Preferred Networks

Company Information

Mission

Make the real world computable and create the future together

We are a company committed to vertical integration of computer science—from semiconductors and computing infrastructure to solutions and applications—to optimally implement cutting-edge technologies where they matter most in society. Together with everyone, we will create a future where advanced hardware and software work in harmony with people.

Co-Founders' Message

Co-Founders' Message

Preferred Networks Co-Founders

Toru Nishikawa (left), Daisuke Okanohara (right)

We want to make the world a better place through the power of computers—to create a society that is convenient and secure. This is what drives us.

PFN's Strengths

AI Technologies

- Papers accepted to world’s top AI and machine learning conferences

- Many Kaggle* Experts or above, contestants at ICPC world championship

- Develops PLaMo™ large language model with high Japanese-language performance fully from scratch

*Kaggle: Machine learning and data science community known for company or government-sponsored competitions to solve data science challenges *ICPC: International Collegiate Programming Contest

AI Technologies

Computing Resources

- Operates multiple in-house supercomputers

- Co-developed proprietary AI processor MN-Core™ with Kobe University

- In-house supercomputer MN-3 topped Green500* ranking 3 times as world’s most energy-efficient

*Green500: A list of the world’s 500 most powerful supercomputers (TOP500) re-ranked by energy efficiency

Computing Resources

Domain Knowledge

Joint research experiences with leading companies in automotive, industrial robots, pharmaceuticals, energy, etc.

“Learn or Die” as code of conduct: Aggressive learners of partners’ industry domain knowledge

In-house specialists in multiple domains

Domain Knowledge

Values

Our code of conduct is summarized in five items called "PFN Values." Obviously, these are not the only things we value as a company – there are other fundamental norms that we must follow as a good citizen of the society, such as observing morals and manners and fulfilling the company’s basic roles to help our customers’ success among others. We are all aware of them, but these five PFN Values are what make us different, and we are very proud of them.

We are committed to continuous learning. In a world where technology, markets, society, and culture evolve on a daily basis, relentless learning isn't optional—it's the only way we remain advanced and adaptable. We actively move beyond our specialized fields, eagerly pursuing new knowledge across diverse domains. We know that true learning happens in practice, which is why we perpetually cycle between theory and application. We don't fear change; we embrace it as fuel, using the power of learning to actively co-create the future.

Our starting point is always the customer's perspective. We stand as equal partners, fully empathizing with their challenges and expectations to deeply understand the required value. But we don't stop at meeting current needs. We push further to uncover needs and possibilities that customers may not yet realize, envisioning and building solutions that anticipate the future. By breaking free from conventional wisdom and constraints, we use technology and imagination to show the way forward and pioneer new possibilities together.

We don't limit ourselves to only what we can do now—we envision the future we want to create and boldly plan how to achieve it. We never let self-imposed limits or conventional boundaries constrain our thinking. At the same time, we pair this big thinking with swift, nimble action. We don't demand perfection or fear mistakes—we rapidly execute numerous trials and errors.

Instead of passively waiting for circumstances to dictate our path, we look ahead, and take proactive action. We swiftly identify opportunities and anticipate challenges, moving ahead of change. We don’t pursue tasks in isolation; we proactively involve and motivate those around us, leveraging collaborative teamwork to achieve superior results. This ownership—combining forward-thinking action and collective initiativee—is the engine that drives powerful results.

While we are grounded in deep respect for every individual, we transcend expertise and departmental silos to share opinions candidly. This is not conflict—it is constructive dialogue and debate aimed solely at achieving the best results. Once decisions are finalized through this robust process, we unite and commit to them. Amid our diversity, we overcome differences in opinion to form cohesive teams focused on common goals. This unity, powered by respect, candor, and sincerity, is our source of strength.

Company name

Preferred Networks, Inc.

Established

March 26, 2014

Location

Otemachi Building, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Reception: 3rd Floor)

Google Maps

Directors

  • Toru Nishikawa, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
  • Daisuke Okanohara, Co-Founder, Chief Technology Officer
  • Hiroshi Maruyama, Director (Audit and Supervisory Committee Chair)
  • Kaname Masuda, Outside Director (Audit and Supervisory Committee)
  • Shinichi Koizumi, Outside Director (Audit and Supervisory Committee)
  • Hiroyuki Morikawa, Outside Director (Audit and Supervisory Committee)

Technical Advisors

  • (Professor, Department of Statistical Modeling, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics)
  • (Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
  • (Professor, Otsuma Women's University; Specially Appointed Professor, Research Organization of Information and Systems)

Invoice registration number

T1010001159494

Major group companies

PFR
PFCI
Matlantis

Shareholders

Chugai Pharmaceutical, Development Bank of Japan, ENEOS Innovation Partners, Fanuc, Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking, Kodansha, Mitsui & Co., Mizuho Bank, NTT, SBI Group, Sekisui House Investment Limited Partnership, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Sumisei Innovation Fund, TBS Innovation Partners Fund III, TEL Venture Capital, Toei Animation, Toyota Motor, Wacom, etc. (Alphabetical order)

Corporate Factbook

Milestones and Awards

Founded in March 2014, PFN has engaged in joint research and development with industry leaders, putting advanced computer technologies into practical use.

AI Governance

Powerful, versatile new technologies inevitably see broad application. To ensure we remain a responsible developer of such technology, we have established a robust AI governance framework.

Join the PFN team

Contact us for inquiries on our products, solutions and R&D

Company - Preferred Networks, Inc.