The University of Tokyo's Innovation Platform Development Co., Ltd. is investing 750 million yen in Intent Exchange to enhance drone operational management using automated negotiation AI, in collaboration with key industry players.

Target Company Information

Intent Exchange Inc., headquartered in Meguro, Tokyo and led by CEO Shinji Nakadai, specializes in developing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operational management system that utilizes automated negotiation AI. This investment of 750 million yen comes from the Open Innovation Promotion Fund No. 1, operated by the University of Tokyo's Innovation Platform Development Co., Ltd. (UT IPC), with additional participation from DRONE FUND Inc. and NEC Corporation.

The company was established following a spin-out from BIRD INITIATIVE Inc. in April 2023, aiming to offer decentralized UTM (Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management) solutions in Japan. The UTM system allows UAV operators to manage real-time flight data, establish flight plans, and coordinate with other operators, thereby mitigating risks associated with flight operations.

Industry Overview in Japan

The usage of drones in Japan has expanded significantly across various sectors, including aerial photography, agricultural spraying, surveying, and inspections. As of July 2022, approximately 290,000 drones were registered in the