Eight Knot Establishes Strategic Partnership with Malaysia's CitySage to Enhance Maritime Intelligence

Eight Knot and CitySage Join Forces for Maritime Innovation

Eight Knot, a leading company in the development of intelligent maritime technologies, has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Malaysian startup CitySage Sdn Bhd. This strategic partnership aims to advance the integration of AI solutions to enhance decision-making processes in Malaysia's maritime sector.

The agreement was formalized during the "Malaysia-Japan Industry Networking Night," an event sponsored by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC). This initiative seeks to foster collaboration between Malaysian startups and Japanese enterprises, creating a platform for innovative partnerships.

CitySage specializes in AI-based urban intelligence solutions, which meld data on climate risks, infrastructure, and socio-economic factors to aid in decision-making in Malaysia. Earlier this year, at the "Malaysia-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2025," both Eight Knot and CitySage were selected as participants in a challenge issued by Mitsubishi Corporation. This opportunity sparked ongoing discussions regarding their collaboration.

Under the terms of the MOU, CitySage will assist Eight Knot in leveraging autonomous navigation systems within Malaysia, focusing on the provision of data and AI-driven solutions. The two companies plan to initiate concepts for proof-of-concept projects in key maritime areas known for increased waterway traffic, such as the Johor-Singapore Economic Special Zone (JS-SEZ).

Eight Knot aims to capitalize on this alliance with CitySage and Mitsubishi Corporation, with a clear objective to advance its testing initiatives in Malaysia. In addition, there is a strategic vision for expansion into other Southeast Asian markets facing similar challenges, thereby broadening its footprint in Asia.

This partnership signifies a major step forward in maritime innovation, with both companies committed to enhancing safety and efficiency in marine mobility through cutting-edge technology. By harnessing AI, they aspire to create a safer and more reliable maritime environment for users.

About Eight Knot

Founded on March 8, 2021, in Osaka, Japan, Eight Knot is dedicated to making maritime operations safer and more efficient through intelligent technology. They offer a versatile range of solutions, including the "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN System," which can be retrofitted onto vessels to facilitate autonomy, and the "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN Module," designed for modular integration of advanced functionalities such as navigation control, real-time route generation, and obstacle recognition.

As a firm committed to solving challenges within the maritime industry, Eight Knot envisions a world where everyone can enjoy safe and comfortable water mobility.

Company Details

- Company Name: Eight Knot, Inc.
- Established: March 8, 2021
- CEO: Hiroto Kimura
- CTO: Tomoaki Yokoyama
- Headquarters: 2-2-2 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka, Hilton Plaza West Office Tower 18F
- Tokyo Office: 1-16-8 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Whales Company First Building 3C
- Hiroshima Office: 7-1 Kamiyahachihoppo, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, HIOS HIROSHIMA 405 Room
- Business Focus: Development and sales of autonomous maritime mobility systems
- Website: https://8kt.jp/