Successful Proof of Concept in Vietnam: New Information Infrastructure Supporting SME Overseas Expansion ― A Challenge by KiAI Inc., an ICT Startup League Selectee ―

When Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) attempt to enter the global market, a significant barrier they face is the lack of "raw local information." KiAI Inc. is a startup tackling this issue head-on by building an innovative business research infrastructure that leverages assets from the travel industry combined with AI technology. As a selected project for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "ICT Startup League," KiAI successfully completed a Proof of Concept (PoC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in December 2025. This demonstration was conducted in collaboration with IACE Travel Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo), a partner in the ICT Startup League.

＜Interview with the CEO: Passion for the Global Challenge＞

Kazumasa Oba, Representative Director of KiAI Inc., comments as follows:

"In Japan, there are many SMEs that possess world-class technology and products but have given up on overseas challenges simply because they 'cannot obtain accurate and trustworthy local information.' I view this not as a failure of individual corporate effort, but as a structural issue where Japan has lost growth opportunities.
Under the vision of 'delivering global returns to everyone,' KiAI is attempting to build a new information infrastructure. By fusing advanced analysis via AI with a locally rooted human network, we connect 'online information' with 'local reality'—two realms that have traditionally been disconnected.
This Proof of Concept in Vietnam was a crucial first step in demonstrating that this challenge can generate tangible value in actual business settings. We were able to execute on-site research—which traditionally took significant time and cost—with overwhelming speed and precision. This holds the potential to drastically change the norms of overseas expansion.
What we truly want to realize is not a world where 'only a few large corporations can compete abroad.'
Our goal is to create an environment where every Japanese SME, regardless of scale, can confidently challenge the world and receive fair evaluation and returns.
KiAI will continue to refine practical services that thoroughly integrate AI and the real world, transforming overseas challenges for Japanese companies from something special into a 'standard option.' We will keep running at the forefront for Japanese companies taking on the world."

＜Overview and Results of the PoC＞

This experiment utilized the "Land Operator" (professionals who handle local arrangements at the request of travel agencies) network owned by IACE Travel. In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the project involved verifying the locations and operational status of three local companies.
As a result, on-site research that previously took several weeks was completed in as little as "1 day," and costs were reduced to less than 1/10th of traditional methods. By having local personnel directly verify corporate existence and operational status—facts difficult to grasp through online information alone—we were able to obtain highly reliable research results.

＜Service Innovation: Hybrid Support of Digital & Real＞

KiAI plans to launch "Trst" (Trust), an overseas expansion support platform, in mid-2026.
Trst automates the entire PDCA cycle of overseas expansion, from market research and sales strategy planning by AI sales agents to discovering target companies and providing multilingual support tailored to local business customs. Furthermore, the platform establishes a system where even companies with little overseas experience can conduct business with peace of mind. This includes options for direct verification by local land operators, local visit packages for business meetings, interpretation, and safety support.
"By combining AI with local human networks, we maximize the accuracy and reliability of information. We want to support companies' global challenges from both digital and physical perspectives." (Mr. Oba)

＜Solving Issues Faced by SMEs＞

SMEs facing overseas expansion often struggle with "information asymmetry," "high research costs," "lack of time and human resources," and "uncertainty regarding the reliability of online information." KiAI's new service resolves these issues at once through the local capabilities of land operators and the analytical power of AI. The goal is to build an information foundation that allows SMEs to expand anywhere in the world with confidence.

＜Future Outlook＞

Starting with the success in Vietnam, KiAI plans to conduct pilot projects with Japanese SMEs and formally launch the service. The policy is to sequentially expand operations to other regions, including Asia, Europe, and the United States.
"We want to create an information infrastructure for Japanese SMEs to challenge the world"—KiAI's challenge will continue alongside partners like IACE Travel.

■ About the ICT Startup League
Initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Start-up Creation-type Germination Research and Development Support Business," this program provides practical support for business expansion and offers a venue for competition and co-creation for startups aiming for global expansion.
If you want to challenge overseas markets or solve social issues through the power of ICT, please participate via pre-entry.
Pre-entry | ICT Startup League

The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funds / Accompaniment Support
Up to 20 million JPY in R&D funds is provided in the form of a subsidy. Additionally, in terms of accompaniment support, the selection evaluation committee members who were involved in selecting the league members will continue to work closely with them after selection to promote growth. For companies that committee members evaluate as ones they "absolutely want to see adopted," a support system is built akin to "passionate fan support" (Oshi-katsu), where the evaluators themselves provide continuous support, such as advice on business plans and offering growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Incubation
We provide learning opportunities and venues for encounters that promote the business growth of league members.
We also deploy initiatives to discover those aiming to start businesses in the future, aiming to broaden the base of the ecosystem.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Designed as a venue for positive competition like a sports league, startups learn together and improve through friendly rivalry, competing to win the necessary amount of funding (up to 20 million JPY). We also provide a place for co-creation where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with selection evaluation committee members.
4. Dissemination
We will broadcast the initiatives of league members in cooperation with the media! By letting more people know about these businesses, we aim to expand new matching opportunities and chances.

Column COLUMN