Iwaya Inc. (Headquarters: Ebetsu City, Hokkaido; Representative Director: Keisuke Iwaya), a company aiming to achieve the world's first "space viewing flights" using balloons, announced on March 5 that its proposed "General-Purpose Pressurized Cabin System for Manned Spacecraft" was selected for the Space Strategy Fund Project (Phase 2) publicly solicited by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).
With Iwaya Inc. acting as the representative organization, this project welcomes three collaborating partners: Shin Nippon Air Technologies Co., Ltd., Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Together, they will embark on the integrated development of foundational technologies with an eye toward realizing future manned return spacecraft.
Through its R&D on "space viewing flights" into the stratosphere, Iwaya Inc. has cultivated highly advanced manned pressurized cabin technology. With this selection, the company will leverage that technology as a core to newly enter the domain of "rocket-based manned spacecraft" intended for installation on suborbital vehicles.
The development theme is "Foundational Technologies for Ensuring Safety in Manned Space Transportation Systems." Specifically, by fusing the expertise of each company, they will develop essential elemental technologies for manned space transportation, including "pressurized cabin structures," "crew systems (such as intra-vehicular pressurized suits)," "Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS)," and "overall monitoring and rocket control systems."
"Based on the airtight and ECLSS technologies we have cultivated through high-altitude balloons, we will drive technological development that contributes to improved safety in manned space transportation in collaboration with our partner companies. We aim to contribute to the strengthening and development of Japan's manned space industry foundation," expressed Representative Keisuke Iwaya enthusiastically.
Beyond this project, it has been decided that Iwaya Inc. will also participate as a collaborative organization in two other related technological development themes, positioning the company to strongly lead the advancement of manned space transportation technology across Japan as a whole.
■ ICT Startup League
This is a support program launched in FY2023, sparked by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Startup Creation-type Exploratory R&D Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
(1) R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided in the form of subsidies. For hands-on support, the selection evaluation committee members involved in choosing league members will remain closely involved to promote growth even after the selection. A truly "championing" support system has been established, where committee members continuously support the companies they evaluated as "must-select" by offering advice on business plans and providing growth opportunities.
(2) Discovery & Incubation
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to encourage the business growth of league members.
Additionally, we will expand our base by discovering individuals aiming to start businesses in the future.
(3) Competition & Co-creation
Serving as an arena for positive competition akin to a sports league, startups learn together and engage in friendly rivalry to win the exact amount of funding they truly need (up to 20 million yen). We also provide a co-creation space where league members can collaborate and expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions led by the selection evaluation committee.
(4) Broadcasting
We broadcast the initiatives of league members in partnership with the media! By letting more people know about these businesses, we aim to broaden the scope of new matches and opportunities.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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Iwaya Inc. (Official Website)
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Iwaya Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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JAXA Space Strategy Fund (Special Site)
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Original Press Release
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For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.
