NHK「おはよう日本」にて実証実験の取り組みが取り上げられました。【掲載終了】

Eight Knot Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture; CEO: Yujin Kimura; hereinafter “the Company”) is pleased to announce that it has been selected for the Manufacturingtech &amp; Hardtech track in the Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP), jointly offered by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Industry 4.0 Accelerator, Michigan-based startup accelerator.&nbsp; <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/6667e9d6c1974c3a8e687719766c593b/PRTIMES%20%E3%82%B5%E3%83%A0%E3%83%8D%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB%20(3).png" alt="" width="1920" height="1280"> The Company is a startup aiming to advance autonomous navigation technology through AI and robotics. It has developed and provides the autonomous navigation platform “Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN”, with the goal of realizing a future in which anyone can operate vessels safely and securely. The Company is actively promoting the adoption of this technology both in Japan and overseas. GSAP is a JETRO-led program designed to support the global expansion of promising startups. Selected companies receive direct support from world-class accelerators, gaining access to valuable information, resources, and connections available only through the accelerator’s network, while rapidly developing the skills needed for overseas market entry, including sales channel development and customer acquisition. Through its participation in the Manufacturingtech &amp; Hardtech track, the Company will receive support for research on market characteristics and business environments in North America, exploration of collaboration partners in the U.S., and building networks with investors and potential future customers. Leveraging this opportunity, the Company will accelerate its business development toward a full-scale entry into the North American market planned for 2027. About the Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP) GSAP Official Page (JETRO): https://www.jetro.go.jp/services/gsap.html

Eight Knot, Autonomous Maritime Tech Startup, Selected for JETRO’s “Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP)”

Eight Knot Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Osaka; CEO: Yujin Kimura, hereinafter referred to as “Eight Knot”), a pioneering startup in autonomous ship navigation, and E-Force Marine Inc. (Headquarters: Miami, Florida; CEO: Al Haghayegh, hereinafter referred to as “E-Force Marine”), announced today that they have signed an agreement to conduct a joint pilot project showcasing the “Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN” autonomous navigation platform in the U.S. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/69ab442022aa41c29f0f8c53b7ecf887/PRTIMES%20%E3%82%B5%E3%83%A0%E3%83%8D%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB%20(2).png" alt="" width="1920" height="1280"> As part of collaboration, Eight Knot will integrate its state-of-the-art autonomous navigation platform, Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN (hereinsfter referred to as “AI CAPTAIN”), onto electric boat owned by E-Force Marine for comprehensive performance evaluation at test site in Florida. The pilot will involve the joint efforts of both companies’ engineering teams to oversee hardware installation, system calibration, data acquisition, and UI/UX validation. In addition, E-Force Marine will host test rides for its employees and customers to gather feedback and identify key requirements for autonomous navigation solutions tailored to the U.S. market. Through this initiative, Eight Knot, a startup specializing in autonomous navigation technology for vessels, aims to establish strong foothold for its expansion to the United States, leveraging this pilot to validate technology readiness and regulatory adaptability. E-Force Marine, a leading innovator in electric marine propulsion, seeks to accelerate the advent of next-generation marine mobility by combining zero-emission electric systems with advanced autonomy. They intend to use the results of joint demonstration as foundation for strategic discussions toward a broader partnership, shaping the future of sustainable and intelligent marine transportation in the United States. EightKnot Inc. Overview Eight Knot is driving the digital transformation of the sea and the robotization of vessels, focusing on autonomous navigation technologies for small and mid-sized vessels. We provide solutions such as navigation support systems to support crews, improve maritime safety, and optimize operational costs by implementing practical autonomous navigation. Our system, “Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN,” automates navigation from departure to docking and is seeing growing adoption in Japan. We plan to expand into the North American market by 2027. E-Force Marine Inc. Overview E‑Force Marine leads the marine electrification movement by engineering and manufacturing bespoke electric and hybrid propulsion systems - most notably its Aurora E‑Drive platform. The company designs electric vessels and converts existing fuel-powered boats into efficient “e‑crafts,” enabling up to 81% lower energy cost and zero-emission operations. Its solutions offer quiet, low-maintenance cruising with fast charging options.

