Providing a Cost-Effective R&D Platform Utilizing Advanced Expertise
■ Bringing R&D Closer – The Significance of Establishing the “Industrial AI Laboratory”
In today's fast-evolving technological landscape, R&D activities are a key factor in maintaining corporate competitiveness. However, high research costs and talent acquisition barriers often prevent companies from initiating such efforts. At the same time, universities seek opportunities to apply research outcomes to real-world challenges.
In response to these issues, AsiaQuest and KUAS have joined forces to create the Industrial AI Laboratory, a platform that provides more companies with access to advanced expertise and cost-effective R&D opportunities.
Signing Ceremony of the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement – June 4, 2025
Left: Jun Momoi, AsiaQuest Co., Ltd. / Right: Masashi Maeda, President of Kyoto University of Advanced Science
■ Key Features of the “Industrial AI Laboratory” R&D Platform
The Industrial AI Laboratory provides an environment conducive to collaboration between enterprises aiming to innovate with AI and academic institutions seeking deeper engagement in research. This platform accelerates R&D in the field of industrial AI through the following features:
1. Cost Competitiveness
Enables high-level R&D at lower cost compared to internal company efforts. Research topics are designed based on actual business issues, with a strong focus on practical, actionable outcomes.
2. Utilization of a Broad Academic Network
In addition to KUAS’s faculty, the platform leverages a national academic network, enabling multidisciplinary collaboration with diverse technical expertise.
3. Opportunities for Research Based on Real-World Challenges
Research themes are selected based on actual business challenges, aiming to generate practical and applicable research results.
4. Streamlined Contracting Process
Thanks to the newly signed comprehensive agreement between AsiaQuest and KUAS, companies can easily participate in R&D by entering into a single contract with AsiaQuest.
■ Two-Stage R&D Process
To facilitate smooth R&D engagement for companies, the platform adopts a two-stage development process:
Stage 1: Feasibility Verification (Entry Phase)
- Selection of research themes and hypothesis testing
- Flexible project execution using quasi-delegation contracts
Stage 2: Productization / Patent Acquisition
- Full-scale development phase based on Stage 1 results
- Formation of consortia as needed to pursue patents and commercialization
■ Example Themes for Practical Applications
This platform is well-suited for research and development involving cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT, and digital twins. Potential applications include:
- Construction Industry:Advanced and automated maintenance of next-generation infrastructure
- Real Estate Industry:Optimized spatial design through emotion detection and crowd flow simulation
- Financial Industry:ESG investment impact measurement and market forecasting using AI
- Insurance Industry:Advanced predictive modeling of insurance risks in response to extreme weather events
■ Future Outlook
Through this platform, AsiaQuest aims to strengthen ties between industry and academia and contribute to the advancement of both companies and universities. The initiative will continue to expand its research themes and develop new partnerships, making R&D more accessible to a broader range of enterprises.
About AsiaQuest Co., Ltd. https://www.asia-quest.jp/
AsiaQuest supports all aspects of digital transformation (DX)—from consulting to system design, development, and operations using advanced digital technologies. With dedicated teams specializing in IoT, AI, cloud, mobile, web, and UI/UX, we assemble optimal project teams to achieve our clients’ goals. Our capabilities span from rapid PoC (proof-of-concept) execution to full-scale, enterprise-level system implementation, enabling swift and effective digital innovation.
About Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) https://www.kuas.ac.jp
KUAS offers a diverse curriculum across five faculties and ten departments. Renamed in April 2019, the university has become home to international students from over 40 countries and regions. The Faculty of Engineering conducts all classes in English, and starting in FY2025, the same format will be extended to the Faculty of Bioenvironmental Science and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. KUAS also focuses on recurrent education, including a business school tailored for working professionals.