SoftBank will spend US$3 billion annually to deploy OpenAI’s solutions across its group companies, making it the first company in the world to integrate Cristal intelligence at scale, as well as deploying existing tools like ChatGPT Enterprise to employees across the entire group.

OpenAI and the SoftBank Group have also agreed to establish a JV company called "SB OpenAI Japan", which will market Cristal intelligence exclusively to major companies in Japan.

According to the newly formed partners, Cristal intelligence will securely integrate the systems and data of individual enterprises in a way that is customised specifically for each company.

SoftBank says that in 2025 AI models will evolve into agents, capable of working independently to execute tasks.

"AI agents for knowledge work will automate everyday tasks – such as generating financial reports, drafting documents, and managing customer inquiries – to empower professionals to focus on creativity and strategic decision-making," SoftBank says.

"By deploying Cristal intelligence across the entire SoftBank Group, we will accelerate the development and adoption of AI agents and more advanced systems.

"As part of its agreement with OpenAI, SoftBank Group companies, including Arm and SoftBank Corp, will be granted priority access in Japan to the latest and most-advanced models developed by OpenAI.

"Arm and SoftBank Corp will use these technologies to transform their management and operational practices.

"Arm’s compute platform will provide the performance, efficiency, and scalability required to support the increasing computational demands of AI agents, from the cloud to the edge."

SoftBank Corp plans to automate over 100 million workflows by using Cristal intelligence.

Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp, said the JV will not only transform the way SoftBank Group operates but also revolutionise the way companies work in Japan and around the globe.

“We are thrilled to bring Cristal intelligence, Advanced Enterprise AI that is customized specifically for each company, to the market in a big way," Masayoshi said.

"SoftBank Group is fully committed to leveraging the new products across our entire organisation and utilise our great partnership with OpenAI to drive the AI Revolution forward."

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, said the US$3 billion a year partnership with SoftBank will accelerate bringing transformative AI to some of the world’s most influential companies — starting with Japan.