Keio University Startup Graphenory Secures 240 Million Yen in Seed Funding, Completes KSIP Incubation Program
Graphenory Inc., a deep-tech startup utilizing graphene technology from Keio University, has raised 240 million JPY in its seed round to accelerate the development of world-first graphene optical devices.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 18:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 10:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 10:27 (24h 25m after Collected)
Graphenory Inc. (HQ: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Rii Hirano), a startup selected for the Keio Startup Incubation Program (KSIP) operated by the Keio University Headquarters for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, has completed a seed round funding of approximately 240 million JPY.
Graphenory was established in October 2024 as a deep-tech startup based on the long-term research of Professor Hideyuki Maki of the Faculty of Science and Technology. Even before its founding, Keio University has provided hands-on support through KSIP, including business plan formulation, securing initial funding, legal support for incorporation, and networking with corporate partners and investors. Following this funding success, Graphenory has officially graduated from the KSIP program.
### About Graphenory: Revolutionizing Society with Graphene Optical Devices
Graphene is a cutting-edge nanomaterial known for its extraordinary performance in electronics, telecommunications, and medicine, leading to a Nobel Prize in 2010. Graphenory has succeeded in developing pioneering graphene optical devices by merging unique graphene techniques with advanced light device technology. The company is advancing projects for infrared light sources compatible with semiconductors, analytical sensing applications, and optoelectronic fusion devices expected to be used in data centers. Their goal is to bring innovation to the semiconductor, AI, quantum, and bio-medical sectors.
### Overview of Seed Funding
In this seed round, the company raised approximately 240 million JPY from lead investor SBI Investment Co., Ltd., along with Keio Innovation Initiative (KII), Mobile Internet Capital, Mizuho Capital, Fidea Capital, and DEEPCORE.
Graphenory will use these funds to accelerate talent acquisition and technical development, aiming to commercialize graphene optical devices globally.
### Company Profile
- Name: Graphenory Inc.
- Representatives: Rii Hirano, Hideyuki Maki
- Headquarters: 2F-B No.11 Soshin Bldg, 4-3-3 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Development Base: Kawasaki, Kanagawa
- Founded: October 1, 2024
- Business: Research, development, manufacturing, and consulting for optical devices using nanocarbon (graphene).
- Website: https://graphenory.com/
### About Keio University's Support
Keio University's startup division provided hands-on support, including a public call for a 'Keio-version EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence)' in collaboration with BizReach. This helped establish initial business plans and secure early cash flow through grants like NEP, allowing the team to focus on technical development. Leveraging the university's alumni network and corporate partners, the university supported practical tasks such as company registration and financial planning, ensuring the transition from research to social implementation.
Graphenory was established in October 2024 as a deep-tech startup based on the long-term research of Professor Hideyuki Maki of the Faculty of Science and Technology. Even before its founding, Keio University has provided hands-on support through KSIP, including business plan formulation, securing initial funding, legal support for incorporation, and networking with corporate partners and investors. Following this funding success, Graphenory has officially graduated from the KSIP program.
### About Graphenory: Revolutionizing Society with Graphene Optical Devices
Graphene is a cutting-edge nanomaterial known for its extraordinary performance in electronics, telecommunications, and medicine, leading to a Nobel Prize in 2010. Graphenory has succeeded in developing pioneering graphene optical devices by merging unique graphene techniques with advanced light device technology. The company is advancing projects for infrared light sources compatible with semiconductors, analytical sensing applications, and optoelectronic fusion devices expected to be used in data centers. Their goal is to bring innovation to the semiconductor, AI, quantum, and bio-medical sectors.
### Overview of Seed Funding
In this seed round, the company raised approximately 240 million JPY from lead investor SBI Investment Co., Ltd., along with Keio Innovation Initiative (KII), Mobile Internet Capital, Mizuho Capital, Fidea Capital, and DEEPCORE.
Graphenory will use these funds to accelerate talent acquisition and technical development, aiming to commercialize graphene optical devices globally.
### Company Profile
- Name: Graphenory Inc.
- Representatives: Rii Hirano, Hideyuki Maki
- Headquarters: 2F-B No.11 Soshin Bldg, 4-3-3 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Development Base: Kawasaki, Kanagawa
- Founded: October 1, 2024
- Business: Research, development, manufacturing, and consulting for optical devices using nanocarbon (graphene).
- Website: https://graphenory.com/
### About Keio University's Support
Keio University's startup division provided hands-on support, including a public call for a 'Keio-version EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence)' in collaboration with BizReach. This helped establish initial business plans and secure early cash flow through grants like NEP, allowing the team to focus on technical development. Leveraging the university's alumni network and corporate partners, the university supported practical tasks such as company registration and financial planning, ensuring the transition from research to social implementation.