Japan Airlines Celebrates Its Second Consecutive 'Top 100' Award at Corporate Startup Stars 2025

Japan Airlines Achieves 'Top 100' Status at Corporate Startup Stars 2025

Japan Airlines (JAL) proudly announced that it has earned a spot in the prestigious 'Top 100' list at the Corporate Startup Stars 2025 awards ceremony held on December 2, 2025, in Paris. This marks the airline's second consecutive recognition, underscoring its commitment to fostering open innovation through effective collaboration with startups globally.

The Corporate Startup Stars awards, organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge (MTB), scrutinize companies and their endeavors in the realm of open innovation. JAL's corporate venture capital (CVC) initiatives have garnered high praise for their innovative practices.

Award Ceremony

Leadership in Open Innovation
JAL's continuous efforts in global open innovation initiatives have been central to its success, particularly since the establishment of its CVC in 2019. Operating from its headquarters in Tokyo, the airline has strategically invested in startups across the globe, particularly in Silicon Valley, which has been recognized for its unique 'Global Open Innovation Model.' This consistent approach is a key reason behind JAL's international acclaim.

Investment in BeZero Carbon
In January 2025, JAL made a strategic investment in BeZero Carbon, a notable player in the carbon credit market. This initiative, which supports transparency and trust in the international carbon credit landscape, was critically acclaimed by the judging panel. The investment aligns with JAL's broader goals of integrating sustainability into its business model and reflects the increasing importance of climate tech innovations.

BeZero Carbon plays a crucial role in evaluating the quality of carbon credits independently, providing essential tools and data that assist international stakeholders in making reliable climate-related decisions.

Collaborative Innovation with PowerX
In a further testament to its commitment to innovation, JAL has partnered with Japan's PowerX since April 2025, implementing a 'business creation-focused CVC model.' This collaboration aims to create a new production model known as carbon-zero agriculture utilizing renewable energy. This effort has garnered recognition for connecting the aviation, energy, and agriculture sectors within a valuable ecosystem.

PowerX Collaboration

Notable Endorsements
Alberto Onetti, chairman of Mind the Bridge, comments on JAL’s innovative capabilities: "Japan Airlines has established a robust and consistent open innovation model that allows it to co-create continuously with global startups. The results from JAL's CVC, JAPAN AIRLINES VENTURES, are evident in its collaboration with PowerX and its long-term investment in BeZero Carbon. These initiatives exemplify JAL's embodiment of forward-thinking partnerships."

Lifelong commitment to innovation is echoed by Takao Suzuki, JAL's Executive Officer for Innovation: "We are honored to receive such a prestigious award for the second year in a row. As JAPAN AIRLINES VENTURES, our teams in Silicon Valley and Tokyo have worked tirelessly to evolve our open innovation model further, creating new value and contributing to future society. We invite everyone to look forward to the next challenges and future achievements that JAL will tackle."

In conclusion, Japan Airlines’ ongoing commitment to innovation through strategic partnerships and open innovation initiatives positions it well for future success, emphasizing sustainability and industry leadership as it advances its mission towards a greener future.

For more information about JAL's innovative projects, visit Japan Airlines Press Release.