About Us
Our Mission
To create a new infrastructure that enables the next generation to understand our Earth and achieve a resilient future.
Everyone shares the common hope for people to live peacefully and enhance their quality of life for themselves and future generations. However, disasters and conflicts now threaten this hope. The vital infrastructure we've created has been destroyed, and countless lives have been lost. Moreover, environmental challenges and limited resources are obstructing sustainable development. To benefit future generations, we need to grow our economy responsibly, considering the Earth's environmental limits and ability to regenerate.
Global data analysis requires wide-ranging, uniform, reliable, and unbiased data delivered in near real-time. A constellation of Earth observation (EO) satellites that can monitor the Earth’s surface, in conjunction with a system that can extract valuable insights at scale from large amounts of data captured by EO satellites, can achieve this. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites are essential in this effort because they can produce a treasure trove of information about the world around us. SAR satellites can monitor Earth any time of day or night and are unaffected by weather and other climate conditions.
While public institutions and research organizations are working to address these challenges, private companies offer unique strengths, particularly in adapting quickly to complex and evolving requirements. Their flexibility and speed can enhance collaboration with public institutions and research initiatives. With this in mind, it’s our mission to create a new infrastructure that enables the next generation to understand our Earth and achieve a resilient future, starting with a constellation of SAR satellites.
Who We Are
Synspective designs, builds, and operates a fleet of SAR satellites to detect and understand changes across the globe. Leveraging SAR satellite data with proprietary data analysis techniques, Synspective offers two services: SAR data sales and solution services.
Satellites
Synspective’s 100kg class SAR satellites are innovative, compact, and low-cost and can consistently and reliably gather data, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.
Learn moreData
Synspective’s SAR satellites can obtain data covering over 1,000km2 in 1-3m resolution anywhere in the world. Synspective provides SAR data and remote monitoring services to government agencies and companies worldwide.
Learn moreSolutions
Synspective offers cloud-based solutions that provide analytics services using data science and machine learning to help organizations derive critical insights from immense volumes of data.
Learn moreFounder & CEO
Dr. Motoyuki Arai
Founder & CEO
Moto founded Synspective in February 2018. As the CEO, he leads Synspective’s mission, overall strategy, and operations.
Moto began his career working at the Tokyo office of a US-based consulting firm for five years. He helped more than 15 global companies design new business and technology strategies to improve corporate governance and internal controls.
Moto received his PhD in Technology Management for Innovation from the University of Tokyo. His research focused on the construction of energy systems to promote economic growth in developing countries. Moto then implemented his knowledge of business development to lead projects in areas such as energy, water and sanitation, agriculture, and recycling in Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, and disaster-stricken areas in Japan.
Board of Directors
Toshihiro Obata
Board Director
Head of the Technology Strategy Office
Toshihiro joined Synspective in April 2019 as a member of the Board of Directors and the General Manager of Satellite System Development. Toshihiro oversees the development, manufacturing, and operations of Synspective's small SAR satellites. Currently as the Head of the Technology Strategy Office, he drives efforts to formulate the company's technology roadmap, form strategic partnerships, and conduct relevant research.
Prior to joining Synspective, Toshihiro worked at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for more than 19 years, first leading the team working on attitude control subsystems for Earth observation satellites, then as the manager of systems engineering for Earth observation satellites. Toshihiro also worked for TerraSAR-X in Astrium (now Airbus DS) in Friedrichshafen, Germany as an exchange engineer in 2004.
Toshihiro holds an MS in Engineering from the University of Tokyo. In 2016, he joined the University of Tokyo to work on the system design of small SAR satellites, which has since become the basis for Synspective's demonstration satellites.
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Toshihiro joined Synspective in April 2019 as a member of the Board of Directors and the General Manager of Satellite System Development. Toshihiro oversees the development, manufacturing, and operations of Synspective's small SAR satellites. Currently as the Head of the Technology Strategy Office, he drives efforts to formulate the company's technology roadmap, form strategic partnerships, and conduct relevant research.
Prior to joining Synspective, Toshihiro worked at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for more than 19 years, first leading the team working on attitude control subsystems for Earth observation satellites, then as the manager of systems engineering for Earth observation satellites. Toshihiro also worked for TerraSAR-X in Astrium (now Airbus DS) in Friedrichshafen, Germany as an exchange engineer in 2004.
Toshihiro holds an MS in Engineering from the University of Tokyo. In 2016, he joined the University of Tokyo to work on the system design of small SAR satellites, which has since become the basis for Synspective's demonstration satellites.
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Toshihiro Obata
Board Director
Head of the Technology Strategy Office
Toshihiro joined Synspective in April 2019 as a member of the Board of Directors and the General Manager of Satellite System Development. Toshihiro oversees the development, manufacturing, and operations of Synspective's small SAR satellites. Currently as the Head of the Technology Strategy Office, he drives efforts to formulate the company's technology roadmap, form strategic partnerships, and conduct relevant research.
