UTokyo IPC has invested 42 million yen in Yanekara, a Tokyo-based company developing scalable EV charging and discharging systems, to promote sustainable energy solutions in Japan.

Information on the Target

The University of Tokyo's Collaborative Platform Development Corporation (UTokyo IPC), located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has announced a significant investment in Yanekara, Inc., a Tokyo-based company specializing in the development of scalable EV charging and discharging systems for commercial vehicles. The investment amounts to 42 million yen, and it is part of a collaborative funding initiative alongside Deep Core, Inc. and various angel investors. Yanekara’s CEO, Keisuke Matsufuji, leads the company that aims to leverage electric vehicles (EVs) as energy storage units, promoting sustainable energy use and enhancing electric vehicle utility.

Founded in June 2020, Yanekara has been recognized for its innovative approach in utilizing the large capacity batteries of EVs, which often remain idle while parked. The technology developed by Yanekara not only addresses energy supply-demand fluctuations but also enables cost savings on electricity bills for users. Furthermore, the system provides backup power during emergencies, ensuring minimal electric supply and mobility even in times of outages.

Industry Overview in Japan

Japan is facing a rapidly evolving landscape in the renewable energy sector, marked by a growing demand for effective energy storage solutions. The need to match the often-volatile output from renewable energy sources with consumer demand is critical.