In a striking declaration that could reshape the trajectory of artificial intelligence, SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son has predicted that Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI)—a form of AI exponentially smarter than humans—could become reality within the next decade.
From Genius to Godlike: Son’s Vision for AI
Speaking at SoftBank’s annual general meeting in Tokyo on June 21, Son laid out a provocative roadmap for AI evolution. He forecasted that by 2030, AI could be “one to 10 times smarter than humans,” and by 2035, it might reach a staggering “10,000 times smarter” than human intelligence [source].
Son drew a sharp line between Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and ASI. While AGI may match or slightly exceed human genius—up to 10 times more capable than the average person—ASI, he argued, would transcend human cognition entirely, operating on a scale of intelligence that defies current understanding.
Safety Meets Speed: SSI’s Parallel Mission
Son’s predictions echo the ambitions of Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI), a newly formed AI company led by Ilya Sutskever, former chief scientist at OpenAI, alongside Daniel Levy and Daniel Gross. SSI’s mission is to develop ASI with safety as a core principle, treating both capability and control as intertwined technical challenges.
“We plan to advance capabilities as fast as possible while making sure our safety always remains ahead,” SSI’s founders stated, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility.
A Personal Calling and a Global Challenge
Son’s speech took a deeply personal turn when he linked the pursuit of ASI to his own existential purpose. “SoftBank was founded for what purpose? For what purpose was Masayoshi Son born? It may sound strange, but I think I was born to realise ASI. I am super serious about it,” he declared [CNBC].
This emotional revelation underscores the intensity of Son’s commitment, positioning SoftBank not just as a tech investor, but as a visionary force in shaping the future of intelligence.
The Road Ahead: Promise and Peril
Despite the excitement, the scientific community remains divided on the feasibility of AGI and ASI. Current AI systems, while powerful in narrow domains, still fall short of human-level reasoning across diverse tasks. The leap from AGI to ASI involves not just technical breakthroughs but also profound ethical and societal considerations.
The potential benefits of ASI—solving complex global problems, accelerating scientific discovery, and transforming industries—are matched by risks such as job displacement, loss of control, and existential threats.
Conclusion: The ASI Race Is On
Whether Son’s timeline proves visionary or overly ambitious, one thing is clear: the race toward superintelligent AI is intensifying. With SoftBank and SSI staking bold claims, the next decade could usher in a new era where machines not only think—but think far beyond us.
Stay tuned. The future of intelligence is unfolding faster than we imagined.
