Tokyo, Japan – SoftBank Group Corp. is set to pioneer the construction of a supercomputer utilizing Nvidia Corp.’s latest Blackwell design chips, showcasing the company’s determination to make strides in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Japanese conglomerate, in collaboration with Nvidia, revealed plans for the development of Japan’s most powerful AI supercomputer. This innovative system will be powered by Nvidia’s DGX B200 product, integrating computer processors with AI accelerator chips. A subsequent project will incorporate the more advanced Grace Blackwell design.

Following the announcement, shares of SoftBank Corp., Japan’s third-largest wireless carrier, rebounded by 1% on Wednesday, while SoftBank Group’s investment arm experienced a 1.7% decline. Nvidia’s chips have become highly sought-after by major tech companies worldwide for AI model development and implementation due to their efficiency in managing data-intensive tasks.

SoftBank’s advantageous position for acquiring Nvidia chips stems from its previous 4.9% ownership stake in the company, which it divested early in 2019. SoftBank’s founder, Masayoshi Son, has expressed a strong commitment to investing in AI technologies, emphasizing the company’s strategic shift towards AI endeavors.

Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, unveiled the Blackwell chip lineup earlier in the year, although production delays hindered its release. Despite the backlog, Huang reassured customers of ample chip supplies once production scales up, as demand for the cutting-edge technology remains high.

Huang and Son jointly took the stage at Nvidia’s AI Summit in Tokyo, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two companies in driving innovation in AI technology. The collaboration extends beyond the supercomputer project, with SoftBank’s telecom unit integrating Nvidia hardware for AI services across cellular networks.

Furthermore, SoftBank’s telecom division plans to introduce new AI radio access networks (AI-RANs), enhancing capabilities for supporting remote robotics, autonomous vehicles, and other advanced services while minimizing energy consumption. The telecom unit aims to test the network alongside partners Fujitsu Ltd. and IBM’s Red Hat.

In response to Japan’s evolving tech landscape, Son highlighted the country’s shift towards embracing AI and robotics, citing increased governmental support for boosting domestic chip manufacturing capacity. This initiative includes significant investments in semiconductor and AI sectors to drive technological advancements and economic growth.

The collaboration between SoftBank and Nvidia represents a significant step towards accelerating AI innovation in Japan and underscores the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies in shaping the future of industries and societies globally.