SoftBank CEO: ASI will be 10,000 times smarter than humans by 2035
Masayoshi Son forecasts artificial superintelligence arriving within a decade, dwarfing current AI capabilities.
SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son has made a bold prediction that Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) will be 10,000 times smarter than humans by 2035. This statement, delivered during a recent shareholder presentation, outlines an aggressive timeline for AI development that would see humanity achieve Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—AI that matches human cognitive abilities—and then rapidly surpass it to reach superintelligent levels within the next decade.
Son framed this prediction as part of a historical technological progression, positioning ASI as the successor to the internet and mobile revolutions that SoftBank famously invested in. He suggested that the company's current massive investments in AI companies, including a reported $200 billion fund, are preparations for this coming era. The CEO's vision implies a near-future where AI systems don't just assist with tasks but fundamentally redefine problem-solving, scientific discovery, and economic productivity on a global scale.
The forecast comes amid intense global competition in AI development between the US, China, and other nations, with companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta racing to advance foundational models. While some experts consider Son's 2035 timeline optimistic, his prediction adds significant weight to the growing discourse about AI's exponential growth curve and the potential societal transformations it may trigger.
- SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son forecasts ASI 10,000x smarter than humans by 2035
- Prediction suggests achieving AGI and surpassing it within the next 11 years
- Positioned as the next major tech revolution after internet and mobile computing
Why It Matters
Sets an aggressive timeline for AI development that could reshape global business, investment strategies, and societal planning.