Eight Knot and E-Force Marine Launch Joint Pilot of Autonomous Navigation Platform “Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN” in the United States

Eight Knot Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Osaka; CEO: Yujin Kimura) is pleased to announce the completion of its Pre-Series A funding round in September 2024. Through a combination of third-party share issuance and loans from financial institutions, they have raised a total of 570 million yen. The lead investor for this round is <a href="https://spiral-cap.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spiral Innovation Partners, Inc</a><a href="https://spiral-cap.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">.</a> Additional new investors include:<ul><li><a href="https://www.techv.co.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Inc.</a></li><li><a href="https://qbc.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">QB Capital, LLC</a> and <a href="https://ncbvc.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NCB Venture Capital</a></li><li><a href="https://www.oli.olc.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Oriental Land Innovations Co., Ltd.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kyokuyoshipyard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation</a></li><li><a href="https://iwakitec.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IWAKITEC Co., Ltd.</a></li></ul>Further support came from <a href="https://dronefund.vc/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DRONE FUND Inc.</a>, the lead investor from the seed round. This latest round brings the total cumulative funding raised by the Company, including loans, to 760 million yen. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/52c58d48d28a4a4997b02b6ca6ba6420/20241015%20Pre-Series%20A%20closed%20EN.png" alt="" width="1920" height="1280"> <h3 id="h82c7a646f3">Purpose of the Fundraising&nbsp;</h3>This round of funding aims to strengthen the development team to enhance the functionality of the Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN autonomous navigation platform for small vessels, which was announced in October 2022. Additionally, it will reinforce the business development team to support business expansion.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Company plans to: Enhance the retrofit business by integrating Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN into existing small vessels, tailoring product functions for various domestic and international markets, and expanding its sales framework. Utilize the expertise gained through retrofitting to provide software solutions to marine engine manufacturers, shipyards, and boat builders both in Japan and abroad, accelerating the practical implementation of autonomous navigation technology. &nbsp; The following efforts will also be prioritized:<ul><li>Strengthening the engineering team with expertise in robotics and AI.</li><li>Recruiting personnel to boost sales activities in the domestic market.</li><li>Establishing a team to develop partnerships for overseas market expansion.</li><li>Expanding corporate teams, including HR and inventory management.</li><li>Recruiting staff to plan and execute public relations strategies and enhance PR activities.</li></ul> Recruitment information: <a href="https://www.wantedly.com/companies/eightknot" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here</a>

Eight Knot Inc. Secures 570 Million Yen in Pre-Series A Funding to Accelerate Development of Autonomous Navigation Technology

Eight Knot Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture; CEO: Yujin Kimura; hereinafter referred to as "our company") is pleased to announce that on January 31, 2024, it secured funding from the Kansai Innovation Network No. 2 Investment Limited Partnership (commonly known as Innovation Fund 25Next), which is operated by Senshu Ikeda Capital Co., Ltd. and funded by The Senshu Ikeda Bank, Ltd., among others. With this funding, the total amount raised in our Pre-Series A round has reached 160 million yen. <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/71d1cec603bc450ca5007a9b3b792770/logo%E7%84%A1%E2%80%9720240517%20Pre-Series%20A%201st%20SENSHU%20IKEDA%20CAPITAL%20JP.png" alt="" width="1920" height="1280"> Innovation Fund 25Next aims to contribute to industrial promotion by creating new businesses in the local community, thereby promoting the development of the regional economy and securing employment in Osaka and the Kansai area. The fund targets companies with technologies and business models that are expected to contribute to the goals of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, such as achieving a society that meets the SDGs and realizing Society 5.0. As a group of experts in robotics and AI, our company promotes "DX of the sea" and "robotization of ships." By implementing our autonomous navigation platform for small vessels, "AI CAPTAIN," we can support crew members, enhance safety, and optimize operational costs. Through support for our company, we can contribute to the realization of SDG 11: "Sustainable Cities and Communities," which has led to the current support from the Senshu Ikeda Bank Group through Innovation Fund 25Next. Fund Overview <img src="https://images.microcms-assets.io/assets/5332c340772547a7ab677c4b06102474/0ed3a0eff38a41659af4f045d317be45/%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%202024-07-19%20164134.png" alt="" width="686" height="752">

Automated Ship Navigation Technology Development Startup Eight Knot Inc. Secures Funding from Innovation Fund 25Next Operated by Senshu Ikeda Capital Co., Ltd.

NHK「おはよう日本」にて実証実験の取り組みが取り上げられました。【掲載終了】

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