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The Japan Times
Japan announces aid for domestic AI development project
Japan's industry ministry has announced substantial funding of ¥387.3 billion to support a project spearheaded by Noetra for the development of a domestic foundation model aimed at controlling robots. This initiative is part of Japan's broader strategy to elevate its AI landscape and narrow the technological gap with leading nations like the United States and China. The project will provide essential infrastructure necessary for both research and commercial applications in AI, particularly in robotics, enhancing Japan’s position in the global AI sector.
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Published 30 Jun 2026, 07:45 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- ¥387.3 billion in aid announced for domestic AI project
- Led by Noetra, involving SoftBank and Preferred Networks
- Focus on developing a multimodal foundation model
- Releases planned annually, starting this fiscal year
- Support from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Interesting facts
- The project aims to make AI technology accessible to Japanese companies.
- Japan is responding to competitive pressures from the US and China.
- Continuous updates to the model are planned based on manufacturer data.