News

Rikei Corporation (hereinafter Rikei) is pleased to announce that it has joined “MUGENLABO UNIVERSE,” a space-focused open innovation program led by KDDI CORPORATION (hereinafter KDDI), as a partner.

With more than 40 years of expertise in satellite communications and space technologies, Rikei will work with startups and companies across a wide range of industries through the program to accelerate the real-world adoption of space technologies and create new business opportunities.

About MUGENLABO UNIVERSE

MUGENLABO UNIVERSE is a program launched by KDDI in May 2024. It brings together space startups, startups from other industries, large corporations, and industry experts to promote co-creation in the space sector and address real-world challenges through the use of space technologies.

The program provides a platform for companies to pursue space-related business opportunities through a variety of initiatives, including access to diverse testing and demonstration environments, business matching opportunities among participating organizations, and knowledge-sharing sessions led by experts from across the space industry.

In addition, MUGENLABO UNIVERSE has been selected for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s TIB CATAPULT* program, an initiative designed to foster globally competitive innovation clusters. Through this program, participating startups receive financial support for commercialization, opportunities to collaborate with major corporations and key stakeholders across the space ecosystem, and access to resources available through Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), Tokyo’s innovation platform. These initiatives help accelerate startup growth and enhance corporate value.

Learn more about MUGENLABO UNIVERSE:
https://www.kddi.com/open-innovation-program/mugenlabo/universe/

Rikei’s Initiatives

Through collaboration with program partners in MUGENLABO UNIVERSE, Rikei aims to expand its space business while developing innovative solutions to address critical societal challenges in the following key areas:

Space-Enabled Disaster Mitigation
Helping communities respond to disasters by using satellite data to assess damage and restore critical communications.

Satellite Component Supply Chain
Driving collaboration with program partners to strengthen Japan’s domestic supply chain for advanced satellite components.

Lunar Surface Exploration & Infrastructure
Advancing future lunar exploration and infrastructure through durable components and specialized communications technologies designed for harsh lunar environments.

Future Outlook

Through participation in the program, Rikei will leverage diverse demonstration environments—including low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, digital twins, and terrestrial applications—to develop solutions that combine reliable hardware with deep technical expertise. As our space-related business expands, we aim to help address challenges in disaster resilience, infrastructure, and industry.

We will also make full use of the TIB CATAPULT framework to foster collaboration and create new business opportunities for the next generation.

About TIB CATAPULT*
TIB CATAPULT is a Tokyo Metropolitan Government initiative that leverages Tokyo’s twin strengths: its robust industrial infrastructure and cutting-edge technology clusters. The program drives innovation by fostering collaboration and co-creation with startups across key sector domains. Over a three-year period, each selected cluster is tasked with generating 20 or more joint projects between startups and established corporations, with the ultimate goal of nurturing globally competitive startups.

Learn more about TIB CATAPULT:
https://tibcatapult.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/

About Rikei Corporation

Since its establishment in 1957 as a solution vendor in the IT and electronics industries, Rikei Corporation has provided a variety of solutions ranging from systems to networks, VR/AR contents, electronic materials and electronic devices.
Rikei proposes solutions that utilize cutting-edge technologies and advanced products from Japan and overseas, and contributes to business development such as improving efficiency of operations and profits of customers.

*Product and company names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.