Multimodal Foundation Model Development Project for AI Robots and Physical AI Launched

Jun 30, 2026

Joint News Release with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is implementing policies aimed at realizing physical AI. As part of its effort, METI has launched the Multimodal Foundation Model Development Project for AI Robots and Physical AI in partnership with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

For Japan, realizing physical AI by leveraging on-site data generated across its broad range of industries is a winning path. A prerequisite for implementing this strategy is to develop a domestic multimodal foundation model* that can be used with peace of mind into the future while safeguarding on-site data. Furthermore, given the explosive growth in AI use and Japan's low energy self-sufficiency rate, the country faces a serious need to reduce the power consumed by AI, to a greater extent than other countries.

To address this situation, METI has been advancing related policies in collaboration with NEDO. Following NEDO's recent open call for proposals, Noetra Corp. and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have been selected to lead the research and development of a domestic multimodal foundation model. This selection marks the launch of the project.

Under the project, Noetra Corp. will develop and provide a globally competitive multimodal foundation model tailored to the needs of AI model developers and business users. In parallel, AIST will support the development of a competitive foundation model for the future by conducting cutting-edge technological development in collaboration with research institutions in Japan and overseas.

With Japan pioneering the development of a domestic multimodal foundation model as a platform for physical AI across a wide range of fields, the country will strive to accelerate the introduction of globally competitive physical AI, a field in which competition is intensifying worldwide, by harnessing its front-line capabilities and manufacturing prowess while addressing its shrinking workforce.

From March 24 through April 22, 2026, NEDO conducted the following open call for proposals, and has now announced the selection results. Please refer to the link below.

Project period: FY2026 through FY2030