Business
Top Japan start-up Sakana AI touts nature-inspired tech
Former Google researcher David Ha launched tech company Sakana AI — Japan’s fastest start-up to reach unicorn status – Copyright AFP Richard A. Brooks
Katie Forster
When David Ha started an AI company in Japan with his former Google colleague, they had a choice: create another huge, energy-intensive tool like ChatGPT, or go their own way.
Since its 2023 launch, the value of their firm Sakana AI has soared past $1 billion, becoming Japan’s fastest start-up to reach so-called unicorn status.
“In a space like AI, everyone’s kind of doing the same thing. They’re just like collecting the world’s data, building a gigantic model, sucking up all this energy,” Ha told AFP.
For a new venture, “the chance of success is actually quite low, especially in Japan,” where the resources to run power-hungry data centres are scarce.
Instead of going head-to-head with top players like OpenAI or Alibaba, Sakana aims to merge existing and new systems, large and small, to develop what it calls “collective intelligence.”
In many countries, “people are debating, should I use a Chinese model or should I use a US model?” Ha said, referring to AI foundation models trained on vast amounts of data.
But in today’s tumultuous world, “you can imagine… a scenario where a certain provider might turn off their models,” he added.
Combining the best aspects of multiple systems means Sakana’s AI-powered programmes could in theory “continue to operate”, he said, even if “with slightly lower performance at the beginning.”
Sakana’s approach has won it the support of US chip giant Nvidia as well as Japanese banks and other businesses keen to get ahead in the fast-moving world of generative artificial intelligence.
The word sakana means fish in Japanese, and the start-up says it is inspired by nature, where species from ants to humans collaborate to solve problems.
– ‘Soft power’ –
Ha, a Hong Kong-born Canadian and long-term Japan resident, is a former Google Brain research scientist who previously traded derivatives for Goldman Sachs.
He founded Sakana AI with ex-Google researcher Llion Jones, co-author of a groundbreaking 2017 machine learning paper, and Ren Ito, who has held positions in Japan’s foreign ministry.
Sakana’s team numbers more than 100, including contractors, and its unassuming offices are located in a shared Tokyo start-up space.
Japan is pouring tens of billions of dollars into AI and semiconductors, hoping to claw back some of its 1980s tech glory and boost the productivity of its shrinking workforce.
But there is some way to go. In academic institute IMD’s 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking, Japan came 35th, with researchers saying it needs to foster entrepreneurship and address labour shortages caused by its ageing population.
“There are a lot of business challenges in Japan,” where working environments are “very different” to Europe, China or the United States, Ha said.
But “building from the ground up” is an advantage for Sakana AI, which is “taking advantage of Japan’s soft power” to attract talented software engineers.
In starting the company, Ha has put down roots in Japan, which “has its problems” but remains “a leading democracy in Asia,” he said.
– Experimentation –
The tools developed by Sakana AI include a Japanese-language chatbot called “Tiny Sparrow” that works offline, protecting users’ privacy.
Another trained on historical Japanese literature responds to text queries in samurai-like language.
Some coders have pointed out problems in the output of Sakana projects such as AI Scientist — a bid to automate scientific discovery, whose paper passed a peer-review process this year — and in others built to improve the efficiency of AI engineering.
“We have to experiment,” Ha said. In academia and business, too, “things may not go your way, and we learn from that.”
In any case, “people take these concepts very seriously” and work can progress quickly — like the evolution of AI-generated video from “blobby” images to hyper-realism, he said.
In May, Sakana announced a “multi-year partnership” with Japanese megabank MUFG to develop “bank-specific AI systems.”
While Ha wants to keep Sakana’s AI research team small and “niche”, the arm of the start-up that helps Japanese businesses and the public sector deploy AI is growing.
“It is a challenge to balance between working on cutting-edge… AI development, and on the business side to deploy trusted solutions that are known to work,” he said.
Ha predicts that investors’ excitement around AI will inevitably taper.
“Every major technological revolution, from canals to the dot-com boom, has been fuelled by a bubble,” he said.
“That speculative investment, while risky, is what funds the foundational breakthroughs.”
