to bolster its supercomputing capabilities in a bid to support its ambitious generative AI (GenAI) strategy. As reported by Nikkei, Softbank plans to allocate JPY150 billion ($960 million) over the next two years towards upgrading its computing infrastructure, a significant leap from the JPY20 billion invested last year.
