STARTUP OF THE DAY
💡 Osaka’s AI underdog
What began as university research by Hiro Onishi has become one of Osaka’s most promising industrial AI startups. Hutzper was founded in 2019 with a clear goal: make Japan’s factories smarter.
👉 With AI-powered cameras, Hutzper detects even minute production defects long before products enter mass manufacturing.
🔎 It also analyzes machine vibrations with AI to spot problems early and optimize how staff are deployed on production lines.
📈 Onishi recently raised 424 million yen (≈ US$2.8 million) in a Series A round to bring these subscription-based AI solutions to more plants.
🕰️ With a 45-person team, Hutzper is quietly reshaping Japan’s industrial landscape.
Lesson learned: Use new technology and a small, sharp team to shake up old industries.
The China Survival Guide for Western Businesses
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