SoftBank seeks to take Japan 'Beyond AI'

The University of Tokyo and SoftBank will set up an artificial intelligence (AI) research base to develop bright minds and start-up ambitions for Japan. Called the Beyond AI Institute, it aims to be an organisation that brings together researchers from the University of Tokyo and universities abroad. The bank will spend $184 million over the next ten years for this institute. Specific initiatives include work in quantum physics and the combination of AI and biofunctions. The Tokyo-based institute will also look at areas such as "health and medical," "public works and social infrastructure" and "manufacturing."