Tokyo-based AI startup Sakana AI has raised over $100 million in a Series A funding round led by New Enterprise Associates, Khosla Ventures, and Lux Capital, with significant participation from Nvidia. This funding will be used to build a world-class AI lab in Japan, focusing on nature-inspired, sustainable, and energy-efficient AI technologies. Sakana AI, founded by former Google researchers and a diplomat, aims to tackle Japan's challenges such as a declining population and decreased competitiveness. Nvidia will collaborate with Sakana AI on research, infrastructure, and community-building activities to boost Japan's AI capabilities. The startup has already introduced several AI models, including an AI Scientist that automates the research lifecycle. Sakana AI's rapid growth has made it the fastest company in Japan to achieve unicorn status.