Prior to joining Synspective, Toshihiro worked at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for more than 19 years, first leading the team working on attitude control subsystems for Earth observation satellites, then as the manager of systems engineering for Earth observation satellites. Toshihiro also worked for TerraSAR-X in Astrium (now Airbus DS) in Friedrichshafen, Germany as an exchange engineer in 2004.
Toshihiro holds an MS in Engineering from the University of Tokyo. In 2016, he joined the University of Tokyo to work on the system design of small SAR satellites, which has since become the basis for Synspective's demonstration satellites.
Atsushi Shito
Board Director
General Manager of Corporate Administration Dept.
Atsushi joined Synspective in July 2018 as the General Manager of Corporate Administration. He manages accounting, finance, auditing, investor relations, and legal strategy and operation. He became a member of the Board of Directors in April 2021.
Prior to joining Synspective, Atsushi worked for a number of audit corporations where he performed financial audits and provided support to achieve IPOs, J-SOX compliance, and financial due diligence.
In addition, Atsushi was the co-founder and CFO of a startup where he raised more than ¥1.2 billion yen from venture capital firms, operational companies, and government organizations. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
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Atsushi joined Synspective in July 2018 as the General Manager of Corporate Administration. He manages accounting, finance, auditing, investor relations, and legal strategy and operation. He became a member of the Board of Directors in April 2021.
Prior to joining Synspective, Atsushi worked for a number of audit corporations where he performed financial audits and provided support to achieve IPOs, J-SOX compliance, and financial due diligence.
In addition, Atsushi was the co-founder and CFO of a startup where he raised more than ¥1.2 billion yen from venture capital firms, operational companies, and government organizations. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
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Atsushi Shito
Board Director
General Manager of Corporate Administration Dept.
Atsushi joined Synspective in July 2018 as the General Manager of Corporate Administration. He manages accounting, finance, auditing, investor relations, and legal strategy and operation. He became a member of the Board of Directors in April 2021.
Prior to joining Synspective, Atsushi worked for a number of audit corporations where he performed financial audits and provided support to achieve IPOs, J-SOX compliance, and financial due diligence.
In addition, Atsushi was the co-founder and CFO of a startup where he raised more than ¥1.2 billion yen from venture capital firms, operational companies, and government organizations. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
Lynette TAN
Board Director of Synspective SG Pte. Ltd.
Lynette joined Synspective in 2023 as the Board Director of Synspective Pte. Ltd.
As Space Faculty's CEO, Lynette promotes Asia’s space ecosystem and cultivates talent, R&D, and the industry roadmap for the region's space sector. The organization nurtures aspiring space professionals and enhances existing professionals' knowledge. Lynette also assists non-space businesses to utilize space tech's innovative potential and helps regional governments grow their space industries.
A Karman Fellow and Myelin-H advisor, Lynette actively encourages STEM interest among young people and women. Accolades for her work include the 2018 Lancôme Visionary Award, recognition for contributions to the Science & Technology Industry by a top women’s publication, and a position on the inaugural “Singapore 100 Women in Tech List” in 2020.
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Lynette joined Synspective in 2023 as the Board Director of Synspective Pte. Ltd.
As Space Faculty's CEO, Lynette promotes Asia’s space ecosystem and cultivates talent, R&D, and the industry roadmap for the region's space sector. The organization nurtures aspiring space professionals and enhances existing professionals' knowledge. Lynette also assists non-space businesses to utilize space tech's innovative potential and helps regional governments grow their space industries.
A Karman Fellow and Myelin-H advisor, Lynette actively encourages STEM interest among young people and women. Accolades for her work include the 2018 Lancôme Visionary Award, recognition for contributions to the Science & Technology Industry by a top women’s publication, and a position on the inaugural “Singapore 100 Women in Tech List” in 2020.
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Lynette TAN
Board Director of Synspective SG Pte. Ltd.
Lynette joined Synspective in 2023 as the Board Director of Synspective Pte. Ltd.
As Space Faculty's CEO, Lynette promotes Asia’s space ecosystem and cultivates talent, R&D, and the industry roadmap for the region's space sector. The organization nurtures aspiring space professionals and enhances existing professionals' knowledge. Lynette also assists non-space businesses to utilize space tech's innovative potential and helps regional governments grow their space industries.
A Karman Fellow and Myelin-H advisor, Lynette actively encourages STEM interest among young people and women. Accolades for her work include the 2018 Lancôme Visionary Award, recognition for contributions to the Science & Technology Industry by a top women’s publication, and a position on the inaugural “Singapore 100 Women in Tech List” in 2020.
Executive Officers
Stefan Chelariu
Executive Officer
General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 1 Dept.
