Japan Launches State-Backed AI Firm Noetra to Build Sovereign Multimodal and Physical AI Models

Japan has formally launched Noetra, a state-backed venture led by SoftBank alongside NEC, Sony Group and Honda, to develop homegrown multimodal and physical AI foundation models backed by nearly ¥1 trillion in public support over five years. The company began operations on July 1 under a new name, having previously been established by SoftBank under the placeholder title Japan AI Foundation Model Development. A launch event featuring executives from the participating firms is scheduled in Tokyo on July 16.