Korean AI Startup Finders AI Japan Speaks at Chiba University × JETRO Special Lecture

Finders AI Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Lee Jimin; hereinafter "the company") participated in the special lecture titled "Current Status of Investment in Japan and Case Studies of Foreign Companies," held on Tuesday, May 20, 2026, at Chiba University's Nishichiba Campus. This lecture series, launched under a comprehensive partnership agreement between Chiba University and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), invites foreign-affiliated companies operating in Japan as guest lecturers to help students feel more connected to international businesses and broaden their career options. The company participated in this lecture based on its belief that Japan's economic growth depends on young Japanese generations embracing global perspectives and entrepreneurial spirit to thrive on the world stage. Photo: Finders AI Japan's lecture session (courtesy of JETRO) ■ Background and Purpose of Participation The company believes that increased interest among Japan's youth in global business and innovation, and their active participation on the world stage, will further drive Japan's economic growth. CEO Lee Jimin participated in this lecture to pass on the importance of global entrepreneurship to the next generation, drawing from his personal experiences building a career across Japan, South Korea, and New York. Furthermore, beyond this lecture appearance, the company plans to offer internship programs that allow students to engage directly in product and business development. ■ Lecture Content In the first session, CEO Lee Jimin delivered a talk titled "Being an Entrepreneur on the Global Stage," sharing his career journey and entrepreneurial experiences to inspire students with a global entrepreneurial mindset. He explained the differences between startups and global business expansion and discussed the potential for Japan's younger generation to succeed internationally, supported by data on Asia's startup ecosystems. In the second session, the company delivered a lecture on its AI self-checkout system "VISION CHECK-OUT," the first in Japan※1 to feature 3D matching technology. After discussing real-world retail challenges such as labor shortages and inefficient checkout processes, students were given a mini-exercise: "If you were in charge, how would you introduce this system to your university?" During the subsequent Q&A, students shared candid questions and opinions. ■ Comments from Associate Professor Naoki Sakiyama, who led the lecture "While many students consider careers at Japanese companies or in public service, this lecture presents valuable alternative pathways—foreign-affiliated companies and entrepreneurship—that often lack sufficient information. I believe this is a meaningful initiative that supports diverse career planning. Mr. Lee Jimin of Finders AI is an ideal role model who provided great inspiration to our students. Additionally, the company's image-recognition AI self-checkout system fits well with student lifestyles, and many students seriously engaged with the exercise on potential campus implementation. Interest in the technology and its applications was high, making this a highly impactful session." ■ About the Next-Generation AI Self-Checkout "VISION CHECK-OUT" "VISION CHECK-OUT" is an AI-powered self-checkout system developed by Fainders.AI, featuring Japan's first※1 3D matching technology. It eliminates the need for barcode or RFID scanning—simply place items on the tray, and seven stereo cameras capture 360-degree views to identify products. The system can recognize over 10 items within 1–2 seconds with over 99% accuracy※2. Compared to traditional self-checkout systems, it offers significantly improved convenience and comfort, with a simple interface that even users unfamiliar with machines can operate stress-free. It also greatly reduces customer wait times during peak hours and alleviates employee workloads. ※1 Based on internal company research. ※2 Based on pilot experiment data from domestic and international trials through 2026. Finders AI Japan Co., Ltd. (Parent Company: Fainders.AI Inc., South Korea) Finders AI is a technology company providing retail solutions powered by image recognition AI. Founded in Seoul, South Korea, in 2020 by engineers from Samsung, the company has built a robust technological foundation through the development and operation of AI-powered unmanned stores and self-checkout systems, expanding its business across Asia. In 2025, it established its Japanese subsidiary. To meet Japan's growing demand for labor-saving and operational efficiency solutions, the company is rolling out solutions centered on its AI self-checkout system "VISION CHECK-OUT," aiming to create environments where staff can focus on higher-value tasks and deliver new shopping experiences to customers. Finders AI Japan Co., Ltd. Address: 2F, Toyosu Sail Park Building, 2-1-9 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo Established: 2025 CEO: Lee Jimin Business: Development and provision of retail solutions using image recognition AI Products and Services: AI self-checkout "VISION CHECK-OUT," AI unmanned store "WALK THROUGH" Official Website: https://fainders.ai/jp ■ Contact Information Email: contact_jp@fainders.ai