UMIAILE Receives the Special Award at RISING STAR AWARD 2026

UMIAILE Shines at RISING STAR AWARD 2026

On April 16, 2026, the prestigious Forbes JAPAN "RISING STAR AWARD" took place at the vibrant Ebisu Garden Place, spearheaded by Sapporo Real Estate Development. This event featured a collection of innovative startups, and among them, UMIAILE (海エル) stood out as the recipient of the special award known as the "Hataraku, Asobu, Hirameku." Award.

The RISING STAR AWARD, now in its eighth iteration, aims to identify the next generation of unicorn companies that will significantly impact the global economy. Since its inception in 2019, this competition has attracted aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders from startups founded within the last three years. This year, over 130 companies submitted applications, showcasing their ideas and innovations.

The award aims to foster young entrepreneurial talent by providing a platform where they can showcase their work and gain recognition for their potential. The main sponsor, Sapporo Real Estate Development, is dedicated to creating an environment where innovation can flourish, epitomized by their brand concept of "Hataraku, Asobu, Hirameku."

UMIAILE was selected for its ambitious goal of making the ocean observable through advanced unmanned boat technology. Their enthusiasm for tackling issues related to safety and cost—overcoming barriers that have historically deterred similar initiatives—made them a perfect fit for this acknowledgment.

During the awards ceremony, Ryouyuki Itai, the CEO of UMIAILE, received a trophy and a gift certificate for a pair of meals at the renowned Chateau Restaurant Gastronomy "Joël Robuchon" within the Ebisu Garden Place. The significance of this recognition lies not only in the award but also in the validation it provides for the hard work and innovative spirit of the UMIAILE team.

UMIAILE is rooted in one key mission: to provide a technologically advanced solution that enhances marine observation capabilities. Their engineering team excels in developing sophisticated technologies necessary to transform the landscape of ocean monitoring. By encouraging collaboration with professionals across multiple domains, UMIAILE promotes a focused yet diverse approach to problem-solving, emphasizing community and co-creation.

In by highlighting the intersection of work, play, and creativity, the "Hataraku, Asobu, Hirameku." Award perfectly aligns with UMIAILE's ethos. This award illustrates how organizations can drive innovation and contribute to the local economy. The use of cutting-edge technology in marine observation is geared towards addressing existing issues and creating new market opportunities through sustainable practices.

The Essence of the Award
The "Hataraku, Asobu, Hirameku." award is established to recognize startups that embody these values, fostering environmental creativity and cultural innovation.

A Bright Future for UMIAILE
CEO Ryouyuki Itai expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award, emphasizing their company's rapid growth and technical challenges since its founding as a startup in 2025. With a team built on shared values and goals, UMIAILE is committed to advancing technology that aims to contribute meaningfully to society. "We began our journey with just three engineers, and despite the challenges, we have maintained a focus on our vision: to create a 'zero-meter altitude satellite'—an innovative approach to ocean systems that balances technical excellence with societal benefits."

As they look ahead, UMIAILE continues to embrace challenges and explore innovative solutions, creating a ripple effect that can impact marine industries significantly. Their commitment to advancing oceanic technology aligns well with the values represented at the RISING STAR AWARD, which seeks to illuminate promising startups that are poised to shape the future.

In conclusion, the recognition of UMIAILE at the RISING STAR AWARD symbolizes a promise—a commitment to accelerating innovation in marine observation. It also reflects Ebisu Garden Place's mission to become a hub of creativity and fresh ideas, paving the way for a future where ingenuity thrives in every corner of society.