Mitsubishi HC Capital and Hi-Res Form Alliance Agreement

Mitsubishi HC Capital Co., Ltd. and Hi-Res Inc., which operates GPU data centers and the GPU cloud service ‘GPUSOROBAN,’ have signed a capital and business alliance agreement. The partnership aims to create new business models using Hi-Res’ GPU data centers and offer computing resources to their shared customers.

The agreement is supported with the distribution of AI across different industries such as manufacturing, finance, healthcare, entertainment, and retail. The advanced computational tasks including generative AI and machine learning are done using high-performance computing platforms like GPUs. However, the increasing cost of GPUs, limited supply, high operational costs, and environmental issues are some of the factors that challenge the companies intending to scale up their AI programs.

Hi-Res provides cloud services that let users access the latest GPUs on demand. Their GPU data centers supply the computing power needed for AI development and other applications. ‘GPUSOROBAN’ delivers flexible, efficient GPU resources to companies and research institutions, supporting AI advancement. The company also works with local governments to revitalize communities by repurposing abandoned schools and unused facilities into data centers.

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Mitsubishi HC Capital has focused on ‘evolving and layering business models’ in its Medium-term Management Plan for fiscal years 2023-2025. The company is collaborating with partners to deliver high-value services and develop new businesses using digital technology and data. This alliance with Hi-Res is part of that strategy.

Through the partnership, the two companies will offer Hi-Res’ computing resources to a wide range of clients. Mitsubishi HC Capital will leverage its financing capabilities and partner network to support AI infrastructure, including establishing new GPU data centers alongside Hi-Res.

Hi-Res’ GPU data centers are decentralized, with locations in Ishikawa, Kagawa, and Saga prefectures. In the future, Mitsubishi HC Capital plans to switch the energy needed for these data centers to renewable sources including solar power from its own and other facilities, and thus, carbon emissions will be minimized. This project is a part of the public-private venture called ‘Wattbit Collaboration’ which is already tepidly discussed.

The alliance will focus on enhancing the value of computing resources and expanding business opportunities around GPU data centers for AI development. The collaboration also taps into Mitsubishi HC Capital’s Innovation Investment Fund, which supports open innovation and new business creation with startups.