SoftBank Group (OTCPK:SFTBY)(OTCPK:SFTBF) and OpenAI (OPENAI) have launched a new joint venture, SB OAI Japan GK, to help the island nation’s enterprises adopt artificial intelligence.
The venture will attempt to utilize OpenAI’s emerging AI tech to market a platform dubbed Crystal intelligence. This is a “packaged enterprise AI solution that integrates OpenAI’s latest products with tailored implementation and system integration services,” the companies said. It is expected to be marketed exclusively in Japan and available in 2026.
SoftBank plans to adopt and deploy Crystal internally first to validate its effectiveness in helping businesses transform with AI.
“This joint venture with SoftBank is an important step that will accelerate our vision for bringing advanced AI to some of the world’s most influential companies, starting with Japan,” said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
OpenAI is heavily backed by Microsoft (MSFT) and SoftBank.
“With the launch of SB OAI Japan, AI agents will understand our goals and collaborate with each other to autonomously carry out tasks we want them to perform,” said SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son. “Together with OpenAI, we’re driving the AI revolution to the next stage.”
SoftBank shares were down 4.7% during Wednesday market trading.