Startup Genome launched the first cohort of the Global Hypergrowth Tokyo late-stage scaling program in March 2024 in partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The initiative aims to propel the best Tokyo tech companies into successful global commercialization and expansion into international target markets.

The program addresses a significant support gap for fast-growing startups, recognizing them as drivers of economic growth and competitiveness, and creators of sustainable jobs and societal wellbeing. In its inaugural cohort, Hypergrowth provides 21 companies from Tokyo with access to global mentors, expert scaling advice from leading executives, go-to market support, and connections to potential new customers and investors.

The companies selected represent a variety of sub-sectors, including Deep Tech, Life Sciences, and AI, and have raised close to $100 million in total funding as they look to expand overseas.

In this article series, Startup Genome introduces the cohort companies, exploring the groundbreaking technologies each startup is developing to make a positive impact on the world.

In recent years, the drone industry has been bolstered by developments in AI-powered algorithms, allowing the uncrewed vehicles to perform complex tasks such as object recognition, path planning, real-time data analysis, surveillance, and disaster response. In 2023, the global drone market size reached more than $64 billion with an expected compounded annual growth rate of 14.5% through 2030.

Tokyo-based Aerosense is advancing the field for commercial application with its cutting-edge drones, AI, and cloud computing that enable automation of real-world tasks. Its products include photogrammetric drone Aerobo; Aerobo Marker, a ground control point for drone measurements; image analysis platform Aerobo Cloud; Aerobo OnAir, which enables continuous flight with its tethered system to help companies and governments improve inspection and surveillance productivity; and Aerobo Wing, a first-of-its-kind eVTOL（Fixed-wing Vertical Take-Off and Landing drone making 50km flights possible）drone expanding the use of wide-area and long-distance inspections.

Aerosense’s innovations solve an unmet need in more than 3,000 locations across Japan. An increasing number of industries and governments suffer a shortage of human resources for inspection and surveying as a result of a shrinking workforce fueled by a declining birthrate and aging population. As the company expands, it offers the solution to countries worldwide.

Startup Genome spoke to Aerosense for a look into its groundbreaking technology, biggest challenges, and future innovations.

Satoru Shimada (SS): Aerosense Inc develops and provides a range of industrial solutions combining drones, AI, and cloud computing to contribute to infrastructure digital transformation, enhancing efficiency and safety for on-site operation. For example, Aerobo Wing, a made-in-Japan eVTOL, can fly up to 50 km/h with one stroke and has been widely used across Japan for inspection and monitoring of forestry, river dams, fishery, and so on.

SS: Aerosense faces low brand recognition outside Japan. That is why we actively participate in such programs as the Startup Genome Hypergrowth Tokyo to help us establish ourselves in international markets.

SS: We provide not only hardware, but also cloud systems in order for our end users to use the solution as quickly as possible for whatever their challenge.

SS: We strive to implement AI drone automation solutions to the ground for efficiency and safety, and become a global categorical leader.