Preferred Networks

Co-Founders' Message

Preferred Networks Co-Founders

Toru Nishikawa (left), Daisuke Okanohara (right)

Driving Industrial Innovation through the Evolution of Computing — Together with You

The exponential evolution of computers has brought remarkable advances to science, industry, and everyday life. This exponential growth enables entirely new solutions—sometimes even paradigm shifts—that were once beyond imagination. Our goal is to create computers that open a new era, maximize the value of computing, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

To achieve this, we engage across every layer of the computing stack—from applications and foundation models to computing infrastructure and semiconductors. Working on applications and foundation models allows us to anticipate future workloads and apply those insights to the design of computing infrastructure and chips. Conversely, understanding the direction of computing infrastructure and chips guides the development of our applications and foundation models. Preferred Networks is committed to mastering every aspect of computing, advancing our business daily to realize cutting-edge technologies faster than anyone else.

We also explore real-world challenges and expectations in depth, discern the value that truly matters, and envision solutions that anticipate the future—grounded in a clear understanding of the possibilities and limitations of technology. To realize this vision, we work closely with partners across diverse industries to advance technological development and social implementation. We will continue to explore real-world challenges and pursue solutions to address them.

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. Preferred Networks was founded by people who truly love computer science and technology, united by a shared passion for innovation. We believe that breakthrough technologies capable of changing paradigms have the power to transform existing industries while giving rise to entirely new ones. With this conviction, we continue to learn relentlessly under our “Learn or Die” value and lead the way in driving technological innovation. The name Preferred Networks reflects our roots in computer and neural networks, as well as the importance we place on collaborative networks with our customers and partners. Together with all of you, we will continue to take on innovative challenges and create the future.

Toru Nishikawa and Daisuke Okanohara, Co-Founders, Preferred Networks

Biography

Toru Nishikawa
Toru Nishikawa
Co-Founder, CEO
Preferred Networks, Inc.

Toru Nishikawa co-founded Preferred Networks (PFN) in March 2014 to apply AI technologies for practical use across industries. Under his leadership, MN-3, PFN’s supercomputer powered by its proprietary AI processor MN-Core™, has topped the Green500 list of the world’s most energy-efficient supercomputers three times. Nishikawa co-founded PFN's predecessor Preferred Infrastructure with the other PFN Co-Founder Daisuke Okanohara and others while he was a graduate student in 2006.

Nishikawa received his Master’s degree from the University Tokyo’s Graduate School of Information Science and Technology in 2007. An avid programmer since childhood, he reached the 19th place at the 30th International Collegiate Programming Contest (ACM-ICPC) in 2006. He is a recipient of the 2013 I Software Japan Award from the Information Processing Society of Japan.

Daisuke Okanohara
Daisuke Okanohara "Co-Founder
CTO"
Preferred Networks, Inc.
CEO, Matlantis Inc.

Daisuke Okanohara co-founded Preferred Networks (PFN) in March 2014 to apply AI technologies for practical use across industries. He currently leads PFN’s research and business for its generative AI and other technologies as well as the PLaMo™ large language model and the Matlantis™ universal atomistic simulator. He also serves as the CEO of Matlantis Corporation. Okanohara co-founded PFN's predecessor Preferred Infrastructure with the other PFN Co-Founder Toru Nishikawa and others while he was a graduate student in 2006.

He received his Ph.D degree in Computer Science from the University of Tokyo in 2010. Okanohara has authored several books in Japan on AI, deep learning, diffusion models and foundation models.

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Co-Founders' Message - Company - Preferred Networks, Inc.