#Japan #Tokyo #KARAKURI #Upstage #Syn Pro

Karakuri and Upstage Forge Strategic Partnership for AI Advancement in Japan

In a significant development in the landscape of artificial intelligence in Japan, Karakuri Co., Ltd., a domestic developer of Large Language Models (LLMs), has entered into a strategic partnership with Upstage AI Co., Ltd. This partnership aims to promote business collaboration and joint marketing activities in one of the world's most advanced technology markets. Both companies have formalized their alliance through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Background and Purpose of the Collaboration

This strategic partnership is set against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive AI landscape. The leverage of Karakuri's expertise in generative AI will combine seamlessly with capabilities offered by Upstage, including its enterprise-grade services such as Document Parse and the jointly developed Japanese LLM Syn Pro, which has received certification from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

With the integration of these technologies, the collaboration aims to fulfill the high demands of Japanese corporations by providing reliable AI services. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of homegrown generative AI solutions across various critical industries, enhancing operational efficiencies and innovation.

In addition to the traditional focus areas such as finance, insurance, and public sectors, the partnership looks towards rapid investments in industries where the deployment of Physical AI is anticipated. By steering generative AI beyond mere productivity tools, both companies aspire to expand its role as a foundational technology underpinning Japan's industrial and physical realms.

Statements from the Leadership

In addressing the partnership, Kousuke Matsushita, CEO of Upstage AI, emphasized the significance of this MOU as a symbol of Japan's AI strategy transitioning from simply developing domestic models to constructing a national AI ecosystem. Matsushita stated, “By combining the government-recognized LLM Syn Pro and trusted enterprise AI with early investments in Physical AI, we seek to lay the groundwork that will enable Japanese businesses to progress beyond experimentation and truly integrate AI into their operations.”

On the other hand, Tomofumi Nakayama, Chief Product Officer at Karakuri, remarked, “The forthcoming phase of AI growth in Japan will depend not just on model performance, but on whether businesses can genuinely trust AI and continuously utilize it within their operations. Through this collaboration, we aim to build a robust foundation of reliable domestic AI that will enhance the competitiveness of Japanese companies and the overall economy.”

Company Profiles

Upstage AI Co., Ltd.

Upstage is a global AI firm that specializes in providing safe and high-performance LLMs and document AI solutions. They have garnered investment from notable firms such as Amazon and AMD, and their products include the domestically developed LLM Syn Pro, along with other enterprise-focused AI platforms. For more information, visit Upstage.

Karakuri Co., Ltd.

Karakuri focuses on advancing digital transformation in industrial and research sectors through its vision of ‘Friendly Technology’. As a startup, they have engaged in collaborative projects since their inception and have continuously invested in research and development of cutting-edge language models. Their AI-driven customer support solutions are proudly utilized by prominent companies such as Takashimaya, SBI Securities, Seven-Eleven Japan, and Hoshino Resorts.

Major Accomplishments

Some of Karakuri's notable recognitions include participation in the ICC Summit 2018 and being chosen for the Google for Startups Accelerator 2020. Recent accolades encompass attributing their growth to AWS’s LLM development support program and recognition in the METAS generation AI developer conference, ensuring prominent visibility in the global AI landscape.

Contact Information

Karakuri Co., Ltd.
Address: 2-7-3 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
Established: October 3, 2016
CEO: Shimon Oda
Business Focus: Development and operation of customer support-oriented AI products, including the KARAKURI series.
Website: Karakuri