30 Leading Companies to Watch in Asia 2026

Our Mission is to Make the Real World Computable: Toru Nishikawa, CEO of Preferred Networks, Inc.

By applying AI to real world problems, Preferred Networks helps organizations improve operational outcomes, discover insights, and develop new services.

By SBR
March 9, 2026 8:53 PM Updated March 9, 2026
Toru Nishikawa, CEO, Preferred Networks, Inc. Photo by SBR

Toru Nishikawa, CEO, Preferred Networks, Inc.


Preferred Networks is a Japanese artificial intelligence company that develops integrated hardware, computing infrastructure, foundation models, and application solutions to enable enterprises to deploy AI efficiently and effectively. The company designs processors, large scale computing platforms, and AI software so they operate seamlessly together. By controlling each layer of technology, Preferred Networks allows organizations to implement advanced AI solutions without relying on separate third-party systems. Engineers focus on creating technology that addresses real world problems while maintaining energy efficiency and operational reliability.

Hardware and software complement each other in ways that optimize performance. Processors and computing platforms are built to run large models efficiently, while foundation models are tuned to take full advantage of the infrastructure. That design allows enterprises to apply AI in production settings where consistent results and energy management are critical. By developing every component in house, Preferred Networks is able to control performance, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure that AI systems can scale across industries.

AI Hardware and Foundation Models

Preferred Networks stands out for developing AI processors and high-performance computing infrastructure, and the MNCore series powers foundation models and enterprise applications efficiently. That infrastructure allows organizations to run demanding AI workloads without investing in large-scale third-party data centers, making high performance AI more accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Preferred Networks also develops generative AI models such as PLaMo, which is optimized for Japanese language processing and domain specific applications. By building these models internally, the company is able to tune performance, accuracy, and integration with its hardware. Enterprises can deploy AI systems quickly without adapting general purpose models to their infrastructure, allowing faster time to deployment and consistent results. Cloud and on premises services expand the reach of these technologies, giving organizations flexible options for applying AI in research, production, and commercial operations.

The combination of purpose-built processors and foundation models ensures that workloads requiring high speed, low latency, and reliable output can be executed efficiently. By matching hardware with software, Preferred Networks delivers a platform where computation is predictable, scalable, and energy conscious. That capability allows enterprises to focus on operational outcomes rather than struggling with infrastructure limitations.

Industry Applications and Real-World Use

Preferred Networks applies its AI technology across industries where computation can improve performance, efficiency, and insight. In manufacturing, AI supports automation, predictive maintenance, and safety monitoring by analyzing sensor data in real time. Life sciences and pharmaceuticals use AI to accelerate drug discovery, identify patterns in biological data, and support early detection of disease. Retailers and logistics companies use AI for inventory forecasting, route optimization, and customer engagement. Media and entertainment organizations employ generative AI to create content and explore interactive experiences. Financial services firms apply models for risk management, forecasting, and customer analytics. Public agencies integrate AI into infrastructure monitoring and citizen services, while educational institutions adopt intelligent tools to support learning and research.

The company collaborates with domain experts in each field to ensure that AI systems meet operational requirements and deliver meaningful results. By working closely with partners, Preferred Networks tailors solutions to specific industry challenges while maintaining the flexibility to adjust as needs evolve. This collaboration allows enterprises to apply cutting edge AI technologies to practical problems in ways that generate measurable outcomes without requiring extensive internal expertise.

Research, Partnerships, and Workforce

Research is a pillar of the company, with engineers publishing findings at leading AI conferences and collaborating with academic and industrial organizations. Projects explore autonomous systems, generative AI, materials science, life sciences, and other areas where computation can accelerate discovery and efficiency. Collaborative initiatives include pilots in financial forecasting, industrial operations, and infrastructure management, demonstrating practical applications for advanced AI beyond the laboratory.

Employees have access to in house computing resources, development tools, and collaborative projects, allowing them to experiment with models and infrastructure while remaining productive. Professional development and a culture of technical excellence help maintain a workforce capable of solving complex computational problems across multiple domains. Partnerships with other companies expand opportunities for applying technology in new ways, creating practical demonstrations of AI’s potential in production environments.

Vision for a Computable World

Preferred Networks seeks to make everyday systems and processes computable using artificial intelligence. By integrating hardware, infrastructure, foundation models, and applications, the company enables enterprises to handle large scale computations efficiently while managing energy use. Scalable computing infrastructure and purpose-built processors allow organizations to deploy AI solutions that deliver consistent, predictable results across industries.

By applying AI to real world problems, Preferred Networks helps organizations improve operational outcomes, discover insights, and develop new services. Businesses that once lacked the resources to implement advanced computing now have access to integrated solutions that can be deployed quickly and reliably. The company’s vision extends to making AI sustainable and accessible, allowing organizations to tackle problems that were previously out of reach and to implement innovative solutions that shape future industrial and social applications.

Preferred Networks demonstrates how a vertically integrated technology company can combine advanced hardware, software, and models to deliver AI systems that work across industries. Enterprises benefit from the ability to run high performance applications efficiently and to adapt solutions to their operational needs. By creating a platform where computation meets real world requirements, the company contributes to a future in which AI helps make systems more intelligent, productive, and responsive to human needs.

Toru Nishikawa, CEO, Preferred Networks, Inc.

Preferred Networks stands out for developing AI processors and high-performance computing infrastructure, and the MNCore series powers foundation models and enterprise applications efficiently.

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