Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)
KII invests in Space Quarters, which provides architectural services in outer space
Developing a space architecture system to construct large structures that serve as infrastructure in orbit and on the lunar surface ……
Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) has invested in Space Quarters, which develops a space architecture system for constructing large structures that serve as infrastructure in orbit and on the moon. Through this capital increase, Space Quarters will raise a total of 160 million yen and will accelerate development toward the official launch of the service.
Keio Innovation Initiative (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kotaro Yamagishi; hereinafter referred to as KII) is a space architecture system that constructs large structures that will serve as infrastructure in orbit and on the lunar surface from a fund managed by our company. We have invested in the developer Space Quarters Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director Shogo Onishi, hereinafter referred to as Space Quarters) through a third-party allotment of capital. The total amount raised by Space Quarters through this third-party allotment, including procurement from other investors, will be 160 million yen.
◆Development of a construction system for large structures using electron beam welding technology in outer space
Space Quarters is Tohoku University, which is developing a space architecture system to construct large structures that will serve as infrastructure in orbit and on the moon, with the mission of “establishing space architecture technology and accelerating humanity’s advancement into space.” This is a venture. When
constructing large structures that will serve as infrastructure in outer space, the conventional process of transporting the completed structure from the ground poses issues such as the rocket payload size and the risk of damage due to vibration and acceleration during launch, and the size and shape of the space structure. is subject to restrictions. To meet this challenge, Space Quarters will launch building materials and use a proprietary welding robot system to assemble them in orbit or on the lunar surface. Through this, we aim to realize large-scale, high-value-added space infrastructure at low cost that has not been possible until now.
Using the funds raised this time, we will conduct demonstration tests in a simulated space environment in order to advance the design of space architecture robot systems and proof of concept (PoC) of elemental technology while proceeding with projects commissioned by major companies and government agencies. We will accelerate
development toward welding assembly demonstration in space and official service launch. This is expected to promote the use of space for a variety of purposes and contribute to the transformation of the socio-economic system.
■Company overview
Company name: Space Quarters Inc.
Address: 5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Representative Director Shogo Onishi
Established: June 2022
Business content: Space architecture business using space architecture robot system
U R L: https://space-quarters.com/
[Image: https://prtimes.jp/i/18580/61/resize/d18580-61-f3bdf2663b9c6443f52c-0.jpg&s3=18580-61-06cfede061d4ff7b0225f91a978ea86e-590×327.jpg] ◆About Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)
KII was established in December 2015 primarily to support startups that utilize Keio University’s research results. In addition, from January 2020, with the mission of “until the research, the invention, and the innovation change society,” we will focus on making lead investments from the seed and early stages to develop society through digital technology. We have supported the social implementation of research and the resolution of social issues for all
academia-originated startups that work on innovation and solving problems in medicine and health.
In October 2023, we will establish the university VC’s first impact fund, “KII No. 3 Impact Fund,” aiming to “realize a society where all people can achieve a healthy and happy life (a society where everyone can be active throughout their lives).” At the same time, by making impact investments in academia startups, we aim to create positive and measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns.
-Overview of KII-
Trade name: Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc.
Business content: Development of university-based technology venture companies, management of venture capital funds
Capital: 100 million yen (including capital reserve of 50 million yen) Representative: Representative Director and President Kotaro Yamagishi URL: https://www.keio-innovation.co.jp
The information contained in this release is current as of the date of announcement.
This article has been partially generated with the assistance of AI.