SoftBank is constructing Japan's most powerful AI supercomputer, utilizing NVIDIA's Blackwell B200 AI accelerators. This move marks SoftBank's significant investment in AI and its ambition to drive the AI revolution in Japan.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, known for his shifting investment strategies, expressed regret over selling SoftBank's stake in NVIDIA before the AI boom. Now, however, he's adopted a "bullish stance" on AI. The new supercomputer will initially use NVIDIA's B200 chips, with plans to transition to Grace Hopper Blackwell chips in the future.
The supercomputer will facilitate domestic AI development in Japan. SoftBank also plans to integrate AI into its cellular services using NVIDIA's hardware, potentially creating an "AI grid" across the country, according to NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang. This innovative approach could replace traditional cellular networks.
The high demand for NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture isn't limited to tech companies; countries are increasingly relying on it to bolster their computing capabilities. Japan's $26 billion investment in domestic chip production further underscores the nation's growing commitment to AI technology.
While SoftBank's entry into the AI arena might seem somewhat belated, the strong relationship between Son and Huang positions them for a fruitful partnership. Despite a lighthearted exchange about SoftBank's previous NVIDIA divestment, both CEOs expressed optimism about the future of AI in Japan.
