OpenAI, SoftBank partner to offer custom AI services to corporates
What's the story
OpenAI and SoftBank Group have announced a strategic partnership to create and market an innovative enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) system, "Cristal intelligence." The advanced AI solution will securely integrate individual enterprises' systems and data in a manner tailored specifically for each company. As part of the agreement, SoftBank Group Corp. has committed to investing $3 billion annually to implement OpenAI's solutions across its group companies.
Integration plan
SoftBank to be 1st to integrate Cristal intelligence at scale
SoftBank Group will be the first company in the world to integrate Cristal intelligence at scale. The firm also intends to deploy existing tools like ChatGPT Enterprise across all its subsidiaries. In 2024, OpenAI unveiled their o1-series, reasoning-capable AI models that will evolve into agents in 2025. These AI agents will automate daily tasks such as generating financial reports and handling customer inquiries.
New venture
Establishing joint venture for Japanese market
To speed up the deployment of Cristal intelligence for Japan-based companies, OpenAI and SoftBank Group have agreed to set up a joint venture (JV) company called "SB OpenAI Japan." This JV will exclusively market Cristal intelligence to major corporations in Japan. The new entity will be equally owned (50:50) by OpenAI and a company formed by SoftBank Group Corp. and SoftBank Corp., consolidated under SoftBank Corp.
Access privilege
SoftBank Group companies to get priority access to OpenAI's models
As part of its deal with OpenAI, SoftBank Group companies such as Arm and SoftBank Corp. will receive priority access in Japan to OpenAI's latest and most advanced models. Arm intends to leverage Cristal intelligence to fuel innovation and enhance productivity across the company, further solidifying its key role in advancing AI globally. SoftBank Corp., on the other hand, plans to automate over 100 million workflows using Cristal intelligence while securely providing data and additional training.
Market strategy
AI agents tailored for Japanese enterprises
SB OpenAI Japan will bring AI agents customized for the unique requirements of Japanese enterprises while setting a model for global adoption. The JV will sell Cristal intelligence exclusively to large companies in Japan. This way, the clients will be able to safely train their own data in a secure environment and develop AI agents that are fully integrated with their own IT systems.