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GRIC2025 Conference: Elevating Innovative Startups

The GRIC2025 conference, dedicated to connecting domestic and international growth industries, is poised to spotlight some of the most innovative startups through its pitch contest, known as "GRIC PITCH". Hosted by Four Startups Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo, this highly anticipated event will take place in November, highlighting startups that are ready to expand into global markets or are already operating internationally.

What is GRIC PITCH?

GRIC PITCH is designed for startups that are either looking to enter the global market or have already begun their journey. Participants will have the chance to present their business models to a diverse audience that includes over 120 judges from various fields, both investors and corporate representatives. Each pitch will be simultaneously translated into English, ensuring a global audience can engage with the content. The competition will focus on three main themes: "CLIMATE TECH," "FRONTIER TECH," and "UPRISING DIGITAL."

Theme Breakdowns

The startups will be evaluated under each theme, competing for various awards:

• - GRAND PRIZE: Awarded to the top performer across all themes based on stringent evaluation criteria.
• - THEME AWARD: Each theme will recognize one standout startup with this award.
• - GO GLOBAL PRIZE: For startups chosen as pitch partners, this award presents opportunities to connect with international entrepreneurs and partake in global events.
• - SPONSOR PRIZE: Daily selections made by sponsoring companies will also receive special rewards.

Startup Participants

Climate Tech

1. Planet Savers Inc. - CEO: Kyō Ikegami
- This Tokyo-based startup is innovating with a Direct Air Capture (DAC) system utilizing zeolite technology.
2. Gaia Vision - CEO: Yūki Kita
- Offers climate risk assessment solutions through high-precision flood simulations and climate big data analytics, also originating from the University of Tokyo.
3. PathAhead - CEO: Masayuki Iga
- This startup aims to solve infrastructure durability issues using desert sand for high-durability pavement materials, contributing to improving transportation efficiency and economic growth in Africa.
4. Resilire - CEO: Yūdai Tsuda
- Provides comprehensive supply chain transparency and risk management solutions to ensure stable production for manufacturing industries.
5. LINEA Innovation - CEO: Yūta Noji
- This energy-focused startup is developing an innovative fusion reactor, achieving neutron-free nuclear fusion with their FRC Mirror Hybrid Reactor.
6. Lotus Thermal Solutions - CEO: Takuya Ide
- Focused on energy efficiency, this startup uses boiling cooling technologies with liquid immersion servers to reduce power consumption in data centers.

Frontier Tech

1. ElevationSpace - CEO: Ryōhei Kobayashi
- Innovating in space, this startup creates a platform for research and manufacturing within unmanned satellites, suitable for the post-ISS era.
2. SkyGate Technologies - CEO: Kōki Awatsu
- Provides defense tech solutions with software and zero-trust security frameworks designed to protect critical societal infrastructure.
3. Space Quarters - CEO: Masagō Ōnishi
- Employs electronic beams and small robots to construct infrastructure in space both in orbit and on the Moon.
4. BULL Inc. - CEO: Masagō Ōnishi
- Works on preventing space debris through developing sustainable solutions for interplanetary travel.
5. AstroX - CEO: Shōtake Oda
- A private space startup developing a Rockoon-based orbital launch system to tackle satellite launch capacity shortages.
6. Oceanic Constellations - Co-Founder: Takuma Honda
- Pioneers in marine sensor networks, controlling unmanned surface vessels to monitor oceans continuously.

Uprising Digital

1. OEDO Dynamics - CEO: Yoshimichi Tanaka
- Introduces remote operation and autonomous driving capabilities to construction machinery through the OEDO product line.
2. SAZO - CEO: Gil Maro
- Unveiling an AI-powered cross-border eCommerce service that allows seamless shopping of South Korean products in Japan.
3. Craif - COO: Miki Mizunami
- Focusing on cancer risk detection, this startup uses biomarker analysis and AI technology for early diagnosis based on urine tests.
4. JAPAN AI - CEO: Tomoaki Kudō
- Deploying multiple generative AI services aimed at enhancing productivity within Japanese corporations.
5. HOMMA Group - CEO: Tsuyoshi Homma
- This startup leverages Built-in Intelligence to create comfortable and safe living environments, integrating technology into modern housing.
6. Kanaria Tech - CEO: Orhan Ibrahim
- Innovates next-gen robotics with a model that endows robots with social cognition and autonomous learning capabilities, promoting coexistence with humans.

Event Details

Tickets for GRIC2025 are currently available for two participation formats:

• - In-Person Tickets for Day 3: For those wishing to attend at Shibuya Hikarie on November 13.
• - Online Tickets for Days 1-3: Allows access to all online sessions from November 11 to November 13.

Participants must register in advance as attendance is free.

Conclusion

GRIC2025 is more than just a pitch contest; it’s a ground-breaking opportunity for startups to engage with global leaders and expand their horizons. Mark your calendars and don't miss out on the chance to witness the forefront of innovation!