The Kansai Innovation Initiative (KSII), a network partner of UPDATE EARTH, operates the "U-START UP KANSAI" program, designed to support university-originated startups. This program unites KSII with the industrial sector, led by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to foster the creation of university-originated startups and assist in their expansion into domestic and international markets.
In the 2024 program, 74 entries were submitted, and 11 university-originated startups advanced to the open pitch event (final selection) held in September. Among them, SPACE WALKER, a startup from Tokyo University of Science, received the top honor, the Global Innovators Award. Their development of a reusable rocket capable of round-trip flights, much like an airplane, earned high praise. As a reward, SPACE WALKER was granted the opportunity to exhibit at the CES 2025, a prestigious technology trade show in Las Vegas, USA, scheduled for January 2025.
CES is a key event that sets the direction for the tech industry each year. With space technology being one of its highlighted themes, SPACE WALKER’s innovation is expected to garner significant attention.
(Reference)
- Organizer: Kansai Innovation Initiative (KSII)
- Link: U-START UP KANSAI 2024 - Supporting University-Originated Startups
