SoftBank Corp is holding talks with Nvidia and Foxconn regarding the creation of artificial intelligence servers produced in Japan, according to reporting that outlines the companies involved and the target approach. The discussions center on partnering to develop a domestic production capability for AI servers.
Under the reported plan, SoftBank intends to put a manufacturing system in place that would start by assembling server units from components sourced externally. The timeline discussed aims for that initial assembly-based production system to be established by the end of the decade. Over time, SoftBank's objective is to assume responsibility for the full manufacturing cycle, moving beyond assembly to take control of all stages of server production.
The potential partners named in the discussions are U.S. chip designer Nvidia and Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn. Both companies are identified as possible collaborators in an initiative to create AI servers branded and made in Japan. The talks are presented as exploratory discussions rather than finalized agreements.
From the information provided, the immediate phase would rely on externally sourced components that SoftBank would assemble domestically. The later phase would see SoftBank transition from that assembly role to overseeing and operating the complete manufacturing process for the servers. The reporting highlights the sequential nature of the plan - an initial assembly approach followed by an ambition to internalize manufacturing.
Contextual note - The material presented describes ongoing discussions and stated aims; it does not report any completed deals, detailed contracts, or confirmed timelines beyond the stated target to have an assembly-based production system by the end of the decade.