#Japan #Osaka #Eight Knot #Mitsubishi Corporation #AI CAPTAIN

Eight Knot's Achievement at Malaysia-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2025

Eight Knot, a pioneering startup specializing in autonomous navigation technology, made headlines after being awarded the Mitsubishi Corporation Award at the highly anticipated event, Malaysia-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2025. Held on February 6, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, this event is part of an innovative program that aims to foster open innovation by inviting companies from Japan, ASEAN, and beyond to propose solutions to real-world challenges.

What is the Malaysia-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2025?

The Malaysia-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2025 program brings together six companies focused on creating open innovation within Malaysia. These companies, referred to as challenge owners, outline specific problems they wish to solve in collaboration with other organizations. The aim is to solicit proposals from businesses globally, targeting innovative solutions to highlighted challenges. Selected finalists then present their ideas at the pitch event, engaging directly with the challenge holders in a bid to turn concepts into reality.

Eight Knot contributed to this initiative by addressing a crucial challenge posed by Mitsubishi Corporation, which sought effective ways to develop a smart city in the Johor-Singapore special economic zone. The startup introduced its autonomous navigation platform, the Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN, as a potential solution to enhance maritime mobility in the region.

Solutions Offered by Eight Knot

The solutions proposed by Eight Knot involve utilizing autonomous vessels for various applications in the Johor-Singapore Causeway area, especially to alleviate congestion. One of the prominent ideas includes the development of autonomous ferry operations as an alternative mode of transportation. Additionally, the startup envisions creating new cruising packages aimed at attracting tourists to resort islands, thus enhancing the tourism sector.

Eight Knot's innovative approach aims to merge technology and maritime transport, utilizing sophisticated AI and high-performance sensors to automate navigation safely and efficiently. The Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN system is designed to recognize surrounding conditions and autonomously select the optimal routes, promising enhanced safety, reduced operational costs, and support for crew members on board.

Future Collaboration with Mitsubishi Corporation

Encouraged by this recognition, Eight Knot plans to engage in further dialogues with Mitsubishi Corporation to implement the proposed solutions discussed during the pitch. This collaboration aims to transform maritime operations and elevate the standards of water mobility while contributing to digital transformation in the marine sector.

The startup remains committed to promoting a society where everyone can utilize the sea safely and efficiently through advanced maritime technologies. With plans to expand into the North American market by 2027, Eight Knot is on a trajectory to make significant strides in maritime innovation.

About Eight Knot

Founded in March 2021, Eight Knot's focus is on developing autonomous navigation systems for small vessels. Under the leadership of CEO Hiroto Kimura and CTO Tomoaki Yokoyama, the company is headquartered in Sakai City, Osaka, Japan. The startup emphasizes technological integration in the maritime industry, aiming to enhance vessel safety and operational efficiency.

For more information:
Website: Eight Knot

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With its innovative approach and recognized capabilities, Eight Knot continues to chart a course for revolutionizing maritime transport through autonomous technologies.