SoftBank is taking a bold leap into the AI and tech frontier by partnering with NVIDIA to build the world’s first supercomputer powered by...
SoftBank is taking a bold leap into the AI and tech frontier by partnering with NVIDIA to build the world’s first supercomputer powered by NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform. According to BNN Bloomberg, this milestone underscores the Japanese conglomerate’s ambitious plans to lead in artificial intelligence and advanced computing.
Per NVIDIA’s press release, SoftBank will be the inaugural recipient of the NVIDIA DGX B200, the cutting-edge hardware cornerstone of the upcoming NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD supercomputer. In addition to the DGX SuperPOD, SoftBank is set to construct another supercomputer using NVIDIA’s Grace Blackwell platform, further solidifying its commitment to becoming a leader in the AI domain.
SoftBank’s strategic access to NVIDIA’s coveted chips positions it favorably within the competitive landscape of generative AI. NVIDIA’s hardware has become a prized asset for major tech companies globally, and this collaboration represents a substantial technological advantage for SoftBank.
Revolutionizing AI and 5G with AI-RAN
One of the more groundbreaking advancements announced in NVIDIA’s release is the successful trial of the world’s first AI-powered telecom network by SoftBank. Using NVIDIA’s AI Aerial accelerated computing platform, SoftBank developed the AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network), which merges AI and 5G workloads within the same network. This integration transforms traditional base stations from cost-intensive infrastructure into revenue-generating assets by utilizing AI to enhance network performance and efficiency.
AI-RAN represents a revolutionary shift in telecom, as it allows for the simultaneous processing of both AI and 5G functions, opening new possibilities for how telecom operators manage and monetize network traffic.
Supporting Japan’s AI and Research Ecosystem
Beyond internal applications, SoftBank plans to deploy its Blackwell-powered DGX SuperPOD to support universities, research centers, and businesses across Japan. This endeavor aligns with SoftBank’s vision of fostering a robust AI ecosystem in Japan, providing state-of-the-art computing resources for education and innovation.
A Moment of Reflection for SoftBank’s CEO
The announcement included a nostalgic moment for SoftBank’s CEO, Masayoshi Son, who was once NVIDIA’s largest shareholder. As noted in BNN Bloomberg’s report, if SoftBank had retained its stake in NVIDIA, it would now be valued at an estimated USD 178 billion. During a lighthearted exchange, Son shared a laugh with NVIDIA’s CEO Jensen Huang, followed by a warm bear hug, symbolizing both camaraderie and the rapid evolution of the AI industry.
SoftBank and NVIDIA: Leading the Future of AI
As SoftBank embarks on this ambitious AI journey, its partnership with NVIDIA places it at the forefront of AI and 5G innovation. By deploying groundbreaking supercomputing infrastructure and pioneering AI-integrated telecom networks, SoftBank is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology in Japan and beyond.
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