Keep up to Date with Latin American VC, Startups News
At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining work, ISDI, Spain’s digital business school, and Microsoft have formed an alliance to incorporate the real-world use of generative AI into executive training.
According to Microsoft’s Workplace Trends Report, 50% of executives in countries like Spain believe that training their teams in the use of AI will be key in the next five years.
For this reason, ISDI says it is seeking to connect theory and practice in an academic environment that adapts to the challenges of digital transformation.
Microsoft, for its part, brings its technological expertise so that artificial intelligence becomes a tangible, competitive resource for MBA grads.
“We want to train complete professionals, capable of leading business transformation in a context marked by AI,” said Basola Vallés, Executive Director of ISDI, through a press release.
The business school has faculty and alumni from around the world, including Latin America, and has an international campus in Mexico.
Creating AI Agents
The module, titled Crea tu Agente IA (Create your AI Agent), unfolds over five milestones in the master’s degree: from agent activation in Microsoft’s Copilot Studio, to application in real projects, simulation of strategic scenarios and career development.
Upon completion, each participant will have a trained and operational AI agent ready to accompany the student beyond the classroom. This practical approach contrasts with theory-focused programs by integrating AI into the day-to-day work life.
With this initiative, the Executive MBA in Business and Technology (MIB) is positioned as the first Executive MBA in Spain to structurally integrate business, technology, artificial intelligence and human development, according to the university.
Paco Salcedo, president of Microsoft Spain, added: “Our technology is designed for students to turn AI into a real advantage for their organizations”.
The proposal is reinforced with a project linked to business challenges and with an employability component.
A study by LinkedIn and Microsoft reveals that professionals who mention AI in their profiles are 17% more likely to be considered in selection processes.
The impact of the program has already been recognized by several media, which places it amongst the most influential executive master’s programs in Spain.
MIB graduates record an average salary increase of 38% in the year after graduation and 70% job mobility, according to figures shared with Contxto that reflect how the combination of business, technology and now generative AI can transform a career path.
According to a report published by Intel and analyst firm IDC, just 14% of Latin American companies have adopted AI agents in their work processes, putting the region in need of adapting to today’s challenges.
This trend of MBA programs that prioritize the use of generative AI could help to motivate future business leaders in the region and will hopefully boost the adoption figures of this technology in the coming years.
Keep up to Date with Latin American VC, Startups News
Fulcrum (www.fulcrumapp.com) field-focused process and data collection platform for geospatial field processes and data collection recently launched Audio FastFill, a voice-powered, multi-field AI data collection tool.
It integrates advanced AI within the platform to create a textual scribe for field teams, eliminating inefficiencies of manual entry, and allows users in the field to dictate forms naturally and produce richer more actionable data input, with the system understanding and accurately populating fields.
Fulcrum dynamically understands context to populate complex fields like picklists and conditional logic, eliminating inefficiencies of manual entry and simplifying workflow, helping ensure ease of use in demanding environments. It can also dissect one continuous audio file to place all of the information into the correct corresponding fields and input to fields that aren’t text, like numbers or drop-down lists.
Pricing: structure not actual cost, free demo, free trial.
AIPhone
AIPhone (www.aiphone.ai) is a cross language calling app utilizing AI translation. It translates phone calls in real time—speak in your language and the other party hears it in theirs instantly and vice versa. How it works: you invite anyone via a simple link—no extra app needed for them.
The app, which supports several dozen languages and dialects, is trained to both translate words and understand the context behind them. In addition, it also supports camera translation—snap a photo or select a saved image (e.g. a sign) and get instant translation. It also translates video and voice calls in WhatsApp and other apps.
Pricing: weekly, monthly, annual plans available with free trial package available through X, TikTok, and Facebook.
ServiceMonster
ServiceMonster management software (www.servicemonster.com, 888/901-3300, covered in September 2022 column) recently introduced the ServiceMonster Payments mobile app, which features capabilities that facilitate both immediate branded invoicing that can be sent by email or text and collection of payments via credit cards, debit cards, and ACH. Suitable for solo operators and multi-crew service businesses, it has the ability to automate reminders and follow-ups. You can store cards on file securely for repeat customers or recurring billing.
