OpenAI and the SoftBank Group have announced a partnership to create and promote Advanced Enterprise AI known as ‘Cristal intelligence.’
This new technology will securely connect the systems and data of individual companies in a way that is tailored to each company's specific needs. SoftBank Group Corp. will invest USD 3 billion annually to implement OpenAI's solutions across its group of companies, making it the first company to use Cristal intelligence on a large scale.
They will also introduce existing tools like ChatGPT Enterprise to employees throughout the entire group. To speed up the implementation of Cristal intelligence for companies based in Japan, OpenAI and SoftBank have agreed to form a joint venture (JV) called SB OpenAI Japan. This JV will exclusively offer Cristal intelligence to major companies in Japan.
Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp., said, “We are thrilled to bring Cristal intelligence, Advanced Enterprise AI that is customized specifically for each company, to the market in a big way. This initiative will not only transform the way SoftBank Group operates but also revolutionize the way companies work in Japan and around the globe.”
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Enterprise-Wide Adaptability
In 2024, OpenAI introduced its o1-series AI models capable of reasoning. Through 2025, these models will evolve into agents capable of independently completing tasks assigned to them. These AI agents will automate routine tasks in knowledge work, such as creating financial reports, drafting documents, and handling customer inquiries. This will allow professionals to focus on more creative and strategic decision-making.
OpenAI, SoftBank Group Corp., Arm, and SoftBank Corp. envision using AI agents to enhance the productivity of knowledge workers and solve complex problems. Through Cristal intelligence, these AI agents will pave the way for even more advanced systems that can adapt to the needs of any enterprise. By implementing Cristal intelligence across the entire SoftBank Group, the development and adoption of AI agents and advanced systems will be accelerated.
SoftBank Group companies, including Arm and SoftBank Corp., will have priority access in Japan to the latest models developed by OpenAI. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, noted, "This partnership with SoftBank will accelerate our vision for bringing transformative AI to some of the world’s most influential companies—starting with Japan."
Arm will use Cristal intelligence to drive innovation and productivity, while SoftBank Corp. plans to automate over 100 million workflows using this technology. By automating tasks and workflows, SoftBank Corp. aims to transform its business and services, creating new value. Rene Haas, CEO of Arm, added, "We are at the forefront of the AI revolution, and our high-performance, energy-efficient compute is going to be critical to advancing the Cristal intelligence.”
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Catalyzing Global AI-Driven Transformation
SB OpenAI Japan, a joint venture between OpenAI and SoftBank, will introduce AI agents tailored to the needs of Japanese enterprises. This JV will exclusively offer Cristal intelligence to major companies in Japan, allowing clients to train their data securely and build AI agents integrated with their IT systems. OpenAI will provide advanced AI research and technology to SB OpenAI Japan, while SoftBank Corp. will contribute its sales staff and engineers to scale these solutions effectively. Arm's compute platform will support the computational demands of AI agents. The collaboration in Japan will serve as a model for AI-driven transformation globally.
Junichi Miyakawa, President & CEO of SoftBank Corp., concluded, “I’m greatly looking forward to seeing how we can transform Japan’s businesses through our partnership with OpenAI. By supporting the implementation and utilization of Cristal intelligence, we’ll transform the management and operational practices of our clients.”
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