SoftBank opens AI research institute

NEW DELHI: SoftBank Group Corp founder Masayoshi Son unveiled a $184-million initiative on Friday to accelerate artificial intelligence research in Japan, enlisting Alibaba’s Jack Ma to expound on his goal of commercialising the technology.

Son’s company announced a partnership with the University of Tokyo that includes spending 20 billion yen ($184 million) over 10 years by mobile arm SoftBank Corp. to establish the Beyond AI Institute. He roped in the Alibaba Group Holding Ltd co-founder for an on-campus chat, during which the two billionaires discussed their vision for the future of technology.