14:30 – 14:50
Takahiro Ogura
Preferred Networks
Takahiro Ogura is a seasoned leader in high-performance computing with over 20 years of experience. He currently heads the AI Computing Division at Preferred Networks (PFN), overseeing the company’s critical computing infrastructure technologies including the MN-Core™ series of AI semiconductors and in-house supercomputers. Prior to joining PFN, he served as the after-sales service manager for domestic high-performance computing clients at Fujitsu, where he began his career as a systems engineer working on supercomputer systems projects. A notable career highlight was his instrumental role in the design and development of the Fugaku (Post-K) supercomputer at Japan’s national research and development agency RIKEN. Ogura received a Master’s degree from Tsukuba University’s Systems and Engineering program in 2005.
Preferred Networks
Company Profile
Preferred Networks (PFN) is a leading Japanese AI technology company known for its vertically integrated development of cutting-edge technologies—from custom AI chips, generative AI foundation models to real-world AI solutions and products. PFN plays a key role in advancing Japan’s AI sovereignty and has earned a strong domestic reputation. PFN’s AI solutions span across diverse industries including manufacturing, materials, energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, finance, retail, and entertainment. The company is currently developing a novel AI inference chip, leveraging its highly energy-efficient MN-Core™ logic and a new memory technology, with a release targeted for early 2027.
Company Products & Services
Preferred Networks (PFN) develops cutting-edge technologies across the AI value chain from semiconductors, supercomputers, generative AI foundation models to AI solutions and products:
MN-Core™ — a series of highly energy-efficient AI chips, which made a debut topping the Green500 list of the world’s most energy-efficient supercomputers three times in 2020/21. PFN is currently developing a new line of MN-Core chips focused on AI inference, set for release in early 2027.
Preferred Computing Platform™ (PFCP™︎) — a cloud-based service that provides users with access to the computing power of MN-Core 2. PFN has also announced a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation and IIJ aiming to launch an MN-Core™-based IaaS commercial service in 2026.
PLaMo™ — a series of Large Language Models developed fully from scratch by PFN, delivering top-tier performance in Japanese-language capabilities. These models power a wide range of AI applications in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and the public sector.
Matlantis™ — a cloud-based, high-speed universal atomistic simulator. Powered by a machine learning interatomic potential (MLIP), Matlantis significantly accelerates the simulation workflow in new materials discovery across industries such as semiconductor, automotive, and energy, by bypassing traditional heavy electronic state calculations.
