Ibex Japan Joins JETRO Program to Support Global Expansion of Kansai-Origin DeepTech Using Proprietary AI

Overview: Supporting Kansai DeepTech through JETRO's Program

Ibex Japan K.K. has announced its participation in operating the "Kansai Venture Creation Program," launched by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Osaka Headquarters, alongside Antler US International LLC. Implemented as part of the Cabinet Office's startup ecosystem core city functional enhancement program, this initiative aims to connect exceptional research outcomes originating from universities and research institutions in the Kansai region to global markets from the early stages of commercialization, accelerating the creation of "Born Global" startups.

Program Details

This program simultaneously addresses multiple pillars: validating the commercialization potential of research seeds in overseas markets, forming teams with global CxO candidates, customer acquisition, Proof of Concept (PoC), legal and IP strategy, Go-to-Market strategy formulation, and fundraising preparation. It targets researchers and entrepreneurs based in the two prefectures and four prefectures of the Kansai region, with plans to select approximately three teams.

Leveraging the Proprietary AI Platform "Lighthouse"

Ibex will utilize its proprietary Agentic AI platform, "Lighthouse." Lighthouse is a platform that continuously maps global research papers, patents, products, and corporate needs. By identifying technology gaps and strategic market priorities, the platform logically connects research outcomes to real-world industrial challenges, supporting their commercialization in the global market.

Future Outlook and Strengthening the Kansai Ecosystem

By connecting Kansai's research outcomes with global management talent, markets, and capital from an early stage, the initiative aims to build a sustainable environment for creating DeepTech startups. Additionally, an executive of Ibex is scheduled to speak about the potential of venture creation in the Kansai region at the "FROM SEEDS TO GLOBAL" event hosted by JETRO Osaka Headquarters and other organizations on October 7, 2026.