SoftBank first to receive Nvidia’s Blackwell chip for the development of its new supercomputer.
SoftBank to get first Nvidia Blackwell chips for groundbreaking new supercomputers in Japan. This move comes as SoftBank’s CEO, Masayoshi Son, aims to capitalize on the AI boom. Additionally, SoftBank is also planning to use Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell Chips for its other supercomputer. The announcement was made during the AI event in Japan where both the company’s CEO were present.
The Japanese company, SoftBank will use its DGX SuperPOD supercomputer, which is powered by the Nvidia’s Blackwell-based DGX B200 system, to boost its AI development. SoftBank’s supercomputer will support AI projects for several institutions, universities, research centers, and government facilities.
Image Credit – Bloomberg (Nvidia CEO on the left and SoftBank CEO on the right)
SoftBank Receives Nvidia’s First Blackwell Chip
SoftBank is the first to receive Nvidia’s Blackwell chip and plans to build Japan’s most powerful supercomputer. This can be seen as a risky move as Japan already ranks in the top 10 countries in supercomputing. The new supercomputer will be used to develop generative AI and will be accessible to research institutions and businesses across Japan once it’s finished.
Recently, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has increased his focus on AI. Last summer, SoftBank acquired British AI chipmaker Graphcore. Additionally, there were also rumors in September that the company is planning to invest millions in OpenAI.
SoftBank and Nvidia Unveil AI-Powered 5G Network Revolution
SoftBank has successfully revealed the world’s first AI-powered 5G network, called AI-RAN, powered by Nvidia’s AI Aerial computing platform. This is a major step towards unlocking billions of dollars in AI revenue opportunities for telecom operators.
Nvidia and SoftBank estimate that telecom companies could earn $5 in AI-related revenue for every $1 they invest in AI-RAN infrastructure. SoftBank is expecting to see a return of up to 219% for each AI-RAN server added to its network.
Nvidia-SoftBank Collaboration 2024: Powering the Future of AI and 5G
The announcement of the collaboration was made at Nvidia’s AI summit in Japan in the presence of SoftBank CEO, Masayoshi Son. At the event, both the CEOs had a “fireside chat,” where Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, shared a funny incident. He recalled how Son offered him some money so he could buy all of the Nvidia because the market didn’t understand the company’s value. Huang said, “He wanted to lend me money to buy all of Nvidia. Now, I wish I had taken it.”
Nvidia, originally known for making graphic chips for gaming, has now become one of the most valuable companies in the world, because of the high demand for chips.
The collaboration between SoftBank and Nvidia marks an exciting new chapter for both companies, as they push the boundaries of AI, supercomputing, and 5G technology. With SoftBank leading the way in Japan with its new AI-powered supercomputers and groundbreaking 5G network, the partnership is set to unlock incredible opportunities for innovation and growth.
As both companies continue to focus on AI, their combined efforts could shape the future of technology and help revolutionize industries worldwide. Whether it’s powering supercomputers, developing generative AI, or transforming telecom networks, SoftBank and Nvidia are clearly at the forefront of the next tech revolution.
