Japan Launches Noetra, Partners With NVIDIA on Homegrown AI Platform and Computing Center

As global competition in generative AI intensifies, Japan is building a homegrown AI ecosystem to safeguard its technological autonomy and capitalize on its manufacturing strengths. The government-backed private-sector initiative aims to reduce reliance on overseas technology giants. By developing domestic computing centers and a dedicated AI platform, Japan is seeking global leadership in “physical AI” fields such as robotics and industrial manufacturing, with significant implications for its industrial transformation and technology security.

SoftBank, Sony and 42 other Japanese companies have formed a joint venture called Noetra, which plans to launch a homegrown AI foundation model focused on physical AI in fiscal 2026. The Japanese government has also announced plans to purchase about 27,500 NVIDIA Rubin chips for a national computing center. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang personally endorsed the initiative, underscoring the close partnership between the two sides in AI chip supplies and technology infrastructure.