IDDK, which provides space bio-experiment services, has raised USD1.6M in funding during the first close of its Pre-Series A round.

“As we approach the end of the ISS’s operation in 2030, there is a growing movement to create opportunities for microgravity experiments in space, using commercial space stations and satellites. Amidst this movement, IDDK’s MID is expected to develop new customers and sectors that previously found it challenging to utilize bio-experiments in the microgravity environment. In the latter half of the 2020s, we believe that IDDK will pioneer the frontier of new space industry by creating new opportunities in space.”

“’We provide a platform for innovation in addressing humanity’s challenges that cannot be solved by research on Earth alone’. It represents an exciting and challenging mission of IDDK. With a unique technological approach, along with the simplicity of the business model, and the team led by Mr. Ueno and Mr. Yoshioka at IDDK, I am confident that we can overcome the business challenges that will arise in the future and achieve this significant and challenging mission. This will be our company’s first investment in a space-related service, and we are eager to take on this great challenge together.”

“Under the fundamental philosophy of ‘providing microscopy technology that anyone can use anytime, anywhere, contributing to a better future for people all over the world,’ our company has been committed to the popularization of the Micro Imaging Device (MID) technology, a one-chip microscopy device. A significant application of this technology is in the space bio-experiment business. The mission of our space bio-experiment business is to provide a platform for innovation in addressing humanity’s challenges that cannot be solved by research on Earth alone, through democratizing space bio-experiments. This fundraising is aimed at strengthening our organizational structure for the development of our business and advancing MID technology.

Our proprietary MID technology, which is essential for conducting bio-experiments involving microscopic observation inside artificial satellites where space and weight are severely limited, allows for lightweight and compact microscopic observation, proving to be extremely useful. By pioneering the development of this technology, we can maintain a technological advantage and increase the number of experiments that can be conducted in space. In our space bio-experiment business, we aim to realize many experiments at a low cost using artificial satellites, without relying on specialized facilities like the International Space Station. These space bio-experiments with artificial satellites are expected to contribute to the development of the space industry as new satellite content following communication and remote sensing, and to contribute to terrestrial development through discoveries and technological developments in the new field of space. They are also intended to become part of the infrastructure supporting experiments and research for humanity’s prosperous life in space.

We intend to work with domestic and international partners to build and develop a privately-led, Japan-originated space bio-experiment platform.”

“We are extremely honored to have the support of strong investors this time. Despite the challenging fundraising environment, we were able to execute the first close of our Pre-Series A round, thanks to our resilient team members. Speaking at panel sessions at international space-related conferences, I have felt a definite increase in the demand for space bio-experiments. As a platform company for space bio-experiments, our company aims to provide a venue for innovation in addressing humanity’s challenges that cannot be solved by research on Earth alone. With this round of fundraising, we will develop the next-generation MID and strengthen our organizational structure in order to accelerate our business expansion.”