Robotaxi Developer MoveEz Selected for JETRO’s Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP)

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MoVeEz, Inc. (“MoVeEz”), an AI robotics startup with top-level autonomous driving technology and a proven track record in Japan and worldwide, is pleased to announce that it has been selected for the ManufacturingTech & HardTech course of the Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP), provided by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Centrepolis Accelerator, a startup accelerator based in Michigan, United States.

MoVeEz is headquartered in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, and is led by Representative Director and CEO Eric Wei.

Reference: “Companies Selected for All Five GSAP Courses in Collaboration with World-Leading Accelerators” | 2026 | News and Announcements | JETRO

■Background

MoveEz is developing robotaxi technology with a view toward practical implementation, building on more than 28 years of autonomous driving research originating from Kanazawa University. To address challenging environmental conditions such as snow, rain, and backlighting, MoveEz’s autonomous driving system adopts sensor fusion technology that combines imaging radar and LiDAR point cloud data. In addition, through its mapless autonomous driving technology, which reduces dependence on HD maps, MoveEz aims to realize robotaxi services both in Japan and overseas that can be flexibly deployed not only in urban areas but also in rural regions and complex road environments.

MoVeEz has identified North America as one of its key markets and established a U.S. subsidiary in 2025. In May 2026, the company participated in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 to build networks with U.S. federal and state government officials and local companies, as well as to raise awareness of MoVeEz in the United States. At a pitch event held in conjunction with the summit, MoVeEz placed second worldwide in the Software/ICT category. Through these activities, MoVeEz has been preparing for business expansion in the U.S. market.

■About the Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP)

GSAP is a global expansion support program for startups operated by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Companies selected for the program receive mentoring from some of the world’s leading accelerators and can access the knowledge, resources, and networks of their respective communities. Through this support, participating companies can significantly improve the practical skills essential for expanding sales channels and acquiring customers in overseas markets.

The ManufacturingTech & HardTech course, in which MoVeEz will participate, is a program specializing in the manufacturing and hard-tech sectors. By leveraging Centrepolis Accelerator’s network of major manufacturers and investors in Michigan, MoVeEz will examine the U.S. business environment and customer needs, plan and conduct proof-of-concept projects, and build relationships with potential customers and business partners.

Through its participation in this program, MoVeEz will assess the feasibility of its robotaxi business in North America, create opportunities for collaboration and demonstration projects with local companies, and further accelerate its global business growth.

GSAP Official Website
https://www.jetro.go.jp/services/gsap.html

■Comment from Eric Wei, Representative Director and CEO

Commercial driverless services are already operating in more than ten cities in the United States. Social acceptance is increasing, and the market is beginning to mature. However, autonomous driving has yet to be introduced in the vast majority of cities. In particular, significant opportunities for future commercialization remain in regions with snowfall, where autonomous driving presents greater technical challenges.

To date, MoVeEz has successfully conducted autonomous driving demonstrations, including on snow-covered roads, in nine areas across five prefectures in Japan.* By leveraging our Japan-originated strength in all-weather autonomous driving, including the ability to operate on the severe snow-covered roads of Hokkaido, we will work toward achieving Level 4 (L4) driverless operation in the United States. We will also build a track record of driving operations in the United States and expand our network of business partners and investors.

We are deeply honored to have been selected for GSAP, an initiative promoted by JETRO and the Cabinet Office of Japan. Through this program, we intend to further accelerate our global expansion.

Includes achievements at Kanazawa University.

■About MoveEz

MoveEz is a startup originating from Kanazawa University, founded in May 2024 under the mission: “Freedom of Mobility. Towards a Society Without Transportation Inequality.” We aim to achieve this through the realization of fully autonomous robot taxis. MoveEz’s foundation lies in 28 years of research and development conducted at Kanazawa University since 1998, the dawn of this field. MoveEz began testing on public roads in 2015, ahead of the industry, and currently holds a track record of over 40,000 kilometers driven and 2,000 passengers carried, along with numerous patents.

Headquarters: Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Established: May 2024
Representatives: Representative Director & CEO Eric Wei, Representative Director & CTO Naoki Suganuma
Business: Autonomous driving system development, autonomous driving service business
URL: https://moveez-inc.com/en/