J-StarX Dual-Use Technology Accelerator

PICHTR’s J-StarX program was an intensive two-week event designed to foster relationships, provide diverse experiences, and offer new perspectives to participating Japanese tech companies.

Program Description

PICHTR’s J-StarX program was an intensive two-week event designed to foster relationships, provide diverse experiences, and offer new perspectives to participating Japanese tech companies. The program aimed to connect these companies with relevant individuals and organizations to help them explore product-market fit and potential contracts in the United States Government, with a focus on US Department of Defense (DoD). The inaugural cohort featured five high-caliber companies chosen for their advanced development and potential for defense dual-use applications. The following year, eight new companies formed the second cohort.

J-StarX – Cohort 3 (Japan-Honolulu 2025-2026)

  • Acompany – Provides confidential computing as a security foundation, enabling privacy-preserving data clean rooms and supporting mission-critical national security projects.
  • VYORIUS – Builds an AI-powered, hardware-agnostic OS that makes drone fleets autonomous, scalable, and compliant.
  • NeuralPort – Develops VR + eye-tracking based stress measurement (ZEN EYE PRO) to visualize stress from gaze data.
  • Bulwark Dynamics – Defense-tech startup developing autonomous landing resupply vessels—beach-capable USVs to sustain dispersed forces in contested littorals.
  • Bearidge Corporation – Wireless communication equipment manufacturer (mission-critical comms gear for industrial/public-safety environments).
  • Scurid – Next generation digital identity for IoT equipment—embedded agent + SDK to simplify device security and protect data integrity.
  • KLDainamix – AI startup providing AI system development, DX strategy, and time-series data analysis (AI-driven software/services).
  • Blocq – Deep-tech startup developing post-quantum cryptographic and blockchain recovery technologies to secure and restore lost Bitcoin assets.
  • Trinear – Helps autonomous systems providers improve perception accuracy via “Superhuman Vision,” improving safety and performance.
  • IZANA – Nagoya University-origin startup developing MI sensors for brain activity measurement and metaverse/XR applications.
  • SolaNika – Develops wireless laser power transmission systems to eliminate battery constraints for drones/autonomous vehicles using precision tracking + dynamic focusing.
  • MadeHere – Obsolete parts platform for INDOPACOM.
  • NanoFrontier – Tohoku University-born startup commercializing organic nanoparticle technologies (reprecipitation method) for functional materials.
  • Chemican Corp – Digitizes and manages Safety Data Sheets (SDS) using AI-OCR plus human verification to extract/structure chemical data.
  • Lebo Robotics – Develops robotic solutions and AI analysis services for wind turbine blade inspection/repair and maintenance.
  • Kick Space Technologies – Kyutech-origin startup specializing in design, manufacturing, and testing of CubeSats; provides compact satellite solutions for EO, comms, and science missions.

J-StarX – Cohort 2 (Japan-Honolulu 2024-25)

  • Diarkis – Resilient near real-time data-sharing infrastructure (originating from large-scale online games) for defense and simulation use.
  • Innophys Co., Ltd. – Back and arm exoskeletons using artificial muscles with no external power.
  • AirKamuy Inc. – Biodegradable, low-cost cardboard UAVs for ISR, logistics, and training.
  • Elephantech Inc. – Sustainable PCB manufacturing via copper inkjet printing and plating.
  • LQUOM, Inc. – Quantum repeaters for ultra-secure long-distance quantum communications.
  • Letara – Plastic-fueled spacecraft engines (high-thrust, throttleable, re-ignition capable).
  • Ookuma Diamond Device (ODD) – Diamond semiconductor devices for high-power RF in harsh environments.
  • Prodrone – Unmanned helicopters and Sea & Air hybrid drones for emergency response and surveillance.

J-StarX – Cohort 1 (Japan-Honolulu 2023-24)

  • Infostellar, Inc. – Satellite ground-station sharing platform (StellarStation).
  • Aerosense, Inc. – Drone/autonomous flight solutions for inspection, surveying, and logistics.
  • TERRA LABO Co., Ltd. – Next-generation UAV/VTOL and industrial platform technologies.
  • Mitsufuji Corporation – Wearable IoT and conductive-textile smart garments.
  • VFR Inc. – Drone and unmanned-systems white-label manufacturer, Japanese quality components and processes.  (aviation/robotics).