Advanced Composite Triumphs at IVS Pitch Contest, Showcasing Japan’s Metal Material Innovation

The IVS (Infinity Ventures Summit), one of Japan’s largest startup events, recently hosted its much-anticipated pitch contest “Launchpad” in Kyoto. On the third day of this three-day event, 15 finalist startups competed by presenting their business ideas, with Advanced Composite, a metal material developer based in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, emerging as the winner.

Founded in 2015, Advanced Composite has carved a niche through its cutting-edge semi-molten metal forging technology. This technique applies pressure to metals in a semi-molten state to create complex composite materials. Their innovation includes metal composites that significantly reduce power consumption when used in components like air conditioners. The company’s ability to develop a variety of unique metal materials, coupled with an engaging and humorous presentation by AKIYOSHI, the company’s executive secretary, captivated both judges and the audience.

AKIYOSHI reflected on the victory by emphasizing Japan’s strength in materials science, though he acknowledged the challenge in communicating this advantage broadly. He expressed optimism about leveraging the exposure from the IVS event to accelerate the company’s growth and increase public awareness of their innovative technology.

The judging panel, including Takao Ozawa, CEO of Boost Capital venture capital firm, praised the importance of rallying support and crafting compelling narratives when launching new ventures. Ozawa highlighted that a persuasive pitch is crucial to drawing in collaborators and investors alike.

Runner-up honors went to Tenchijin, a Tokyo-based startup using satellite data to analyze water pipe leakage risks. The competition featured diverse and promising startups selected from over 350 applicants, including firms specializing in AI-controlled assembly robots and snack shop efficiency services, reflecting the event’s focus on deep tech, AI, and entertainment innovation.

The IVS event runs from June 2 to June 4 in Kyoto, expecting to draw about 15,000 visitors, with sessions covering a wide range of advanced technologies and entrepreneurial themes.

What Undercode Say:

The victory of Advanced Composite at the IVS Launchpad pitch contest is not just a win for one company but a telling example of Japan’s enduring prowess in the materials science sector. While Japan has long been recognized for its industrial and technological advancements, the spotlight on material innovation like Advanced Composite’s molten metal forging process demonstrates that the next frontier of competitive advantage lies deep within the fundamental building blocks of manufacturing—materials themselves.

Their semi-molten metal forging technology is particularly impressive as it combines material science with engineering precision, allowing for composite materials that optimize performance characteristics such as energy efficiency. This approach not only appeals to traditional manufacturing sectors like automotive and electronics but also taps into the global push toward sustainability by reducing power consumption, a critical factor in today’s climate-conscious market.

Moreover, the ability of the startup to present its technology with both clarity and humor, as noted by judges and attendees, underscores the growing importance of storytelling in the startup ecosystem. Cutting-edge technology alone is rarely enough; companies must also connect emotionally and intellectually with investors, partners, and customers. Advanced Composite’s success at IVS is a case study in marrying technical innovation with compelling communication—a dual skill set increasingly crucial for startups aiming for scale.

The competition’s breadth, featuring AI-driven robotics control and water infrastructure risk analysis startups, illustrates the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of Japan’s startup ecosystem. It’s an ecosystem rapidly expanding beyond traditional boundaries, integrating AI, satellite data, and deep tech to address real-world challenges.

Looking forward, events like IVS serve as critical launchpads for startups that may redefine Japan’s industrial landscape. They also help bridge the gap between Japan’s storied manufacturing legacy and the emerging digital and green economy trends shaping global markets. For Advanced Composite, this win is both validation and motivation to push the envelope on materials innovation while raising their profile internationally.

Fact Checker Results:

✅ Advanced Composite was correctly identified as the winner of the IVS Launchpad pitch contest.

✅ The company’s core technology involves semi-molten metal forging to create composite materials, accurately described.

❌ No misinformation detected; all stated facts align with verified event reports.

📊 Prediction:

Advanced Composite’s innovative molten metal forging technology positions it well to become a key player in energy-efficient industrial components, particularly in sectors like HVAC, automotive, and aerospace. As global industries push for greener solutions, demand for lightweight, durable, and energy-saving materials will surge. This startup is likely to attract further investment and strategic partnerships, potentially expanding into international markets within the next 3-5 years. Their success may also inspire a wave of material science startups in Japan, reinvigorating the sector with fresh technology and entrepreneurial energy.