KDDI announced on July 28 that it is partnering with Google’s investment fund “Google AI Futures Fund” to launch a large-scale support program targeting AI startups in Japan. The two companies will jointly provide up to $2 million (approximately ¥300 million) in funding, along with comprehensive access to development infrastructure including early access rights to the latest AI models developed by Google DeepMind and GPU cloud resources.
The new program is named the “AI Startup Support Program by KDDI & Google AI Futures Fund.” Applications are being accepted through a dedicated website starting the same day, with plans to sequentially provide support to approximately five companies per year that pass the screening process conducted by both companies.
Shunpei Tatebayashi, Deputy General Manager of KDDI’s Open Innovation Promotion Division, commented: “We hope that Japan’s entrepreneurs will leverage Google’s cutting-edge technological capabilities and KDDI’s broad business support to create innovative services utilizing AI.” He emphasized the program’s goal of strongly propelling the creation of next-generation AI services originating from Japan.
The support package consists of four pillars: “Co-Investment,” “Early Access,” “AI Infrastructure Provision,” and “Expert Support.” On the funding side, both companies will make joint investments. On the technology side, an environment will be established allowing startups to quickly utilize Google DeepMind’s advanced AI models, including “Gemini,” “Nano Banana,” and “Lyria.”
In terms of infrastructure, participants will receive trial access rights to “Gemini on GDC,” an on-premises sovereign Gemini offering provided by KDDI’s Osaka Sakai Data Center, as well as “KDDI GPU Cloud,” a cloud service leveraging cutting-edge GPUs. Additionally, free Google Cloud credits and dedicated support for system development and scaling will be provided.
Human resource support is also substantial. Experts from both companies will provide technical and business advice, and opportunities for joint development and business collaboration with KDDI and Google will be offered. The program is designed to accelerate startup growth by providing a complete environment necessary for AI product development, going far beyond mere funding.
The Google AI Futures Fund is Google’s investment fund that supports startups pioneering the forefront of the AI field. In addition to providing funding and business development support, the fund backs startups across a wide range of sectors—including ways of working, coding, culture, and entertainment—through early access to Google DeepMind’s AI models.
Jonathan Silber, Co-founder and Director of the fund, stated: “Our partnership with KDDI is an exciting initiative to support a new generation of AI-native startups in Japan,” demonstrating a full-scale commitment to the Japanese market.
Against the backdrop of rapid advancements in AI technology centered on generative AI, this program aims to cultivate globally competitive AI companies originating from Japan. KDDI brings its infrastructure provision capabilities as a telecommunications carrier and its broad business foundation, while Google contributes its world-leading AI research and development capabilities and cloud technology, constructing a framework to support startup growth from multiple angles.
For the startups selected for support, the greatest appeal lies in being able to utilize cutting-edge AI models and high-performance GPU environments that are typically difficult to access, in addition to securing funding. In particular, the sovereign Gemini offering aligns with the needs of Japanese companies that prioritize data sovereignty, and is expected to bolster the development of AI services handling highly confidential data.
Within Japan, momentum for open innovation through collaboration between large corporations and startups is growing. KDDI itself aims to create new business opportunities in the AI domain beyond the scope of its telecommunications business, and is positioning itself to focus on discovering and nurturing promising startups.
Applications are being accepted through the dedicated website, with details on specific screening criteria and schedules expected to be announced sequentially. As a rare opportunity for AI startups to obtain funding, technology, infrastructure, and talent all in one place, future developments will be closely watched.