KDDI and Google to Invest Up to ¥300 Million in AI Startups, Offering Early Access to Gemini

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.