bitkey Becomes First Startup to Sponsor NHK Student Robot Competition

bitkey Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masanori Hotsuki; hereinafter referred to as "bitkey") is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the "NHK Student Robot Competition 2026 ~ ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest Preliminary Selection ~" to be held on Sunday, June 14th, by NHK and NHK Enterprises.

This marks the first time a startup has sponsored the "NHK Student Robot Competition."

■ About the NHK Student Robot Competition

This competition challenges student teams, selected through preliminary screening from across the nation, to design and build robots based on a given theme, competing in technical skill and originality. The winning team will represent Japan at the "ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 China-Hong Kong Tournament" to be held in Hong Kong, China, in August 2026. This year's theme is "Kung Fu Quest." Inspired by the ancient martial arts of Hong Kong, the host of ABU Robot Contest 2026, Kung Fu Quest embodies the path of a martial artist, emphasizing discipline, strategy, and teamwork. In the "Dojo," where martial arts are honed, two robots will cooperate to assemble a spear. The task of collecting secret scrolls placed in the "Plum Blossom Forest" represents the training of mind and body. Finally, in the "Arena," considered the culmination of training, teams will engage in a confrontation using the spear and secret scrolls. The cooperation between two robots, including an autonomous robot, is a crucial point.

NHK Student Robot Competition 2026: https://www.event.nhk.or.jp/e-portal/detail.html?id=3995

■ Background of Sponsorship

bitkey's mission and vision are "Let's connect. People can be freer." The company develops the connect platforms "homehub" and "workhub." Its unique approach of seamlessly integrating "hardware" such as smart locks with "software" such as systems and services has been recognized and implemented in various spaces, including condominiums, offices, airports, government buildings, and logistics facilities.

The "NHK Student Robot Competition" is precisely a competition that tackles this "fusion of hardware and software" with high technical skill and teamwork. We are confident that the challenges undertaken by students, who bring their ideas to life and confront unknown problems, not only expand their own future possibilities but also become a significant driving force for the future of Japanese manufacturing and industry.

bitkey decided to sponsor this event for the first time as a startup, wanting to support the passion of young talents who will lead future innovation and contribute to further societal development through the power of technology. bitkey will also participate as a presenter of a special award on the day of the event, scheduled to be presented to the participating teams.

■ Comments from bitkey Inc.

Masanori Hotsuki, Representative Director, President & CEO, bitkey Inc.

I grew up watching "Robot Contest" since childhood. I am deeply honored to be involved in this admired stage through sponsorship and am profoundly grateful to everyone involved who has built its history to this day. We at bitkey are a startup advocating for the "two-sword style" of hardware and software. We fully support the participants in showcasing their honed techniques in the arena.

Ken Igarashi, Executive Officer, CPO, Hardware, bitkey Inc.

As a child, I was passionate about robots, and my enthusiasm led me to be involved in the manufacturing field, developing household bipedal robots and game console controllers. The time spent passionately pursuing this has been invaluable. This year's theme, "Kung Fu Quest," involves a challenging mission where two machines must cooperate. I believe that such effort and experience will surely open up the future for you and society. I sincerely cheer for your success in the arena.

Takaaki Machida, Executive Officer, CPO, Software, bitkey Inc.

The physical world, unlike the digital, is full of uncertainty and unexpected variables. I myself have faced these difficulties since the early days of our company and have struggled daily. However, I believe that true innovation in our lives can only be achieved through the advanced fusion of hardware and software. Therefore, I express my deep respect to all of you who tackle this competition with your intellect and skills. I sincerely support your success at the venue.

Competition Overview

Competition Name: NHK Student Robot Competition 2026 ~ ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest Preliminary Selection ~

Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026

Doors Open: 11:30

Start: 12:30

Expected End: 18:30

Venue: EBARA WAVE Arena Ota (Ota City General Gymnasium)

Organizers: NHK, NHK Enterprises

Streaming Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026, starting at 12:00 (scheduled) on YouTube and Niconico Live Broadcast

Broadcast Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 13:50- on NHK General TV

■ About bitkey Inc.

bitkey Inc. operates under the mission and vision "Let's connect. People can be freer." The company develops the connect platforms "homehub" and "workhub." These platforms are used in a wide range of locations, including condominiums, office buildings, airports, government buildings, and logistics facilities. By seamlessly integrating "hardware" such as smart locks with "software" such as systems and services, bitkey aims to create new ways of living and working.

【bitkey Inc. Overview】

Company Name: bitkey Inc.

Location: Tokyo Square Garden 9F, 3-1-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Masanori Hotsuki, Representative Director, President & CEO

Established: May 16, 2018

Capital: ¥50,000,000 (as of May 28, 2026)

Business Description: Planning, development, and operation of the "bitkey Platform" for ID authentication and authorization.

Planning, development, and sales of connect platforms "homehub" and "workhub."

Planning, development, and sales of hardware products such as smart locks.

*"bitkey," "homehub," "workhub," and "bitkey platform" are registered trademarks of bitkey Inc.