Tokyo, Japan, August 21, 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, today announced that it has been awarded the President’s Award of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) at the Award for Academic Startups 2025. The award is co-hosted by JST and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
The Award for Academic Startups recognizes outstanding ventures founded on university research achievements with strong potential to make significant contributions in the future. It also honors universities and organizations that have played a vital role in supporting their growth, with the goal of promoting innovation and advancing the success of university-originated startups.
Founded in 2018 out of the University of Tokyo’s Intelligent Space Systems Laboratory (ISSL), led by Professors Nakasuka and Funase (now the Nakasuka-Funase-Ikari Laboratory), ArkEdge Space has built a fully integrated business model covering the design, development, and operation of micro-satellites. Its platform addresses diverse needs such as communications, Earth observation, navigation, and space exploration. The company has successfully developed and operated 6U-class satellites and is now expanding into the development of 100 kg-class satellite.
The selection committee recognized ArkEdge Space’s unique ability to independently develop and operate satellites that support a wide range of applications, including remote sensing, IoT communications, lunar infrastructure, and deep space exploration as well as its potential to contribute to solving global challenges through next-generation satellite networks.
Comment from Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkEdge Space:
“We are truly honored to receive the prestigious President’s Award from JST.
ArkEdge Space is a deep-tech company born from cutting-edge technologies developed at the University of Tokyo and other leading universities. For a university-originated deep-tech venture like ours, to be recognized by JST—a key driver of science and technology innovation in Japan—is both an affirmation of our journey to date and a powerful motivation for our next leap forward.
As a pioneer in Japan’s space sector, we are pushing the frontiers of space utilization through micro-satellite constellations. By extending space-based infrastructure to regions with limited terrestrial networks and access to information, we aim to unlock new frontiers for humanity and contribute to solving pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our diverse ecosystem of partners across academia, industry, and government, most notably the University of Tokyo as well as the dedication of every member of our team. We would like to express our gratitude to all who have supported us along the way.
Guided by our mission of “Empowering people with satellites for a prosperous future,” we remain committed to building a world where people are connected through information and empowered to explore new possibilities.
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/