#Japan #AI Technology #Tokyo #Mitsubishi Electric #Akari

Akari Inc. Secures Major Investment to Propel AI Innovations

On January 28, 2026, Akari Inc., an AI startup born from the University of Tokyo, succeeded in raising 5 billion yen through a third-party allotment of shares, with Mitsubishi Electric as the leading investor. This significant funding event has placed the company's valuation at over 100 billion yen, showcasing its remarkable operational capabilities and technological leadership in advanced industrial applications.

Founded in February 2021, Akari has remained profitable while driving digital transformation (DX) across foundational industries including construction, manufacturing, and logistics. This new financial influx marks Akari's first substantial fundraising effort and is set to enhance their collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric to accelerate the development of a "Next-Generation Industry Operating System" aimed at upgrading Japan's industrial infrastructure and establishing a robust global competitive edge.

Background and Objectives of Funding

With the mission to illuminate Japan, Akari harnesses cutting-edge technology to support a broad spectrum of industries including wholesale and retail, enhancing their competitiveness and facilitating a transformation within Japan's industrial framework. The shift in AI technology towards "Embodied AI"—integrating physical and digital realms—is at the forefront of Akari's initiatives. A team of robot engineers at Akari actively conducts practical testing, ensuring that AI applications are effectively implemented in real-world settings.

Mitsubishi Electric possesses extensive domain knowledge and a vast operational network in various sectors such as factory automation and social systems, along with a wealth of actual data from manufacturing environments. Akari brings exceptional capability in algorithm development and the rapid implementation of software solutions that maximize the value of hardware. Through this funding partnership, Akari aims to merge Mitsubishi Electric's physical asset power with its own AI asset capabilities, ultimately developing a system that functions as the brain of unmanned and autonomous factories—its "Next-Generation Industry Operating System."

Investment Focus

The newly acquired funds will primarily be directed towards:

• - Promoting M&A: Focusing on acquiring companies with synergistic technologies or domain-specific capabilities that align with Akari's existing operations.
• - Accelerating R&D: Expanding engineering resources to develop Embodied AI and the next-generation industrial OS.

Comments from Leadership

Kei Urushima, President of Mitsubishi Electric:
"We are honored to establish a strategic partnership with Akari to promote Japan's industrial digital transformation using advanced AI technology. The expertise of Akari in AI and its speed in solving challenges are critical as we work towards transforming into an innovative digital company. By combining Akari's pioneering algorithm development and implementation strengths with our extensive site knowledge, we aim to create new solutions that address societal challenges and infuse vitality into Japan's industrial landscape to pave the way for a sustainable future."

Yuki Noro, CEO of Akari:
"Since our inception, we have been dedicated to addressing workplace challenges while maintaining profitability and reinvesting profits for growth. Engaging in discussions with President Urushima underscored our shared commitment and vision to uplift Japan's industrial sector. By amalgamating Mitsubishi Electric's unparalleled real-world data with our AI prowess, we will collaboratively build an unprecedented industrial operating system."

About Akari Inc.

Akari Inc. is a Tokyo-based AI startup aimed at solving societal issues using cutting-edge technologies, including AI. It addresses challenges such as productivity enhancement and the preservation of craftsmanship in prominent Japanese industries, including construction, manufacturing, logistics, and retail.

Company Overview

• - Name: Akari Inc.
• - Location: 21st Floor, Ochanomizu Solacity, 4-6 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - CEO: Yuki Noro
• - Founded: February 2021
• - Website: https://akariinc.co.jp/