―Providing Early Access to AI Models, Expert Support, AI Infrastructure, and Funding―
KDDI Corporation
TOKYO, July 28, 2026―KDDI and Google AI Futures FundOpen in a new window today announced an agreement to launch the "AI Startup Support Program by KDDI & Google AI Futures Fund," a joint initiative through which each will invest in promising Japanese startups and accelerate their global expansion. Applications are now open.
This joint initiative will provide selected startups with financial backing, early access to Google's advanced AI models, specialized technical support, and robust cloud and GPU infrastructure, supporting the development and enhancement of AI products.
The collaboration between Google AI Futures Fund, a strategic investment fund backing those building what's next in AI, and KDDI, a 15-year pioneer of open innovation in Japan, aims to drive the implementation of innovative AI solutions and enhance the Japanese startup ecosystem.
■Background
- KDDI has committed to supporting startups both in Japan and overseas for 15 years since 2011. Its open innovation initiatives have been highly recognized, earning the No. 1 ranking for 9 consecutive years in the 'Innovative Companies Ranking' as selected by promising startups. Furthermore, since 2025, KDDI has strengthened its collaboration with U.S. venture capital firms to enhance cross-border support for startups globally.
- Google AI Futures Fund backs those building what's next in AI, accelerating the almost possible. Through capital, distribution, and early access to Google DeepMind models, AIFF propels the pioneers who are redefining work, coding, culture, and entertainment. This expansion into Japan reflects AIFF's recognition of the talent, tenacity, and innovative spirit that are an undeniable foundation of the Japanese startup ecosystem.
■Support Programs for Startups
1. Joint Funding
Opportunities for direct equity investment from KDDI and Google.
2. Early Access
Startups will gain early access to some of Google's most advanced AI models, including Gemini, Nano Banana, and Lyria.
3. AI Infrastructure
Trial access to "Gemini on GDC," an on-premises sovereign Gemini uniquely provisioned in Japan via KDDI's Osaka-Sakai Data Center, and "KDDI GPU Cloud," a cloud service using state-of-the-art GPUs. Startups will also receive Google Cloud credits and dedicated support to build and scale.
4. Direct Expert Support
Startups will receive hands-on technical and business guidance from a dedicated network of Google and KDDI experts, including researchers, engineers, product managers, and designers, alongside opportunities for product collaboration.
"We are extremely pleased to partner with Google AI Futures Fund," said Shunpei Tatebayashi, KDDI Open Innovation Division Deputy General Manager. "By combining Google's cutting-edge technology with KDDI's broad business support capabilities, we look forward to helping Japanese entrepreneurs create innovative services powered by AI."
"This partnership with KDDI is an exciting expansion for the AI Futures Fund that will empower a new generation of AI-native startups across Japan," said Jonathan Silber, Google AI Futures Fund Co-Founder and Director. "We're excited to work closely with them as we empower founders with the latest Google AI technologies, along with direct support from the Google researchers, engineers, and product teams who are building them."
For details and applications for the "AI Startup Support Program by KDDI & Google AI Futures Fund," please visit below.
(Reference)
■KDDI's Open Innovation Initiatives
KDDI promotes open innovation through two pillars: KDDI Open Innovation Fund, its corporate venture capital fund that makes strategic investments in promising ventures, and KDDI ∞ Labo, a platform that accelerates co-creation between startups and more than 100 business companies. By linking these two initiatives, KDDI aims to create new business value and accelerate the growth of future-leading startups.
Building on the approximately ¥30 billion investment to invigorate the startup ecosystem announced in April 2025, KDDI is exploring new businesses that can become future growth pillars, while focusing on both overseas startups entering the Japanese market and Japan-origin startups expanding globally.
- *The information contained in the articles is current at the time of publication.
Products, service fees, service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.
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