Japan's SoftBank Group is teaming up with US-based OpenAI in a new venture that will offer AI services to corporate customers.

SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Son Masayoshi said, "For the first time in the world, big firms will have access to advanced AI services, and it will start in Japan."

Son said he's signed a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

He said the sides will have equal ownership in the venture, which will eventually devise models with AI agents that can perform tasks without human input.

SoftBank Group has made AI a key pillar of its business.

Son has said he plans to ramp up investment in AI-related enterprises in three key areas: semiconductors, data centers, and robots.