On September 26, 2025, a press briefing was held at SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) Tokyo headquarters to unveil new startup support initiatives led by STATION Ai, a SoftBank-affiliated startup support hub based in Nagoya, and SoftBank.
The event introduced two new programs — SoftBank’s “AI Foundation for Startups” and STATION Ai’s “AI Boost Program” — both powered by NVIDIA’s cutting-edge technologies. These initiatives aim to address common challenges faced by startups, including the high cost of computing infrastructure, shortages of skilled talent and market access difficulties.
New initiatives to help startups overcome AI development barriers
Building a business in the AI sector is no easy feat for startups. Developing AI models requires powerful and costly computing resources, which can be a heavy burden for early-stage companies. Recruiting engineers skilled in AI is another major challenge, as is establishing a stable development structure. Even after developing a product, connecting with potential enterprise clients and achieving market adoption can be a major obstacle.
These challenges affect every business stage — from prototyping to commercialization — and can significantly slow down a startup’s growth trajectory.
Creating an accessible environment for AI innovation with “AI Foundation for Startups”
Kunimitsu Asanuma, a Senior Director in charge of SoftBank’s Next Gen Social Infrastructure Promotion Office, introduced the company’s Hokkaido Tomakomai AI Data Center, which will be one of Japan’s largest data centers and equipped with the latest GPUs. Scheduled to begin operations in fiscal 2026 (the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027), the facility will provide a high-performance computing platform tailored to startups.
“To address the challenges of high equipment costs and limited access to computing resources, we’re developing a system that supports short-term, flexible usage contracts,” Asanuma explained. “Combined with development assistance through NVIDIA AI Enterprise, with our ‘AI Foundation for Startups,’ we’ll provide an environment that enables startups to test, validate and commercialize their AI solutions efficiently.
“Leveraging SoftBank’s strengths in telecommunications and data, we’re aiming to be a long-term partner that supports startups as they bring their innovations to society,” he added.
“AI Boost Program”: Connecting startups with companies to bring AI products to market
Based in the Tokai region, Japan’s industrial hub, STATION Ai Corp. is an operator of one of Japan’s largest open innovation hubs. STATION Ai is home to over 1,000 member companies, including approximately 600 startups and 400 established enterprises. The organization fosters collaboration and co-creation between emerging innovators and mature companies.
STATION Ai President and CEO Hirotaka Sahashi noted that Japanese startups face not only resource shortages, but also unique difficulties in developing customer networks. “To address this, STATION Ai will launch the ‘AI Boost Program’ in April next year,” he said. “The initiative will connect startups with business partners, helping them take their AI products from conceptual stages to real-world applications.”
Applications for the AI Boost Program will be accepted starting in December, and five startups will be selected for a four-month program starting in April 2026. Eligible participants will gain free access to high-performance GPU systems through SoftBank’s AI Foundation for Startups, and technical mentorship from NVIDIA engineers. STATION Ai will help participants connect with potential customers and support the acceleration of commercialization.
“Our goal is to not only support startups in their AI journey, but also to help them strengthen ties with established businesses to spark new innovations,” he commented.
Learning from the world’s leading AI ecosystems
Jen Hoskins, who leads Cloud Service Program (CSP) and Go-to-Market (GTM) initiatives for NVIDIA’s Inception Program, spoke about global trends in AI startup support. She introduced the program, which now has over 30,000 startups from around the world participating, and detailed the benefits that include hardware discounts, development tools and access to training environments.
Hoskins noted that through this collaboration, Japanese startups can now tap into NVIDIA’s global support network — opening up a whole new world of opportunities to connect, grow, and compete on a global scale.
Applications for the AI Boost Program will be accepted starting in December, with the first cohort starting in April next year. For startups pursuing AI development, this represents a powerful, hands-on opportunity to accelerate growth.
(Posted on October 24, 2025)
by SoftBank News Editors
STATION Ai — Japan’s Largest Open Innovation Hub
STATION Ai supports the creation and growth of startups through personalized guidance and comprehensive innovation programs. More than 1,000 companies, including startups from Japan and abroad, partner enterprises, VCs, and universities, are part of its ecosystem.
The facility in Nagoya features restaurants, hotels, gyms, and other amenities, offering a comfortable environment for founders and teams. Regular workshops, mentoring sessions, and business matchmaking events make it a vibrant hub for innovation.
