Why pCloud is Gaining Popularity Among University Educators in Japan

pCloud Gaining Popularity Among University Educators in Japan

In recent months, the cloud storage service pCloud, originating from Switzerland, has been making significant strides within the academic landscape in Japan. N-Techs Inc., based in Tokyo and acting as the official distributor, began selling pCloud through university co-op stores from October 2025. Within just four months, more than 80 universities, along with numerous research labs, have adopted this innovative service.

The launch was met with overwhelming interest, evidenced by the 65 university educators and associated staff who participated in a webinar hosted by the university co-ops in January 2026, making it a remarkable debut. Surveys conducted by Media Navi, the sales company for pCloud within the university co-op framework, have indicated that the features offered by pCloud resonate well with the needs of educators today.

Background of pCloud's Introduction to Japanese Universities

From the beginning of its entry into the Japanese market in 2020, N-Techs and pCloud International AG shared a vision to establish a robust social infrastructure for cloud services. Pioneering a safe, independent system that doesn’t compromise customer data has been their main objective. Achieving this goal involved disclosing security and reliability information concerning ASP and SaaS, while also engaging proactively with the market through exhibitions and community activities. By 2025, domestic user numbers for pCloud had surpassed 100,000, indicating a growing demand. Ultimately, it was during an exhibition where the software representative from the university cooperative encountered pCloud’s booth that a partnership was forged.

The Assurance of a One-Time Purchase Model

One of the standout features of pCloud is its unique one-time payment plan, allowing users to pay upfront for 99 years of use—a considerable distinction from the subscription models that dominate other cloud services. For educators, the affordability of these packages has been particularly appealing. Notably, the university co-op versions are competitively priced, with the 5TB plan available at ¥99,800 and the 12TB plan at ¥198,000. This pricing strategy has significantly contributed to the brand's rising popularity.

Security and Compliance for Academic Data

Known for its robust security standards, Switzerland’s financial authority is echoed in pCloud's compliance with the GDPR, the European privacy protection law. Moreover, pCloud employs a cutting-edge zero-knowledge encryption method that safeguards users' data, ensuring that academic institutions can store sensitive information securely. Recent survey feedback indicates that the high-security standards are a decisive factor encouraging more educators to purchase and utilize pCloud.

Selection Criteria for Cloud Storage

Educators looking for a cloud storage solution often prioritize flexibility. With pCloud’s university co-op version, users are able to utilize up to 17TB of space. Initially starting with a 5TB plan allows for gradual expansion, making it a popular choice for educators needing to store or back up important data. The cloud backup functionality embedded within pCloud, combined with various sharing options, aligns with the needs of many users which is also reflected in the survey data. Over 58.5% of respondents indicated that their primary use is for saving and backing up essential files, while 41.5% mentioned the need for sharing capabilities with peers or research associates.

Future Challenges and Objectives

Despite its success, recent surveys highlighted the desire among users for increased capacity and enhancements to backup functionalities. N-Techs Inc. plans to address these requests by consulting with pCloud International AG and Media Navi for future development initiatives.

About N-Techs Inc.

N-Techs Inc. serves as the official distributor of pCloud in Japan, overseeing all operations aimed at raising pCloud's profile in the country.

Company Profile

- Company Name: N-Techs Inc.
- Location: Sunshine 60, 45th Floor, 3-1-1 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
- Representative: Teppei Hayashi
- Website: N-Techs

About pCloud

pCloud is a cloud storage service that has garnered attention in Japan for its security features including zero-knowledge encryption, region code settings, and its long-term purchase plan, bridging safety and user convenience.