Tokyo Seeks Research Institutions for Specialized AI Model Development

Call for Research Institutions to Join AI Model Development

Tokyo is on a mission to enhance its administrative efficiency through a specialized domestic AI model. In alignment with the "Tokyo AI Strategy" established in July 2023, the city aims to foster AI utilization by collaborating with various stakeholders, including universities and research institutions. With rapid advancements in large-scale language models, there's a growing need to adapt these technologies for specific fields, particularly in governance where specialized terminology can lead to misunderstandings or inaccuracies.

The Need for Administrative-Specialized AI

The evolution of general-purpose AI has demonstrated its potential, yet its application in government comes with unique challenges. Administrative bodies must adhere to legal requirements and maintain transparency, ensuring trust among citizens. Consequently, an AI model designed specifically for administrative tasks is needed to minimize hallucinations and enhance accuracy, proving that the AI model is both reliable and accountable. This initiative aims to build an AI framework that upholds these essential characteristics.

Overview of the Public Call

Tokyo is announcing a public recruitment for universities and research institutions that possess expertise in AI development, specifically focusing on the needs and requirements of administrative functions. The goal is to construct and validate a domestic AI model that not only understands the legal and specialized vocabulary of governance but can also effectively assist in serving the public.

Eligibility Criteria

The recruitment is open to universities, including graduate schools and technical colleges, along with associated research institutions. One institution will be selected to lead this collaboration. Those interested are encouraged to consult the Digital Service Bureau or GovTech Tokyo's official website for further details and application procedures.

Three-Party Agreement

Following the selection process, a tripartite agreement will be signed between Tokyo, GovTech Tokyo, and the successful research institution. This collaboration will ensure a streamlined approach to developing the administrative-focused AI model.

Agreement Duration

The agreement is set to commence around July 2024 and will last until March 31, 2025. During this period, an estimated budget of up to 1.1 billion yen will be allocated for development and validation, with the potential for additional funding based on the outcomes of the initial phase.

Roles of the Parties Involved

Each of the parties will play a crucial role in the model’s development:

- Research Institutions: Will provide essential AI-related knowledge, collaborate with GovTech Tokyo, and assist in creating the specialized AI model.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government: Responsible for overall coordination, selecting fields of administrative tasks, and offering necessary administrative data.
- GovTech Tokyo: Taking the lead in constructing the specialized AI model and overseeing the project’s implementation, ensuring integration with the existing AI platform called "A1."

Upcoming Schedule

The application period for this call will be from May 18, 2024, to June 12, 2024, with a series of steps leading up to the final selection:

- Intent to Apply: May 18 to June 1, 2024.
- Presentation Review: June 16 to June 24, 2024.
- Announcement of Results: Late June 2024.

Following the application process, the signing of the agreement will occur between late June and early July 2024.

Further Information

Those interested in this call for collaboration should refer to the Digital Service Bureau or GovTech Tokyo's websites for comprehensive details on application procedures and requirements:

Additional Reference for the AI Strategy

Tokyo’s commitment to utilizing AI for enhancing public service quality and administrative productivity is encapsulated in its AI Strategy. More information regarding this strategic framework can be found on the Digital Service Bureau’s website: Tokyo AI Strategy.