Map IV and Zenrin Group Forge Strategic Capital Partnership for Enhanced Spatial Solutions

Strategic Partnership Between Map IV and Zenrin Group

In an exciting move aimed at enhancing spatial solutions, Map IV, a startup hailing from Nagoya University, and Zenrin Group, a leader in geographic spatial information services, have signed a capital and business partnership agreement. This collaboration intertwines the strengths and expertise of both companies, with a shared goal to optimize and innovate the effectiveness and versatility of map data, ultimately contributing to solutions for pressing societal issues.

Purpose of the Partnership

Map IV operates under the vision of “Leading social transformation and creativity through technology.” The company leverages AI to develop advanced three-dimensional spatial recognition technology known as “Spatial Intelligence,” applicable across various fields including autonomous driving, surveying, infrastructure, and robotics. In a time when labor shortages are increasingly critical, Map IV’s cutting-edge techniques for creating and processing 3D map data play a crucial role in automating operations and are vital in building a safer and more sustainable societal infrastructure.

Zenrin, recognized for its precision in collecting, managing, and updating spatial information, has long been dedicated to providing optimized data for a wide range of applications, continuously contributing to societal welfare. Their mid- to long-term management plan, the Zenrin Growth Plan 2030, emphasizes creating social value in a co-creation society, further developing digital transformation (DX) solutions that address social and regional challenges using data. Zenrin is also focused on constructing an advanced space-time database that will support a future digital twin society.

Through this partnership, both companies intend to capitalize on their respective strengths to accelerate research and application development. They aim to effectively tackle pressing issues facing Japanese society, including aging infrastructure, the advancement of next-generation mobility in an era of declining population, and the realization of smart cities.

Overview of the Partnership

Together, Map IV’s cutting-edge “Spatial Intelligence” technology and Zenrin’s extensive assets and know-how in spatial information management will be combined. This collaboration focuses on co-developing streamlined spatial information processes and innovating total solutions that will address local challenges in smart city areas, particularly in disaster prevention, transportation, and urban planning.

Comments from Company Leaders

Kazuki Tanaka, CEO of Map IV:
“I am confident that this capital and business partnership will allow us to blend Zenrin Group's expertise and foundational knowledge with our innovations in ’Spatial Intelligence’ driven by autonomous vehicle technology. Through our collaboration, we aim to offer groundbreaking solutions that will support the future of social infrastructure and mobility and actively address societal challenges.”

Michirow Takekawa, President of Zenrin:
“Zenrin's corporate philosophy is to contribute to people’s lives through the creation of spatial information. We believe our mission revolves around resolving social issues and ensuring a safe and secure society through the effective use of spatial data. With this capital and business partnership with Map IV, we expect to combine our strengths to contribute meaningfully toward a richer and more sustainable society.”

About Map IV

- Company Name: MAP IV, Inc.
- Representative: Kazuki Tanaka
- Location: 2-8-1 Nishi, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
- Established: September 1, 2016
- Business Activities:

- Development and provision of high-precision 3D mapping systems and datasets
- Object recognition and location estimation software services
- Integration of autonomous driving systems
- Application expansion across industries such as smart cities, robotics, and XR within Japan and globally

- Website: https://www.map4.jp

About Zenrin

- Company Name: Zenrin Co., Ltd.
- Representative: Michirow Takekawa
- Location: 3-1 Nakahara Shinmachi, Tobata Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Established: April 1961
- Business Activities:

- Collection, management, and provision of various spatial information serving as the foundation for maps and databases
- Development of associated software and solution services related to spatial information