icetana AI, a provider of AI software for large-scale surveillance networks, has announced that it has agreed to a multi-year strategic partnership with SoftBank Robotics Group and its subsidiaries.

The company notes that this partnership establishes a platform for significant commercial growth, product innovation and regional expansion across Japan and Asia-Pacific.

Agreements

According to icetana AI, the four executed agreements include:

• Subscription Agreement
• Global Partnership Agreement
• Distribution Agreement (Japan)
• Scope of Work for joint development

The agreements represent a total contract value exceeding A$3.6 million, making this icetana AI’s most significant strategic partnership to date, the company highlights.

Partnership overview

1. A$1.87 million placement

icetana AI has entered into a subscription agreement with SoftBank Robotics Singapore, which will see SoftBank acquire 17.6% stake in icetana AI through its subscription for 93,683,262 fully paid ordinary shares in icetana AI.

It costs two cents per share, for a total consideration of A$1.87 million. The price represents a 33% premium to the 15 day VWAP of 1.5 cents.

The company notes that this strategic investment is intended to accelerate its product development roadmap and support collaborative initiatives.

This placement is scheduled to be completed on 13 June 2025. 49,868,997 of the shares are to be issued to the Company’s placement capacity under Listing Rule 7.1 and the remaining 43,814,265 of the shares are to be issued to the Company’s placement capacity under Listing Rule 7.1A.

2. Global partnership agreement and distribution agreement (Japan)

SoftBank Robotics Group has been appointed as icetana AI’s exclusive distributor in Japan for an initial 12-month period.

The relevant agreements include a guaranteed minimum purchase commitment of US$450,000 (A$693,000) in annualised recurring revenue (“ARR”) in Japan over the period 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026.

These agreements leverage SoftBank Robotics Group’s established presence in Japan’s enterprise and public sector markets, providing icetana AI with a strong local partner to drive adoption.

The company notes that it represents an extension of the Company’s commercial foothold in the Japanese market, established over the past few years with existing local partner Macnica Inc.

Macnica remains a global distributor, substantial shareholder and strategic partner in the Company.

In collaboration with SoftBank Robotics Group, Macnica will continue to distribute icetana AI’s solution in Japan, allowing the Company to leverage the respective strengths and networks of both partners.

3. Multi-year development agreement

icetana AI and SoftBank Robotics Corp will engage in a multi-year, joint research and development program to enhance icetana AI’s video analytics platform.

According to the company, key initiatives include:

• Integration of icetana AI’s solutions with SoftBank Robotics Group’s automation and security technologies
• Enabling seamless interoperability with external systems specified by SoftBank Robotics Group
• Payment by SoftBank Robotics Corp. of A$1.08 million in fees over three years for icetana AI’s development activities, adding a further A$360,000 to icetana AI’s ARR

SoftBank Robotics Group’s AI leadership

SoftBank Robotic Group states that its collaboration with icetana AI complements this, aiming to extend AI capability by delivering intelligent video analytics for real-world environments.

This collaboration reinforces SoftBank Robotics Group’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive AI ecosystem.

As part of their go-to-market strategy in Japan, SoftBank Robotic Group intends to launch a “one-month free trial” campaign aimed at expanding sales in Japan.

Customers will be able to use licences for up to 50 cameras, including advanced analysis, facial recognition and licence plate recognition functionality, free of charge for one month, allowing them to experience the value of icetana AI’s solutions in their live business environment.

“A major step forward”

Kevin Brown, CEO, icetana AI commented: “Adding to our existing partnership with Macnica, this agreement with SoftBank Robotics Group represents a major step forward for icetana AI in Japan.

“Their global leadership in AI and commercial scale in Japan create an ideal launchpad for our next phase of growth.”

Brown continued: “This partnership not only accelerates our expansion into key markets but also integrates our technology into some of the world’s most advanced security platforms.”

“Driving growth together”

Kent Yoshida, Chief Business Officer, SoftBank Robotics Group commented: “We are excited to collaborate with icetana AI to bring cutting-edge video intelligence to our customers.

“Their technology is a natural extension of our AI innovation strategy and we look forward to driving growth together in Japan and beyond,” Yoshida concluded.