SolaNika Conducts Seed Round Funding for Laser Wireless Power Transfer

SolaNika Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Mai Kikuchi) announces that it has completed its seed round of financing. This seed round consists of equity financing led by Incuate Fund Inc. and debt financing through a loan with credit guarantee from Mizuho Bank. As a first step towards the social implementation of laser wireless power transfer technology, SolaNika aims to conduct demonstration experiments for long-duration hovering of moving drones using laser wireless power transfer within 2026, utilizing the funds raised.

Background and Purpose of Fundraising

SolaNika develops laser wireless power transfer technology based on research results from Tokyo University of Science. In particular, the company has strengths in automatic imaging technology and predictive tracking technology that continuously irradiate optimized lasers to the light-receiving cell while tracking mobility in three dimensions.

Recently, with the advancement of AI, the power consumption of mobility has been increasing. On the other hand, there are limits to battery evolution. Especially for mobile objects like drones, increasing battery capacity leads to increased body weight, creating a dilemma where flight time and payload capacity are constrained. Furthermore, battery capacity limitations significantly impact operations for mobility operating in harsh environments where charging facilities are difficult to install (such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and lunar exploration rovers).

The laser wireless power transfer we are developing can wirelessly transmit sufficient power at an operational level to mobility, enabling long-duration operation without increasing the mobility's battery capacity. Other wireless power transfer technologies include microwave and electromagnetic induction methods, but our technology is characterized by its ability to transmit overwhelmingly long distances and high power compared to them.

As the first startup in Japan aiming for the practical application of this laser wireless power transfer technology, SolaNika's goal is to "unleash energy constraints with laser wireless power transfer and accelerate human progress." Starting with the implementation of technology for drones, which have the most significant flight time constraints, the company aims to achieve implementation for lunar exploration rovers, via HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station).

SolaNika aims to become indispensable for the social implementation and commercialization of these mobility systems, enabling mobility to operate freely everywhere from the ground to space. The raised funds will be used for hiring engineers and technological development, with the goal of realizing demonstration experiments for long-duration drone hovering within this year.

Demo of laser power transmission while tracking a drone

[Regarding This Funding]

This seed round is SolaNika's first funding round, and debt financing was also conducted. The financial institutions that provided support are as follows:

- Incuabte Fund Inc. (Third-party allotment of new shares) - Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (Loan with credit guarantee from the Credit Guarantee Corporation)

[Comment from Yusuke Murata, Representative Partner, Incuabte Fund Inc.]

We have invested in SolaNika. Incuabte Fund has invested in numerous space and defense-related startups, and a common challenge in the development of various vehicles is the constraint related to the balance between battery capacity, body weight, and payload. SolaNika, led by Ms. Kikuchi, aims to overcome these constraints with a technology that seems to be from science fiction: laser wireless power transfer. We will firmly support them as they create new infrastructure for humanity.

[Comment from Ryoto Iwasaki, Associate, Incuabte Fund Inc.]

Japan's manufacturing strength in "integrated manufacturing of multiple technologies" is proven by the history of domestic manufacturing, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries. Based on research results from Tokyo University of Science, our company is a manufacturing startup that integrates and crosses various technological fields such as lasers, photoelectric conversion on the receiving side, sensing, gimbals, and safety design. Although Ms. Kikuchi's vision is a highly challenging endeavor that no one in the world has yet achieved, we want to gather Japan's wisdom in this field at SolaNika and firmly support its realization.

[Comment from Mai Kikuchi, Representative Director, SolaNika Inc.]

"Unleash energy constraints with laser wireless power transfer and accelerate human progress" - this mission stems from the feelings I had when I was previously involved in the development of lunar exploration rovers. The constraint in developing rovers that could operate for long periods in the harsh lunar environment was the transportation cost, which is said to be hundreds of millions of yen per kilogram. I became convinced that if we could build a wireless power infrastructure on the moon, various mobility systems could operate freely, rapidly bringing us closer to the dream of human settlement.

This challenge is not limited to the moon. On Earth as well, current robotics are not fully realizing their potential due to battery constraints. Mobility, including drones and rovers, has limited operating times per charge, and there are many situations where human intervention is necessary for charging or battery replacement. To achieve true unmanned operation, an energy supply mechanism that can continue to move as needed, where needed, is essential.

Laser wireless power transfer technology unlocks the potential of all mobility, not just on the moon. From drones at an altitude of 150 meters, to HAPS at an altitude of 20,000 meters (stratosphere), and to operations in the lunar environment 384,400 km away. We will unleash the potential of mobility operating everywhere, from the ground to the moon, with laser wireless power transfer.

I am extremely pleased to be able to take this significant step on this grand journey with everyone who has supported us. Based on the solid foundation strengthened by this funding, we will accelerate our organizational enhancement.

Recruitment

SolaNika is strengthening its recruitment, particularly for development members, to support future business expansion. Individuals who resonate with the mission "Unleash energy constraints with laser wireless power transfer and accelerate human progress" are encouraged to contact us via the inquiry form below.

<Desired Candidates>

- Those with strengths in optics/mechanics/electronics/control/software. - Those who enjoy thinking about the system as a whole, transcending disciplinary boundaries. - Those who want to see research, design, and demonstrations through to completion as their own responsibility. - Those who get excited about doing things that have no precedent.

We prioritize attitude towards technology and a sense of ownership over titles or seniority.

Student interns, part-time workers, full-time employees, and CXO candidates are all welcome.

<Work Style>

Flextime (environment where you can work with discretion)

Annual salary: 4.0 to 12.0 million yen + stock options available

*Flexibly determined based on role, skills, and commitment.

◎Inquiry Form: https://solanika.com/contact

About SolaNika Inc.

SolaNika Inc. is a startup founded in May 2025 with the mission "Unleash energy constraints with laser wireless power transfer and accelerate human progress," based on research results from Tokyo University of Science.

With laser wireless power transfer technology at its core, the company is initially challenging social issues through ground applications, primarily focusing on drones. In the future, it aims to establish the foundation for energy transmission technology in space and realize next-generation energy infrastructure that supports lunar exploration and space infrastructure construction.

[Company Overview]

Company Name: SolaNika Inc.

Headquarters Address: 5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 Cosmos Aoyama Cosmos South, Room 502

Research and Development Base: 7-7 Shinkawasaki, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 212-0032 KBIC Room 213/232

Representative Director: Mai Kikuchi

Business Activities: Research and development, manufacturing, and sales of laser wireless power transfer systems

Established: May 2025

HP: https://solanika.com/