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The Industry 4.0 Accelerator recently celebrated the graduation of eight advanced manufacturing startups from Japan as part of our Global Startup Acceleration Program, in partnership with JETRO. Over the past months, these innovative companies embarked on a journey designed to help them enter the U.S. market, refine their strategies, and connect with key players in the manufacturing industry. As we look back on the accomplishments of this incredible cohort, we’re filled with gratitude for their commitment, the support of JETRO, and the contributions of our partners who helped make this program possible.
The Startups
Industry Alpha - Slim AMR with high payload & fleet management software for agnostic robotic communication
Milly - Supply chain matchmaking platform for small and medium manufacturers
MonoRevo - MES solution for small and medium manufacturers and AI powered supply chain matchmaking system
Renatus Robotics - ASRS solution with enhanced software buffering packaging
Robosensor - Piezo electric wire sensor for wire harness clip inspection and end of arm tooling
Space Power Technologies - Wireless power transmission up to 5W at 10'
TriOrb - AMR solution powered by orbs to navigate in tight spaces and move in any direction
Tokoshie - Continuous 3D printing and software system for distributed printing
Reflecting on the Journey So Far
Our program kicked off with a hands-on immersion bootcamp in Japan, where our Experts in Residence, Michael Magdich and Scott Phillips, met with each of the startups. During their time in Japan, the startups had the opportunity to deliver their first English-language pitches and dive into key topics such as customer discovery and go-to-market strategy, laying the foundation for what would become a transformative experience.
This initial phase was followed by a series of six virtual seminars that covered a range of essential business topics, including value proposition, business development, and fundraising. Each session was taught by a mentor from the Industry 4.0 Accelerator and included personalized office hours, allowing the startups to get one-on-one feedback and guidance. These virtual sessions set the stage for the startups to make the most of their immersion in the U.S. market.
Immersion Activities in the U.S.
The U.S. immersion phase was a pivotal part of the program, offering the startups direct exposure to the American manufacturing ecosystem. The journey began at the IMTS Show in Chicago, where the startups spent three days walking the floor, engaging in customer discovery conversations with potential clients, and participating in an investor forum and breakout pitch session.
Beyond IMTS, the group visited MxD in Chicago and traveled through Southwest Michigan, meeting with economic development representatives and connecting with local manufacturers at a networking event hosted by Lean Rocket Lab. In Detroit, the startups toured the facilities of Igus and Forvia, while also enjoying cultural experiences like a visit to the Henry Ford Museum and a Detroit Tigers baseball game. The immersion culminated in a high-impact pitch event, where the startups presented their solutions to major U.S. manufacturers, including GM, Ford, and Forvia, creating valuable opportunities for future collaboration.
Mentorship Phase: Turning Insights into Action
Now, as we enter the final phase of the program, the startups are deep into their post-immersion mentoring sessions. This phase is focused on turning the insights gained during the immersion into concrete action plans. Each startup is working closely with their assigned mentors to follow up on connections made, refine their value propositions based on U.S. market feedback, and create tailored strategies for the next steps in their U.S. expansion.
These mentoring sessions are key to ensuring that the momentum built during the immersion is sustained. Over the coming weeks, the startups will continue to meet with their mentors, discussing follow-ups, action items, and strategies for tackling any remaining challenges.
Looking Forward
Now that this cohort has officially graduated from the GSAP Manufacturing Technology course, we’re excited to see each of these startups continue their journey into the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem. Their graduation marks the beginning of new opportunities, and we’re confident that they’ll make a meaningful impact in the industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to JETRO and all of our partners for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in bringing this program to life. The future is bright, and we look forward to seeing these startups lead the way in global manufacturing innovation.
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