Telkom Kenya, Rakuten Symphony, Airspan partner on Open RAN testing, knowledge transfer
To work together on knowledge transfer and Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology testing on the African continent, Telkom Kenya, Rakuten Symphony, and Airspa entered a partnership on Tuesday and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)to formalise their newly-established alliance.
The partnership would include testing, 4G and 5G technology development, and knowledge sharing within Kenya.
Rakuten founder justifies losses from mobile services, bets on AI to become “one of the top-tier profitable companies in Japan and the world”
By Mary Alavanza January 20, 2025
Mr Mikitani said the company’s goal is to become one of the top-tier profitable companies in Japan and, eventually, the world. “Our ambition is probably really big, but we are doing this step by step,” he added.
Inside Rakuten AI Episode 2: Lee Xiong on Japanese LLMs and the Future of AI
January 23, 2025
Episode 2 of Inside Rakuten AI: Lee Xiong on Japanese LLMs and the Future of AI is out now! In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Lee Xiong, Rakuten Group Vice Director of AI Research Supervisory Dept. Lee shares insights on Rakuten's pioneering work with Japanese Large Language Models (LLMs) and how this is empowering Japan's AI development. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes, where we'll continue to explore how Rakuten's AI leaders are shaping the future of AI innovation!
Rakuten doses first patients in multi-continental Phase III HNSCC trial
Fri, January 24, 2025
Rakuten Medical has dosed the first patient in its intercontinental Phase III trial into its photoimmunotherapy, ASP-1929, in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
The multi-centre, randomised, open-label trial will examine the company’s antibody-dye conjugate comprised of the antibody drug, cetuximab in combination with MSD’s flagship monoclonal antibody Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Now, the San Diego-based company is looking to launch enrolment for the trial across Japan and Taiwan.
Libuda
: Inside Track Live: On Set with Hideyuki Hirama
December 11.12.2024
In Episode 7 of Inside Track, Hideyuki Hirama, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at Rakuten Symphony sits down with James Dartnell, Director, Corporate Communications, EMEA, to discuss how Rakuten Symphony ensures that teams from different geographies, products and services operate under unified culture and processes. In this special, in-person interview, James and Hirama-san also discuss industry challenges ahead and initiatives planned to boost operational efficiency.
Libuda
: Drives Open RAN Innovation in the U.S. and Beyond
Rakuten Mobile Drives Open RAN Innovation in the U.S. and Beyond
By Kamile Bigenyte January 23, 2025
Rakuten Mobile, a leading operator known for its innovative approach to telecommunications, is moving its focus to the United States to bolster the advancement of Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN). The company’s initiative is a part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. This fund aims to foster the development and adoption of Open RAN technology, promoting competition within the wireless sector and enhancing the global telecommunications supply chain.
In this ambitious endeavor, Rakuten Mobile is collaborating with U.S.-based vendors such as Battelle Memorial Institute, Microelectronics Technology, Eridan Communications, and Airspan Networks.
In a similar vein, the collaborative spirit extends beyond the U.S. Recently, Telkom Kenya, Rakuten Symphony, and Airspan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster Open RAN technology’s knowledge transfer and testing in Africa.
Libuda
: AI Awareness Gap and Growth Potential for SMEs
Rakuten Survey Reveals AI Awareness Gap and Growth Potential for Japanese SMEs
Only 1 in 6 Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises use AI
40% of non-users are unaware of AI benefits, highlighting the need for education and tailored solutions
Tokyo, January 29, 2025
The survey highlights a clear opportunity for AI service providers to bridge the knowledge gap and address the unique needs of SMEs in Japan. By offering cost-effective, easy-to-implement solutions and demonstrating tangible ROI, AI adoption can be accelerated across industries. Additionally, expanding AI applications beyond operational tasks to include marketing and customer engagement will enable SMEs to achieve business-centric outcomes and strengthen their competitive edge. Rakuten is dedicated to empowering SMEs in Japan by delivering innovative AI solutions and cutting-edge technologies to improve operations, strengthen connections with customers and drive sustainable growth.