SoftBank Launches AI Startup Program with GPU Systems

TOKYO, Japan — SoftBank Corp. said Thursday it will provide computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence startups starting October 1 through a three-tiered program based on business stage and resource allocation.

The telecommunications operator said the program, called AI Foundation for Startups, will provide NVIDIA GPU systems to companies developing AI models.

Participation and support terms will be determined based on individual assessments of business plans and growth metrics, the company said.

According to the company, the first tier offers one NVIDIA DGX A100 system with peripheral equipment for up to 60 days at no charge to companies engaged in initial model construction and prototype testing.

Companies conducting proof-of-concept work qualify for the second tier, which offers NVIDIA DGX A100 and DGX H100 systems at reduced, undisclosed rates.

Users may deploy one or more systems as exclusive resources with unrestricted rights to modify the development environment, SoftBank said.

The company said it will coordinate introductions between participants and entities it identifies as operationally compatible.

The third tier requires SoftBank equity participation in exchange for access to NVIDIA DGX A100 and H100 systems at what the company described as reduced effective costs.

SoftBank said it will provide access to its customer base and distribution infrastructure to companies in this tier developing commercial AI products.

The company said it plans to extend the program across multiple industry sectors and will coordinate with subsidiary STATION Ai Inc. to facilitate enrollment of companies located at the STATION Ai facility.