Eight Knot Triumphs at Tokyo's 50th UPGRADE Pitch Event with Innovative Maritime Solutions

Eight Knot Triumphs at Tokyo's 50th UPGRADE Pitch Event

In a significant achievement for maritime innovation, Eight Knot Co., a startup based in Sakai City, Osaka, has emerged victorious at the 50th UPGRADE with TOKYO pitch event held on October 10, 2025. This event, organized by Tokyo Metropolitan Government, serves as a platform for startups to present their pioneering technologies aimed at addressing city management challenges. This year’s theme was centered around developing a coastal conservation facility inspection system, focusing on improving speed and efficiency.

Eight Knot showcased its groundbreaking solution, the "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN," a self-navigating platform designed for small vessels. Their pitch highlighted the system’s abilities in disaster response, which includes standardizing navigation, real-time video sharing for immediate situational awareness, and pre-registering priority inspection points with navigational assistance. The technologies proposed promise a transformative approach to managing maritime inspections during emergencies, even in the absence of experienced captains.

The judges praised the presentation, recognizing the growing need for such advancements in autonomous navigation technology. They noted the importance of alleviating human anxiety during disasters and emphasized the system's potential to allow smaller teams to conduct inspections from the sea without requiring large gatherings, an essential factor during emergencies. They also acknowledged the demographic trends leading to a shortage of skilled captains, underscoring the future relevance of such technology.

The Future of Eight Knot

Following this victory, Eight Knot plans to collaborate with the Tokyo Port Authority to implement their proposed solutions. The company aims to expand partnerships with local governments and enterprises leveraging autonomous navigation technology. Through these alliances, Eight Knot is committed to advancing digital transformation (DX) in maritime sectors, striving for a society where everyone can safely and efficiently utilize ocean resources.

Overview of Eight Knot

Founded on March 8, 2021, Eight Knot focuses on developing autonomous navigation technologies specifically tailored for small vessels. The startup aims to drive "Ocean DX" and the roboticization of ships by enhancing crew support, improving vessel safety, and optimizing operational costs. The company's platform, the "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN," uses high-performance sensors and cameras powered by AI to autonomously select optimal routes. Currently, the technology is being gradually implemented in Japan, with plans for expansion into the North American market by 2027.

With a commitment to redefining maritime operations, Eight Knot is paving the way for a more accessible and safer maritime future, addressing the evolving needs of the industry with innovative and effective solutions.

Company foundation: 2021-03-08
CEO: Hiroto Kimura
CTO: Tomoaki Yokoyama
Headquarters: 130-42 Nagasone-cho, Sakai City, Osaka
Tokyo Office: 1-16-8 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo
Hiroshima Office: 7-1 Kamihatchobori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City
Business Focus: Development and sales of autonomous navigation systems for water mobility
Website: 8kt.jp

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