ServiceMonster Payments includes built-in surcharging, allowing you to legally pass along credit card processing fees to your customers where permitted by law. Surcharging is automatically configured during setup based on your location. Most credit card and debit card transactions are deposited into your bank account in as little as two business days. The solution Payments offers an integration with QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. A demo is available.
Plannit
Plannit (www.plannit.io), covered in August 2021 column, recently added a smart call answering system designed to function as a virtual assistant, handling calls when team members are unavailable. The system, which is available 24/7 and has multi-language support, features intelligent call routing, utilizing advanced algorithms to direct calls to appropriate departments or personnel based on predefined criteria.
Users can customize menu options and the software, which can take messages, can be programmed to answer FAQs. It can also qualify and prioritize prospective customers by asking questions and recording their answers and saving them in the messaging center as audio files. The service requires a new phone number acquired by Plannit, but calls to existing business numbers can be redirected for message taking when needed.
Gorilla Desk
Update: Gorilla Desk (www.Gorilladesk.com), initially covered in January 2025 tech column, has several new AI Agents to its platform (both desktop and mobile app) which are designed to heighten proficiency of field service management and handle customer interactions across multiple channels, including SMS, Web Chat, VOIP phone, and client portals.
The new capabilities, available on the customer portal and by text message, enable customers to book services 24/7, with the solution streamlining and automating the entire process, from inquiry to booking and confirmation, as well as route planning and optimization.
How it works: you embed your AI agent options directly on your web site and, as desired, your customer initiates the process by making contact with your embedded company AI receptionist through one of those portals, facilitating making, logging, and finding all calls without jumping among apps; the Client Portal Agent enables customers to request new work securely and view previous documents anytime. Gorilla Desk will notify you via in-app and email alerts whenever a new work request is submitted.
There are two types of AI conversations: static and dynamic. Static conversations provide general Q&As with informational responses. Dynamic conversations involve the system taking actions, such as capturing new lead info or scheduling a pending booking. (Pricing: $1.00 per completed static conversation, $1.75 per completed dynamic conversation.)
Gorilla Desk also has four new agents in the works: Kong AI (Supreme Intelligence), acting as the central intelligence, which will provide advanced analytics and generate custom reports; Mantis AI (Ops & Admin), which will automate the role of administrator and help run day-to-day operational workflows flawlessly; Atrax AI, which will help you deploy your website, aiding in page generation and optimization; Lotus AI (Customer Sentiment), which focuses on delivering analysis of customer standpoint so you know what conversations need real human attention; and SMS & Customer Portal Agents, enabling 24/7 handling of incoming customer SMS messages their conversations with your AI.
democratandchronicle.com wants to ensure the best experience for all of our readers, so we built our site to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use.
Unfortunately, your browser is not supported. Please download one of these browsers for the best experience on democratandchronicle.com
-
Business2 weeks agoThe Guardian view on Trump and the Fed: independence is no substitute for accountability | Editorial
-
Tools & Platforms1 month ago
Building Trust in Military AI Starts with Opening the Black Box – War on the Rocks
-
Ethics & Policy2 months agoSDAIA Supports Saudi Arabia’s Leadership in Shaping Global AI Ethics, Policy, and Research – وكالة الأنباء السعودية
-
Events & Conferences4 months agoJourney to 1000 models: Scaling Instagram’s recommendation system
-
Jobs & Careers2 months agoMumbai-based Perplexity Alternative Has 60k+ Users Without Funding
-
Podcasts & Talks2 months agoHappy 4th of July! 🎆 Made with Veo 3 in Gemini
-
Education2 months agoMacron says UK and France have duty to tackle illegal migration ‘with humanity, solidarity and firmness’ – UK politics live | Politics
-
Education2 months agoVEX Robotics launches AI-powered classroom robotics system
-
Funding & Business2 months agoKayak and Expedia race to build AI travel agents that turn social posts into itineraries
-
Podcasts & Talks2 months agoOpenAI 🤝 @teamganassi