# SoftBank, NEC, Sony and Honda each took a stake of more than 10% in the new firm.

*business · news · 2026-04-12 · The Japan Times *

## Key points

- SoftBank, NEC, Sony, and Honda have jointly established a new Japanese AI development company.
- Each founding company holds more than a 10% stake in the new AI firm.
- Engineers from Preferred Networks will participate in the company's AI development efforts.
- The company will seek funding from NEDO's ¥1 trillion AI support program starting fiscal 2026.
- The firm aims to develop physical AI capable of controlling robots, beyond software applications.

**Companies:** SoftBank, Sony Group, NEC, Honda Motor, Preferred Networks Inc.
**Countries:** Japan

[Read the full story on The Japan Times ](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/04/12/companies/softbank-ai-new-firm/)

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