【Corporate Startup Starsについて】JAL was selected as one of the "Top 100" in the global award "Corporate Startup Stars 2024," and its internal venture "W-PIT(*1)" received the "Special Award." This award is organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)(*2) and Mind the Bridge(*3), evaluating pioneering efforts in open innovation between corporations and startups. The award ceremony was held in Paris on December 4, 2024.
(Center) Shiro Matsuzaki / Japan Airlines Business Development Department
(Right) Alberto Onetti / Chairman, Mind the Bridge
Taking this award as an opportunity, JAL will continue to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and persist in addressing challenges at a global level, striving for a sustainable future.
(*1) "W-PIT" (Wakuwaku-Platform Innovation Team) started as a company-approved internal venture in March 2017. With the mission "Making JAL a Venture," it is a cross-departmental venture team promoting open innovation by leveraging the key driver of "Wakuwaku" (individual will). W-PIT official website:
( *2 ) The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), headquartered in Paris, France, is an international business organization representing over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries. Established in 1919 to promote the reconstruction of Europe and free trade after World War I, the inaugural general meeting was held in Paris in 1920. Currently, it comprises domestic committees and companies/organizations from over 130 countries, contributing to the development of the global economy through the promotion of international trade and standardization of business rules. URL:
( *3 ) Mind the Bridge (MTB) is a global company that connects startups and large enterprises to support the promotion of open innovation. Founded in 2007 by former Google employee Marco Marinucci, it is headquartered in San Francisco and has established bases around the world, including in Barcelona and Seoul. Its mission is to serve as a bridge between startups and large corporations, fostering a sustainable ecosystem by promoting innovation and growth. URL:
[About Corporate Startup Stars]
Awarded companies are recognized for their diverse and strategic open innovation, including venture clients, corporate venture capital (CVC), intrapreneurship, and accelerators. The evaluation criteria are based on the following three points.
1. Internal mechanisms : organizational structure, innovation culture, processes, etc.
2. Models and tools : utilization of CVC investments and innovation labs, etc.
3. Substantive results : social and economic impact through a comprehensive approach, etc.
[Main reasons why JAL was selected in the Top 100]
Since 2019, JAL has been operating the JAL Innovation Fund as a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC). Currently, it is active under JAPAN AIRLINES VENTURES (JALV) as an integrated team with a Silicon Valley-based investment strategy team and a business development team in Tokyo, continuously challenging to open up the future of the aviation industry. The efforts of open innovation, especially investments in the following startups, have been highly evaluated.
( *4 ) Official JALV Website:
・PowerX Inc. (Japan): Developing large-scale Rechargeable Batteries utilizing renewable Energy
・REGENT Craft Inc. (USA): Developing the 100% electric next-generation mobility "Sea Glider"
・Captura Corp. (USA): Developing Direct Ocean Capture technology to remove CO2 from ocean water
[Comment from Alberto Onetti, Chairman of Mind the Bridge]
"JAL demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting collaboration between corporations and startups at a global level. In particular, through JAPAN AIRLINES VENTURES (JALV), significant investments have been made in areas such as mobility, digital, and sustainability that have a substantial impact on the ecosystem. Investments in startups such as PowerX, REGENT Craft, and Captura highlight JAL's role in leading decarbonization and innovation in the aviation sector, which is highly valued."
[Comment from Takao Suzuki, Executive Officer and Head of the Innovation Division at Japan Airlines]
"It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award this time. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us. This award is considered to be the result of the collaboration efforts of the teams at our U.S. Silicon Valley and Tokyo headquarters, which operate as JAPAN AIRLINES VENTURES. Encouraged by this award, we will continue to drive innovation based on co-creation with startups around the world and strive to create new value that contributes to a future global society."
That's all.
