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 & 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. .png)
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 & 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