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, Chairman
Preferred Networks, Inc.

Toru Nishikawa is the Chairman of Preferred Networks, Inc. (PFN) which he co-founded in March 2014 to advance AI toward practical use across industries. Before being appointed Chairman in November 2025, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the company. Under his leadership, MN-3, PFN’s supercomputer powered by its proprietary AI processor MN-Core™ topped the Green500 list of the world’s most energy-efficient supercomputers three times. Prior to co-founding PFN, Nishikawa was the CEO of Preferred Infrastructure, Inc., PFN’s predecessor for natural language processing and other software development. He co-founded Preferred Infrastructure with the current PFN CEO Daisue 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 Software Japan Award from the Information Processing Society of Japan.

Daisuke Okanohara
Daisuke Okanohara "Co-Founder
Chief Executive Officer"
Preferred Networks, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer, Matlantis Inc.

Daisuke Okanohara is the Chief Executive Officer of Preferred Networks (PFN) which he co-founded in March 2014 to advance AI toward practical use across various industries. Before being appointed CEO in November 2025, he led PFN’s research and business efforts for its core technologies, including generative AI, PLaMo™ large language model, and Matlantis™ universal atomistic simulator as the company’s Chief Technology Officer. Okanohara also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Matlantis Corporation, a PFN subsidiary that markets the Matlantis™ universal atomistic simulator for materials discovery.

Okanohara co-founded PFN’s predecessor Preferred Infrastructure with current PFN Chairman Toru Nishikawa and others when he was a graduate student in 2006. He received a Ph.D degree in Computer Science from the University of Tokyo in 2010. He has authored and co-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.