Japanese Tech Start-ups Show Confidence in the UAE
Oct 21, 2018
Following a successful run at GITEX Future Stars 2018 – the Japanese government and JETRO’s first international mission under its new J-Startup program – media company FreakOut Holdings, Inc., healthcare app Allm Inc., and award-winning A.I company Empath Inc., confirmed plans to expand into the UAE with a view to use their new UAE base as a launch pad into the wider MENA region. The start-ups were among 19 innovative and dynamic Japanese companies showcasing their innovative technology and services to regional audiences at GITEX Future Stars.
Among the 19 innovative start-ups showcased at the Japan Pavilion, four have been selected under J-Startup, a program launched in June 2018 by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Technology and Industry with a mission to foster and grow Japan’s start-up sector. Selected through the recommendation of experts, the start-ups receive intensive support measures from a number of private and public organizations. (1) J-Startup company ispace generated significant buzz through offering visitors a glimpse into the future of space exploration; (2) A.I startup Visits Technologies Inc. made an impact with its patented consensus-building algorithm “ideagram”; (3) Unipos Inc. a finalist of the Supernova Challenge showcased its HR technology that allows employees to honor their colleagues through micro-peer bonuses; and (4) Connectec Japan Corp. with its world-first IoT assembly technology.
Other J-startups exhibited at Japan Pavilion were: from AI sector, Toyput Inc. which trains the next generation of entrepreneurs by fostering children’s technical, creative and leadership abilities, and Primesap Co., Ltd. presenting Trac that analyzes human’s health & fitness and provides health programs using analytical platform with IoT devices, and big data analysis. From Fintech sector: Doreming a cloud-based HR-payroll platform enables companies to pay employees, particularly those who are under or unbanked, in real time; PMCODE Co., Ltd is a next generation 2D code that allows storage of digital data in a 3-dimensional structure; and Warrantee a one-stop smartphone application for non-life insurance services.
IDDK Co., Ltd are developers of a new generation of smartphone-sized microscope. Spiral Inc. provides specialized drone solutions for non-GPS environment as factories & warehouses to enable robots identify their location. Bespoke Inc. presents Bebot the interactive chat bot solution for hotel & tourism operators. mui Lab Inc. are developers of a chic natural wood, interactive touch panel display used as a smart home/IoT interface. Suita Electric Corporation manufactures power analyzer instruments that can analyze energy quickly and easily; Kamakura Seisakusho Co., Ltd presents Coolex, industry’s first personal cooling system by cold water circulation; and Vanguard Industries Inc. an innovation firm establishing systems specialized in concept, solution, product, and experience design in various industries.
To ensure a successful event, JETRO also engaged Middle East technology and e-commerce entrepreneur, Paul Kenny to lead an intensive mentorship program for startups to fully utilize the opportunities and foster long-lasting partnerships in the region. For JETRO, its participation at GITEX Future Stars 2018 – its largest to date – and the news that three Japanese start-ups are taking steps to establish presence in the UAE is indicative of the growing ties, and shared goals between the UAE and Japan. And truly, the UAE is the perfect home for Japanese innovation and expertise.
