Groovenauts

Groovenauts, Inc. is a Fukuoka-based technology firm established in July 2011 by Eihiro Saishu and Kumiko Sasaki. The company operates at the intersection of artificial intelligence and quantum computing, providing cloud-based solutions to enterprises and local governments. Eihiro Saishu, the President and CEO, has a background that includes regional redevelopment consulting and network engineering, with experience in product development at Apple and founding a venture that went public on JASDAQ before he took the helm at Groovenauts.

The company's core offering is "MAGELLAN BLOCKS," a SaaS platform that enables businesses to utilize AI, big data analytics, and quantum computing without requiring specialized programming knowledge. This platform provides functions for data integration, analysis, AI-powered prediction, and quantum computer-based optimization as modular "blocks." This structure simplifies the construction and operation of complex systems, making advanced technology more accessible for digital transformation initiatives. For example, MAGELLAN BLOCKS has been used to create sales forecasting models for retailers with over 98% accuracy and to automatically classify product images, streamlining inventory management. In the logistics sector, it helped optimize shipping routes for a construction company by analyzing GPS data from vehicles to increase efficiency.

Groovenauts generates revenue through its B2B subscription model for MAGELLAN BLOCKS and associated consulting services. A significant milestone was the launch of the world's first commercial service using a quantum computer in 2019, initially focusing on shipping route and staff scheduling optimization. The company has also ventured into social initiatives with its "City as a Service" concept, which uses data analysis to enhance urban services, such as optimizing waste collection routes in Tokyo to reduce CO2 emissions. Another key business area is "TECH PARK," an after-school and educational service that introduces children and students to technology through activities like programming and digital arts.

The company has secured significant partnerships and investments. In 2023, MUFG Bank acquired an 18% stake, becoming an equity-method affiliate to jointly promote digital transformation in the financial sector. NIPPON EXPRESS Holdings has also formed a capital and business alliance to apply Groovenauts' technology to optimize logistics resources like personnel, vehicles, and warehouses. These collaborations underscore the market's confidence in the firm's capability to solve complex, real-world problems across various industries including finance, logistics, retail, and construction.

Keywords: quantum computing, artificial intelligence, SaaS, big data analytics, MAGELLAN BLOCKS, business optimization, digital transformation, logistics optimization, financial technology, City as a Service, data analysis, machine learning platform, predictive modeling, route optimization, staff scheduling, supply chain management, EdTech, TECH PARK, Eihiro Saishu, Fukuoka startup