Solafune Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Ren Uechi; hereinafter “Solafune”) announces that its Representative Director and CEO, Ren Uechi, has been appointed as a member of the “Domestic Study Group for Building a Shared Knowledge Base between Global South Countries and Japan,” convened by the Musashino Institute for Global Affairs (MIGA) at Musashino University as part of a project of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Uechi will participate in the study group’s discussions, drawing on expertise in space data utilization developed through Solafune’s business activities. Based on the company’s operations in Global South (GS) countries and its experience in addressing societal challenges using satellite data and AI, he will contribute to discussions toward policy recommendations on forms of cooperation that support growth in both Japan and GS countries.

Reasons for the Appointment of Ren Uechi, Representative Director and CEO of Solafune

The following two points were cited in connection with the appointment:

• Solafune is considered to possess local knowledge as a startup operating in Global South countries.

• Solafune is working to address societal challenges through the use of space data.

Following his appointment, Uechi, as Solafune’s representative, will share knowledge gained through the company’s business activities on the ground in discussions on future cooperation and policy approaches involving Japan and GS countries.

About the Domestic Study Group

The study group is convened as part of METI’s “FY2025 Supplementary Budget Program for Future-Oriented Co-Creation with the Global South (Research and Related Activities for the Development of Global South Policy (Research on Outreach and Related Activities to Strengthen Co-Creation with the Global South)).”

Members with expertise in various fields will discuss the formation of a “shared knowledge base”: a common foundation of knowledge and understanding that enables Japan and GS countries to better understand each other’s challenges and growth strategies and advance cooperation.

Focusing primarily on four countries—Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa—the study group will examine the current conditions and challenges in each area of their growth strategies. It will then consider challenges that cooperation between Japan and GS countries could address, as well as opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration, and develop policy recommendations to help put these opportunities into practice.

Bringing Space Data Technology and Local Knowledge to International Co-Creation

Satellite data can capture conditions across large areas, as well as changes over time, that are difficult to understand through ground-based surveys alone. Combined with AI analysis, these data have potential applications in resource management, disaster prevention, agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and other fields that support industry and everyday life.

Solafune works with local institutions across African countries on business initiatives using satellite data and AI. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, the company is conducting a technology demonstration in the mineral resources sector. The initiative involves continuously monitoring exploration and mining activities to support decision-making related to local resource management and business development.

Through the study group, Solafune will draw on knowledge gained from these practical activities to contribute to discussions toward policy recommendations on the potential of space data, challenges in local implementation and operation, and approaches to cooperation with partners.

About the NEXUS Japan-GS Forum

The NEXUS Japan-GS Forum, hosted by METI, will take place on Monday, October 19, 2026.

The forum brings together stakeholders from industry, government, and academia involved in co-creation between Japan and GS countries to share the outcomes of Japanese companies’ co-creation initiatives and their future outlook. It aims to further advance economic co-creation between Japan and GS countries, encourage collaboration among think tanks and research institutions in GS countries, and build a shared knowledge base that supports independent policymaking and improvements to the business environment.

Event Details

Date and time: Monday, October 19, 2026, 1:00–6:15 p.m. JST
Venue: Nikkei Hall
Organizer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
Co-organizers: Japan Business Federation (Keidanren); Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI)
Supporting organizations: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Future Outlook

Through its business activities in GS countries and participation in the development of policy recommendations, Solafune will continue working to apply space data and AI to local challenges.

By deepening collaboration with government agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and companies, and combining Japanese technology with local knowledge, Solafune will contribute to sustained co-creation and industrial development between Japan and GS countries.