KiAI Inc.
Global Returns for Everyone
Bringing Japanese SME Manufacturers to Global Markets.
SERVICES
Services
Your AI International Business Development Manager
Connect your company once. Trst continuously discovers qualified buyers, reaches out, nurtures relationships, monitors opportunities, and helps execute your international expansion—like an experienced business development manager working for you every day.
Learn moreAwards & Programs
Selections & Awards
Awards
ICT STARTUP LEAGUE – Grand Prize "Fighting Spirit Award"
KiAI received the top "Fighting Spirit Award" at ICT STARTUP LEAGUE, the public-private startup support program led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The recognition highlighted KiAI's AI agent–driven global expansion support for SMEs and its novel overseas business intelligence approach developed in partnership with IACE Travel. (March 2026)
KPMG Award (ROCKET PITCH NIGHT)
KiAI received the KPMG Award at "ROCKET PITCH NIGHT SPRING 2024," one of Japan's largest pitch events held at Toranomon Hills Forum. Our business intelligence service for foreign expansion was highly recognised by the judges. (May 2024)
Grant Programs
MIC Grant – Startup-Driven Exploratory R&D Support Program
KiAI has been selected for the "Startup-Driven Exploratory R&D Support Program" administered by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). This grant program supports startup research and development activities aimed at fostering new startup creation in Japan.
MIC – Overseas Expansion Support for Secure & Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure
KiAI has been selected for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) program "Support for Overseas Expansion of Secure and Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure," recognising KiAI's efforts to promote Japan-originated, reliable digital infrastructure globally.
Accelerator Programs
SMRJ Acceleration Program "FASTAR"
KiAI has been selected for "FASTAR," the acceleration program operated by the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (SMRJ), and receives ongoing support from SMRJ. FASTAR is an intensive support program targeting growth-oriented startups and SMEs.
StartX (Stanford University Accelerator)
KiAI has been selected for StartX, the prestigious accelerator program originating from Stanford University in Silicon Valley, through the JETRO program. We are accelerating our global business growth with access to one of the world's top startup ecosystems.
500 Global (U.S. VC Accelerator)
KiAI has been selected for the program of 500 Global, one of the world's leading venture capital accelerators, through the JETRO program. Leveraging access to its global network and investor community, we are advancing our international business expansion.
UN AI for Good Summit – Selected by Japanese Government
United Nations' AI for Good Global Summit 2026 – selected by Japanese Government
KiAI has been selected by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) as a Japanese startup to exhibit at AI for Good Global Summit 2026, the UN's largest international AI showcase. We presented Trst on the world's premier stage, bringing together UN agencies, governments, and global enterprises.
Media Coverage & Speaking
Yomiuri Shimbun "Kakushin no Genba" Feature
KiAI's overseas expansion AI platform "Trst" was featured in "Kakushin no Genba" (Frontlines of Innovation), a special series in Yomiuri Shimbun, one of Japan's leading national newspapers. The feature highlighted KiAI's innovative approach to supporting Japanese SMEs in expanding to global markets. (July 2026)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government NEXs Tokyo "VISIONING VOICE" Interview
KiAI CEO appeared on "VISIONING VOICE #146," the interview program hosted by NEXs Tokyo — the startup support hub operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The conversation covered the background, features, and vision behind "Trst," the overseas expansion AI platform for regional businesses. (May 2026)
Kanazawa University & SMRJ Guest Lecture
KiAI was invited to speak at the "Exchange Meeting on Startup Creation in the Hokuriku Region," jointly hosted by Kanazawa University's Institute for Frontier Science & Social Co-Creation and the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SMRJ). KiAI presented on "Transforming Global Expansion for Japanese SMEs with AI." (July 2026)
NEWS
What's New
- May 30, 2025KiAI Inc. Selected for JETRO's 'Hands-on Support Program by Highly Skilled Foreign Professional Promotion Coordinators'
- July 31, 2026KiAI Featured in Yomiuri Shimbun "Innovation Frontlines" Series — AI-Powered Global Expansion Platform "Trst" Highlighted
- July 29, 2026KiAI Delivers Guest Lecture at Kanazawa University and SME Support, Japan "Startup Creation Exchange Meeting in Hokuriku Region" — Presenting on Transforming SME Manufacturing Global Expansion Through AI
- July 8, 2026KiAI Presents Trst on the Solution Stage at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 — UN Agencies and Government Delegations Visit the Booth, Seeking Support for Export Promotion Challenges
- June 30, 2026KiAI Selected by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for the “AI for Good Global Summit 2026” Japan Pavilion — Showcasing “Trst,” the AI Platform for Global Market Expansion
- May 27, 2026KiAI Featured in Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “VISIONING VOICE #146” — Introducing “Trst,” the AI Service Supporting Local Manufacturers’ Global Expansion
- April 21, 2026KiAI CEO Meets with Mayor of Hitachiota to Discuss Support for Local Industry’s Global Expansion — Accelerating Overseas Growth for Local Manufacturers through Municipal Collaboration
Company Overview
About KiAI
HISTORY
Our story
Company established
We started as a company that provides services for companies entering developing countries using generative AI.
Started joint research with Ibaraki University
We have begun joint research with Ibaraki University to secure unique technology.
Pre-seed money raised
The company raised funds with ANOBAKA as the lead investor.
Certified as a Ibaraki University Startup company
Our company was recognized as an Ibaraki University Venture Company for the results of our joint research on generative AI.
Launched KiAI
Launched KiAI, research AI specialized in emerging and developing countries.
Seed funding raised and company name changed
We raised funding with Spurcle as the lead investor and changed our company name to KiAI to pursue further growth and expansion.
Accelerated AI research and development
Accelerated AI research and development. Selected for the MIC Startup Creation-type Exploratory R&D Support Project and other programs from June to July.
Officially launched 'Trst', an overseas expansion agency service for SME manufacturers
Revolutionizing overseas sales with AI × local networks — Combining AI-powered high-speed research with IACE Travel's local network to bridge the overseas expansion gap for SME manufacturers
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Meet Our Team
大場 一雅
With 15 years of experience as an economist at institutions including the World Bank Group (IFC), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the OECD, the Embassy of Japan in the U.S., the International Labour Organization, and Mizuho Securities. He has deep expertise in data science and AI technologies. He holds a Master’s degree in Humanities and Social Sciences (Mathematical Logic) from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. While at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, he developed an AI-powered economic indicator forecasting model, demonstrating the practical use of AI in the financial sector. In September 2023, he founded KiAI to deliver business solutions through practical AI technologies with a global perspective.
新納 浩幸
Professor of Computer and Information Sciences at the Faculty of Engineering, Ibaraki University. An expert in AI and information science with over 30 years of experience in industry-academia collaboration, following a career at Fuji Xerox and Panasonic. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Tokyo University of Science (formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology). With a wealth of experience in collaborative research, he has an outstanding track record in the practical application and social implementation of AI technologies. Since April 2024, he has served as Chief AI Officer (CAIO) at KiAI, demonstrating strong leadership in the commercialization of technology through an innovative approach that fuses theory and practice.