Launch of 'BEYOND MAKERS PROGRAM,' an International Co-creation Program Connecting Japanese Manufacturing SMEs with Australian Startups

Venture Cafe Tokyo (Executive Director: Ryusuke Komura), together with Lambda Inc., Innovation Dojo Japan LLC, and Arclev Inc., is pleased to announce the participating companies for the 'BEYOND MAKERS PROGRAM.' This international co-creation program, developed under a cooperative agreement with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, aims to bridge the gap between Japanese small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) with advanced manufacturing capabilities and Australian startups seeking prototype development and market expansion.

Program Overview This is a practical, hands-on global open innovation program aimed at creating proof-of-concept (PoC) opportunities, including joint development, technology introduction, and supply chain establishment. By leveraging the combined strengths of companies from both nations, the program seeks to establish a new model of international cooperation that moves beyond simple networking into the commercialization and implementation phases. Official Website: https://beyondmakersprogram.com/

TOKYO SUTEAM: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Partnership This program is part of the 'TOKYO SUTEAM' initiative for Fiscal Year 2025, a startup support framework promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Its purpose is to strengthen Tokyo's startup ecosystem and foster international innovation through collaboration among diverse support entities. Official Website: https://tokyosuteam.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/

Selection of Australian Startups Following a recruitment drive in Australia for startups seeking collaboration with Japanese manufacturers, ten companies were selected from numerous applicants after document screening and interviews. These selected startups possess diverse needs and technologies, including joint development in manufacturing, advanced technical cooperation, supply chain building, and the introduction of digital technologies. The program will match several startups with each Japanese SME and aim to create specific collaboration themes for PoC and commercialization through workshops held in Australia.

### Selected Startups (Alphabetical Order): - AICRAFT Pty Ltd: Edge computing for space and aerospace, enabling high-performance AI at the edge with low power. (https://www.aicraft.com.au/) - Carebotics Technologies Pty Ltd: GNN-based memory learning and biometric/emotional recognition integrated AI companion robots for elderly care. (http://www.carebotics.ai) - Contactile Pty Ltd: Tactile sensors that detect 3D force, torque, friction, and slip in real-time, giving robots human-like touch. (https://contactile.com) - DeCarice Pty Ltd: Retrofittable engine technology for existing diesel engines using direct injection of hydrogen/natural gas for low-carbon power. (http://decarice.com.au) - Fugu Carbon Pty Ltd: Sustainable fuel manufacturing technology producing methanol and aviation fuel from solar power and atmospheric CO2. (https://fugu.energy/) - Kite Magnetics Pty Ltd: High-efficiency electromagnetic core technology using nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials (Aeroperm) to improve electric motor efficiency. (https://kitemagnetics.com/) - MotionLogic Pty Ltd: A Physical AI platform for manufacturing that understands and optimizes workplace processes using optical sensing and AI. (https://motionlogic.io/) - Puralink pty Ltd: Autonomous control and patented drive mechanisms for small-diameter piping with complex structures. (https://www.puralink.com.au/) - UING Pty Ltd: Non-contact spatial interface technology allowing digital operations via hand gestures in space using cameras and AI. (https://uing.io/) - Vixia Pty Ltd: Label-free, real-time AI visual inspection cameras for defect detection adapted for the manufacturing floor. (https://www.vixia.ai)

Participation of Domestic Manufacturing SMEs Details on the participating Japanese manufacturers responsive to the needs of these startups have also been finalized.