#STATION Ai #Japan #Nagoya #SoftBank #AI Boost Program

Japanese AI Startups to Soar with STATION Ai's New Program

STATION Ai, located in Nagoya, Japan, is set to make a significant impact on the country's AI landscape with the launch of its new acceleration initiative, the AI Boost Program. This program, backed by industry giants SoftBank and NVIDIA, aims to provide essential resources and support to emerging AI startups in Japan.

Purpose of the Program

As the global AI market experiences rapid growth, there are notable challenges faced by Japanese startups, particularly in terms of development environments and networking for business expansion. The AI Boost Program intends to address these issues by offering a one-stop platform that provides world-class technological infrastructure and business development support. The primary goal is to empower Japanese AI startups to achieve global recognition and success.

Program Details

• - Program Name: AI Boost Program
• - Target Companies: Five selected AI startups from Japan.
• - Application Launch: December 2025 (Detailed information will be available on the official website in November).

Support Provided

The initiative will include several vital forms of support:

• - Utilization of SoftBank’s program, AI Foundation for Startups, which offers access to their GPU systems free of charge for up to four months.
• - Hands-on workshops and Q&A support conducted by NVIDIA engineers.
• - STATION Ai will assist with co-creating business opportunities and facilitating projects like Proof of Concept (PoC) and negotiation opportunities.

Timeline

• - November 2025: Launch of a dedicated page and announcement of application requirements.
• - December 2025: Start of the application process via the dedicated page.
• - Following this, startup selection, kickoff, and program commencement will take place.

Statements from Leadership

Hirotaka Sahashi, CEO of STATION Ai: “We are honored to present this new program with the support of SoftBank and NVIDIA. STATION Ai serves as a hub for open innovation, enabling startups and partner companies to grow and take on new challenges together. In an era now often referred to as the second industrial revolution, driven by AI, supporting startups is not just a trend; it is a crucial mission for us. We believe that this initiative will significantly contribute to the development of both regional and national ecosystems.”

Kunikazu Asanuma, Director of SoftBank’s Next-Generation Social Infrastructure Promotion Division: “By providing high-performance AI computing infrastructure through the AI Boost Program, SoftBank aims to support participating startups in creating new value within the AI community.”

Susan Marshall, Senior Director of Developer Relations at NVIDIA: “We are extremely pleased to see this accelerator program launch next year. NVIDIA continuously supports startups in pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve. By collaborating with STATION Ai and SoftBank, we expect to offer practical technical support that leverages NVIDIA's expertise, thus accelerating development and bringing groundbreaking AI applications to the market.”

About STATION Ai

STATION Ai is dedicated to fostering startup creation and promoting open innovation through a multitude of supportive services. With over 700 participating domestic and international startups, partner companies, venture capitalists, and academic institutions, STATION Ai is actively working on new business ventures. It not only provides a conducive office environment but also facilitates study sessions, mentorship, and matchmaking opportunities among startups. They are equipped with specialized staff to address various challenges faced by startups and offer tailored programs to resolve these issues. The member startups hail from various locations, including Aichi Prefecture, Tokyo, and even overseas.

Official Website

Trademark Notices

• - The names and logos of SoftBank are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.
• - Other company, product, and service names mentioned in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

Contact for Inquiries

For questions regarding the program, please contact: STATION Ai Corporation (Attn: Mishima, Takama) Email: [email protected]
For press inquiries: STATION Ai Corporation PR (Attn: Otani) Inquiries form > Inquiry type: Press and Public Relations inquiries

Note: Schedules and program details are subject to change without notice. Acceptance of applications does not guarantee interviews or selection.