Noetra's CEO calls the company Japan's "last chance" for AI, receiving 380 billion yen in government funding and support from 44 companies

Noetra, a company developing foundational models for physical AI and robotics supported by the Japanese government, CEO Hironobu Tamba stated in an interview that the company represents Japan's "last chance" to enhance domestic supply capabilities for critical technologies. In its first year, Noetra received over 380 billion yen (approximately 2.33 billion USD) in government funding and support from 44 companies, including SoftBank, Honda, and Sony. The company plans to procure 27,500 Nvidia Rubin chips, starting AI infrastructure construction in April 2027 and commencing operations in June 2028.

Tamba stated that Noetra will provide Japanese companies with reliable and secure foundational models, enabling them to manage data independently. The Japanese government's goal is to deploy 10 million AI robots in manufacturing, shipbuilding, nursing, and other fields by 2040, while also advancing key technology projects like the chip foundry company Rapidus to enhance self-sufficiency and technological levels in the Sino-U.S. AI competition.