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KiAI Inc. 2025

Ibaraki, Hitachi City

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KiAI's vision is “Global Return for Everyone,” and its mission is to use data to open up opportunities in emerging markets and growth regions around the world. KiAI creates value with a global perspective while emphasizing deep local insight. Through rapid learning and development, as well as smart expansion, KiAI enhances its competitiveness in rapidly changing markets. KiAI pursues sustainable value creation with integrity and contributes to society as a trusted partner.

KiAI Inc. 's News & Column
NEW INFORMATION

Successful Proof of Concept in Vietnam: New Information Infrastructure Supporting SME Overseas Expansion

2026/01/26

STARTUP LEAGUE

Successful Proof of Concept in Vietnam: New Information Infrastructure Supporting SME Overseas Expansion

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.

2026/01/26

STARTUP LEAGUE

KiAI Redefines Tourism Assets as "Business Research Infrastructure"

KiAI Inc. (Headquarters: Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture; Representative Director & CEO: Kazumasa Oba), a developer and operator of AI-powered overseas expansion services, announced on January 26 that it has successfully completed a demonstration experiment in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The experiment involved an overseas corporate research service utilizing a global network of land operators (local arrangement companies).

2025/11/06

STARTUP LEAGUE

Democratizing Information on a Global Scale: Supporting Corporate Overseas Expansion by Providing Accurate, Real-Time Information from Developing and Emerging Countries with AI

In modern society, where internet use is commonplace, we are truly overflowing with information. However, there is a huge gap in the quantity and quality of information we can obtain about economically wealthy countries in Europe and North America (the Global North) versus information about emerging and developing countries (the Global South).

KiAI Inc.'s Main Innovation
INNOVATION

Development of intelligence platform KiAI for international business

KiAI collects data in many languages, including local languages that are not widely used, and conducts research on AI technology for translation and summarization. We aim to achieve natural translations that accurately convey meaning by specially adjusting the AI. We are also working on mechanisms to automatically evaluate the reliability of information and to create user-friendly interfaces tailored to individual users. Furthermore, we are establishing operational methods to ensure stable usability and collaborating with local staff to create an information service that comprehensively covers the world with reliable information.

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KiAI Inc. Representative Introduction
REPRESENTATIVE

Representative Kazumasa Oba Kazumasa Oba
15 years of experience as an economist at the World Bank Group IFC, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, OECD, Japanese Embassy in the US, International Labor Organization, and Mizuho Securities. Proficient in data science and AI technology. Master's degree in Humanities and Social Sciences (Mathematical Logic) from Paris 1 University in France. While at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, developed an AI-powered economic indicator forecasting model, demonstrating expertise in AI application within the financial industry. Founded KiAI in September 2023, providing business solutions with a global perspective and practical AI technology.
Main Achievements 2025 Participated in ICT Startup League
2025 Selected for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' “Support Project for Overseas Expansion of Digital Infrastructure with Ensured Safety and Reliability” for fiscal year 2025 “Regional Quota”
2024 Selected for Nvidia Inception Program
2024 Selected for StartX Acceleration Program (JETRO)
2024 Selected for 500 Global Acceleration Program (JETRO)
Motivation, Goals, and Ideal World [What inspired me to start my own business]
In emerging and developing countries, there is a lack of accurate and reliable information, making it difficult for local companies and governments to make quick decisions. I decided to start my own business with the goal of overcoming the information barrier with AI and creating a society where people around the world have equal opportunities.
[My goals]
To collect and analyze diverse local information in real time, including minor languages, and provide reliable international business intelligence for everyone. This will facilitate entry into emerging markets and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional revitalization.
【The World I Want to Create】
A world where everyone can access information equally and participate freely in business and social activities, transcending language and information barriers. I aim to realize a sustainable future society where everyone can enjoy global opportunities and diversity is respected.

KiAI Inc. Basic Informaton
BASIC
INFORMATION

Company Name KiAI Inc.
Representative Name Kazumasa Oba
Address 2-20-1 Nishinarizawa-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Official Site and Social Media Official Website
@Kazumasa_Oba_ | X (Twitter)
Founding Date September 1, 2023

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