TEAM

Message from CEO

Mai Kikuchi

CEO

I wanted to change the current situation where university research lies dormant. With this single determination, I challenged myself to join a space venture, only to face the wall of transportation costs at "150 million yen per kilogram." What robs robots of their freedom in space is the physical constraint of heavy batteries.

I will solve this "power supply challenge" and unleash technology from the laboratory to society, and then to space.

I will not let Japanese knowledge end as mere possibility. I will implement it as infrastructure essential for the future.

Ryo Yasufuku

Head of Development

Education The University of Tokyo Graduate School, Dept. of Advanced Energy, M.S.

Experience Conducted trajectory design research for deep space exploration at JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, acquiring expertise in precision tracking of moving objects. Led the development of Japan's first aerial deployment drone in the CanSat project, gaining end-to-end experience in drone design, manufacturing, and flight testing. Selected for NEDO NEP (Pioneer Course). At SolaNika, leads R&D of laser power transmission systems for drones.

Tetsuro Shimada

Technical Director

Education Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology), Physics, Nuclear Physics, M.S.

Experience After Recruit, served as R&D Director at a deep tech venture, driving commercialization of advanced technologies. Successfully led multiple projects from fundraising to execution. Later founded a company specializing in AI image processing systems. At SolaNika, oversees development of AI-powered real-time tracking systems and overall technical strategy.

Akihiko Sugitani

Technical Advisor

Education University of Tsukuba, Physics, Plasma Physics; UCLA Material Science & Engineering M.S.

Experience Specialized in plasma physics with research focus on high-energy light sources. Led industrial laser source development and precision optical system design at Ushio Inc. At SolaNika, provides technical guidance on optical design for laser power transmission systems.