Key facts
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will invest 10 billion yen in Preferred Networks.
- The investment is part of a capital and business alliance formalized on August 31, 2026.
- The partnership aims to develop AI technologies for defense equipment and social infrastructure.
- The companies seek to build domestic AI capabilities for national security.
- The initial business alliance between the two companies was announced in June 2026.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has entered into a capital and business alliance with artificial intelligence startup Preferred Networks (PFN), committing to invest 10 billion yen ($64 million) to accelerate the joint development of AI technologies. The agreement, signed on August 31, 2026, follows an initial business tie-up announced in June 2026.
The partnership aims to enhance the intelligence and autonomy of machinery and systems in mission-critical domains, including national security and social infrastructure, where high reliability and rapid responsiveness are crucial. Both companies cited shifting global dynamics, labor shortages, and aging infrastructure as drivers for the increased collaboration.
MHI will underwrite shares issued by PFN through a third-party allotment, subject to necessary procedures and approvals. The companies intend to combine their expertise to accelerate research and development and the real-world deployment of AI solutions, emphasizing the importance of accumulating AI technologies, data, and operational expertise domestically to ensure Japan's independent leverage of AI.