On 13 February 2023, Tokyo hosted a press conference announcing the inception of Cross You, a general incorporated association spearheaded by Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. and space industry volunteers. The association is slated to commence its activities on 1 April this year.
The late 1990s saw Mitsui Fudosan embark on the “Nihonbashi Revitalisation Plan”, which sought to generate industries via urban development. In 2019, the company identified the space sector as a strategic domain and has since been contributing to the expansion of businesses in this field.
Cross You aspires to construct a space business ecosystem that amalgamates the latest knowledge and information from stakeholders in industry, government, and academia, both in Japan and internationally. This ecosystem will support the expansion of businesses in related areas.
The envisioned space business ecosystem comprises four principal components:
- Assembling a diverse range of businesses, start-ups, and academia from Japan and abroad.
- Attracting players in allied fields to foster exchange and information dissemination.
- Collaborating with accelerators and venture capital firms to incubate new businesses.
- Fostering innovation and broadening business fields within space-related industries.
Cross You will furnish venues and opportunities for corporate and individual members. These will include co-working spaces, conference rooms, and large-scale event facilities. Additionally, the association will organise events to showcase products, research content, and networking opportunities.
Membership fees will be tiered according to the type of member: companies employing over 301 individuals, companies and non-profit organisations with 300 or fewer employees, and individuals. Cross You’s doors are open to individuals and non-profit organisations for collaborative purposes.
Masanobu Komoda, President and CEO of Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., elaborated on Cross You’s objectives, highlighting its aim to develop the space industry and tackle global social issues through the creation of industries via urban development.
Shinichi Nakasuka, Chairman of Cross You, emphasised the importance of “co-creation” among various players, as well as the provision of opportunities to engage with non-space companies.
By transforming Nihonbashi into a world-class space hub, Mitsui Fudosan aspires to establish a “sixth highway” leading to space, referencing the Five Highways of the Edo period.
