Tokyo, Japan, October 16, 2025 — ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Japanese space startup based in Tokyo that provides comprehensive solutions from planning and design to mass production and operation of micro-satellite constellations, announced that it has been selected by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE) under the FY2025 Inter-Ministerial SBIR Environmental Conservation Research Grant (Innovation Program for Environmental Startups).
The selected project, titled “R&D on Multi-Satellite-Based Detection and Analysis Methods for Environmental Changes and Risks, and Platform Development,” aims to establish an integrated system that utilizes diverse satellite data sources to detect environmental changes and assess related risks. This initiative is part of Japan’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) framework and builds on the outcomes of a previous Phase 1 project conducted by ArkEdge Space under support of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The program helps environmental startups advance from research and development to commercialization, accelerating innovation toward a more sustainable, nature-positive society.
Project Overview
- Program Title: Inter-Ministerial SBIR (Environmental Conservation Research Grant for Innovation-Driven Environmental Startups)
- Project Title: R&D on Multi-Satellite-Based Detection and Analysis Methods for Environmental Changes and Risks, and Platform Development
- Applicant: ArkEdge Space Inc.
- Collaborating Organization: Helios Inc.
- Selected on: September 29, 2025
- Project Period: FY 2025–FY2026
Objective
The project will develop efficient analytical methods and a geospatial information platform that integrate satellite and ground-based data, enabling long-term, wide-area monitoring of environmental changes and their impacts even with limited personnel and resources.
It also aims to detect and analyze environmental changes and associated risks caused by human activities and natural phenomena at an early stage. By sharing the resulting data and insights with stakeholders, ArkEdge Space will help inform effective countermeasures and promote nature-positive approaches to conserving natural capital.
Conceptual image of demonstration field
Building on prior collaborations in Kagoshima Prefecture with local governments and primary industries, ArkEdge Space has conducted satellite-data-driven demonstrations to enhance forest management efficiency and support climate-adaptive agriculture.
Following this selection, Kagoshima will serve as a core demonstration field for the new initiative. ArkEdge Space will leverage its vertically integrated model, linking satellite development, satellite imagery and IoT data acquisition, end-user application development, and commercialization into a seamless ecosystem.
In collaboration with Kagoshima University, and Moriken Construction Co., Ltd., ArkEdge Space will address pressing environmental challenges including nature conservation, regional digital transformation (DX), and climate adaptation, accelerating the real-world implementation of R&D outcomes and advancing sustainable growth across southern Japan.
About ArkEdge Space
ArkEdge Space is a Japanese space technology company offering end-to-end solutions for micro-satellite constellations—from planning and design to mass production and operations. Guided by its mission of “empowering people with satellites for a prosperous future,” the company is advancing capabilities in Earth observation, maritime satellite communications (VDES), optical communications, and low-Earth orbit satellite positioning, as well as lunar activities and deep space exploration. Through our mission, ArkEdge Space continues to drive the advancement of space innovation and its practical application.
Head Office Location
3F, Dome Ariake Headquarter, 1-3-33 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Takayoshi FUKUYO
Founded: in July 2018
Website: https://arkedgespace.com/