IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD: Space Quarters Wins Startup Kyoto International Award with Space Construction Robot System "DAIQ"

The IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City) held the pitch event "IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD," known as a gateway for next-generation entrepreneurs, on Friday, July 3. Among 15 finalists selected from over 500 applicants (approximately 20% from overseas), Space Quarters Co., Ltd. was awarded the Startup Kyoto International Prize (Grand Prize).

IVS LAUNCHPAD was established with the vision of being a launchpad to propel early-stage startups that have not yet entered the market.

First launched in 2007, 2026 marks its 20th anniversary. To date, over 5,000 companies have applied. More than 60 past participants have successfully exited, and over 100 have raised more than 1 billion yen, achieving rapid growth. IVS LAUNCHPAD has become Japan’s largest pitch event in terms of history and scale, often referred to as the “gateway for next-generation entrepreneurs.”

At IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD, IVS and Kyoto Prefecture jointly awarded the “Startup Kyoto International Prize” to support startups capable of competing globally. This year, the winner received a prize of 10 million yen.

Over 500 companies applied, including overseas entrants (about 20%), and 15 finalists advanced from the preliminary rounds. Each delivered a passionate 6-minute presentation showcasing their product and vision.

Judges commented: “I attend every year, and the quality improves annually, making it increasingly difficult to choose a winner.” “I felt many startups sincerely addressed Japan’s social challenges.” “From SaaS to deep tech, AI, space, defense, and real-world businesses, IVS LAUNCHPAD once again reflects the industries symbolizing the era’s trends, and I felt the evolution of its history.”

The winner was Munenori Takahashi of Space Quarters Co., Ltd.

Takahashi began his presentation by highlighting a key challenge in current space construction: finished structures must be packed into rocket noses, limiting size. To solve this, he passionately introduced the "Robot System DAIQ." He concluded with a powerful message: "Building space from Japan."

Comment from Munenori Takahashi, CEO of Space Quarters Co., Ltd.:

"Thank you very much.

Founded in 2022, we are now in our fourth year, pursuing our goal of building large structures in space since day one. Back then, people questioned whether our concept was feasible. Despite doubts, we never gave up on our vision. Today, for the first time, I feel we’ve successfully conveyed more of the excitement than skepticism to the audience. I believe space construction will become essential for the space industry, and I respect Japan’s technological and architectural capabilities, which we will continue to leverage."

Grand Prize Winner:

Space Quarters Co., Ltd.

Space Construction - Robot System "DAIQ"

https://space-quarters.com/

Munenori Takahashi

2nd Place:

Akari Hosho Inc.

"Akari Hosho" – A lawyer-operated guarantor service turning individuals’ anxieties into peace of mind

https://www.akarihosho.jp/

Yuki Shimizu

3rd Place:

MUSE Inc.

"Armo" – Multi-purpose robotics platform for retail stores

https://www.muse-gr.com/

Yasutaka Kasugi

4th Place:

inprog Inc.

"CleanK" – Toilet cleaning robot that scrubs under the rim

https://www.cleank.space/ja/

Naoto Munesei

5th Place:

ZetaX Inc.

The future of manufacturing unlocked by Edge AI

https://zetax.jp/

Yo Sato, Kyosha Yanagisawa

Audience Award:

TAIAN Inc.

"TAIAN" – Challenging the global 460-trillion-yen festival market

https://taian-inc.com/

Mari Koike

Finalists of IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD (in order of presentation, titles omitted)

Over 500 companies applied (approx. 20% overseas). The 15 finalists are:

- UMIAILE Inc.

"UMIAILE" – Artificial satellite at 0m altitude

https://umiaile.com/

Ryosuke Itai

- Elith Inc.

Tech company enabling safe societal implementation of corporate AI through AI security and AI safety

https://www.elith.ai/

Koki Inoue

- Robotruck Inc.

Autonomous driving system for trucks

https://robotruck.jp/

Yusuke Haga

- Akari Hosho Inc.

"Akari Hosho" – Lawyer-operated guarantor service turning individuals’ anxieties into peace of mind

https://www.akarihosho.jp/

Yuki Shimizu

- zooba Inc.

"zooba" – AI assistant strengthening Japan’s IT administrators

https://www.zooba.ai/

Ayane Nawa

- ZetaX Inc.

The future of manufacturing unlocked by Edge AI

https://zetax.jp/

Yo Sato, Kyosha Yanagisawa

- Ryp Labs

Ryp Labs developed StixFresh, a biomimicry-based food-safe sticker you simply peel and apply to fresh produce to double its shelf life.

https://ryplabs.com/

Moody Soliman

- Tofuchan

Tofuchan is the physical collectible AI companion for kidults.

tofuchan.io

Genya Smagin

- tamateco Inc.

Expanding IPs globally.

Japan’s gacha² culture creating next-generation entertainment and shopping.

https://tamate.co/

Kazuhira Matsui

- HiStranger

HiStranger — building emotional data infrastructure