JAXA-Recognized Startup Tenchijin Wins Minister of Economy Prize at Monozukuri Japan Awards

Tenchijin's Stellar Achievement at the Monozukuri Japan Awards

Tenchijin, a space venture certified by JAXA and headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has recently been honored with the prestigious Minister of Economy Prize during the 10th Monozukuri Japan Awards. This recognition, jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) along with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, celebrates outstanding individuals in the manufacturing sector.

Overview of the Monozukuri Japan Awards

Launched in 2005, the Monozukuri Japan Awards aim to acknowledge exceptional talent in the manufacturing sector. They recognize key personnel across various generations contributing to the field, including seasoned professionals, skilled artisans preserving traditional crafts, and the promising young workforce. With this year's awards marking the 10th anniversary, the event highlights the essential contributions of human resources to the development of Japan's manufacturing landscape.

In total, eight recipients were honored with the Prime Minister’s Award, alongside thirteen other individuals and one organization receiving the Minister's Prize, showcasing more than 58 outstanding contributors to manufacturing.

Award Details

Project Title: Evaluation Management System for Water Leakage Risks Utilizing Satellite Data and AI (Space Water Bureau Development)

As a response to the pressing societal issue of aging water infrastructure, the Space Water Bureau has developed a user-friendly risk assessment management system. This system enables easy identification of risk areas related to water pipe leakage, even for those without prior expertise in the subject. By leveraging satellite data from over 500 satellites owned by various space agencies such as JAXA, NASA, and ESA, the system evaluates leakage risks by analyzing surface temperature, climate conditions, and ground data in conjunction with existing municipal water pipe information through AI.

The implementation of this system has led to remarkable improvements, exemplified by one municipality achieving six times higher detection efficiency for leaks and a staggering 79% reduction in investigation costs.