Stefan joined Synspective in April 2020 as an Embedded Software Engineer in the Satellite System Development Department. In 2021, he became one of the team leaders, and in 2023, he was appointed the General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 1. In this role, Stefan oversees the development of the StriX satellites as well as their operation.
Prior to joining Synspective, Stefan was the General Manager of the Development Department at Tranzas Inc. in Yokohama, Japan. Working with multinational teams from Japan, Taiwan and Singapore, he managed the development of the company's IoT products that were used in building management systems.
Originally from Romania, Stefan moved to Japan in 2014. In Romania, he worked as a freelance embedded systems engineer and co-founded Radian Technology SRL.
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Stefan joined Synspective in April 2020 as an Embedded Software Engineer in the Satellite System Development Department. In 2021, he became one of the team leaders, and in 2023, he was appointed the General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 1. In this role, Stefan oversees the development of the StriX satellites as well as their operation.
Prior to joining Synspective, Stefan was the General Manager of the Development Department at Tranzas Inc. in Yokohama, Japan. Working with multinational teams from Japan, Taiwan and Singapore, he managed the development of the company's IoT products that were used in building management systems.
Originally from Romania, Stefan moved to Japan in 2014. In Romania, he worked as a freelance embedded systems engineer and co-founded Radian Technology SRL.
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Stefan Chelariu
Executive Officer
General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 1 Dept.
Stefan joined Synspective in April 2020 as an Embedded Software Engineer in the Satellite System Development Department. In 2021, he became one of the team leaders, and in 2023, he was appointed the General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 1. In this role, Stefan oversees the development of the StriX satellites as well as their operation.
Prior to joining Synspective, Stefan was the General Manager of the Development Department at Tranzas Inc. in Yokohama, Japan. Working with multinational teams from Japan, Taiwan and Singapore, he managed the development of the company's IoT products that were used in building management systems.
Originally from Romania, Stefan moved to Japan in 2014. In Romania, he worked as a freelance embedded systems engineer and co-founded Radian Technology SRL.
Hajime Morioka
Executive Officer
General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 2 Dept.
Hajime joined Synspective in November 2022 to take on a new challenge and help manage the production of Synspective’s satellites. He was appointed the General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 2 in February 2023.
After beginning his career at Sony, Hajime served as an engineer in multiple companies where he was dedicated to the designing, development, and management of production lines. He has a track record of leading factory setups and introducing process management systems around the world, including in Japan, the UK, and China. He has top management experience overseeing international offices with over 10,000 employees.
Hajime’s supervision of all aspects of operations, including human resources, labor, general affairs, procurement, and finance, has led to significant improvements in quality and productivity.
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Hajime joined Synspective in November 2022 to take on a new challenge and help manage the production of Synspective’s satellites. He was appointed the General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 2 in February 2023.
After beginning his career at Sony, Hajime served as an engineer in multiple companies where he was dedicated to the designing, development, and management of production lines. He has a track record of leading factory setups and introducing process management systems around the world, including in Japan, the UK, and China. He has top management experience overseeing international offices with over 10,000 employees.
Hajime’s supervision of all aspects of operations, including human resources, labor, general affairs, procurement, and finance, has led to significant improvements in quality and productivity.
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Hajime Morioka
Executive Officer
General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 2 Dept.
Hajime joined Synspective in November 2022 to take on a new challenge and help manage the production of Synspective’s satellites. He was appointed the General Manager of Satellite System Development No. 2 in February 2023.
After beginning his career at Sony, Hajime served as an engineer in multiple companies where he was dedicated to the designing, development, and management of production lines. He has a track record of leading factory setups and introducing process management systems around the world, including in Japan, the UK, and China. He has top management experience overseeing international offices with over 10,000 employees.
Hajime’s supervision of all aspects of operations, including human resources, labor, general affairs, procurement, and finance, has led to significant improvements in quality and productivity.
Tomoyuki Imaizumi
Executive Officer
General Manager of Data Production Dept.
Tomoyuki joined Synspective in April 2018 as the General Manager of Solution Development and Ground System. Currently, he serves as the General Manager of Data Production, overseeing ground system development and data production operation and supporting solutions development and sales.
Prior to joining Synspective, Tomoyuki worked at a geospatial information provider where he developed a high-speed image processing system for ASNARO satellite ground systems and became the project leader of research and development for feature recognition from satellite data through deep learning. In addition, Tomoyuki served as the leader of an artificial intelligence project and was engaged in developing solution services by using deep learning with remote sensing data.
Since December 2015, with the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Research Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tomoyuki has been engaged in research as an initial member of the Geographic Information Science Research Team.
Tomoyuki received a MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Gunma University and a MS in Systems Engineering from Keio University.
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Tomoyuki joined Synspective in April 2018 as the General Manager of Solution Development and Ground System. Currently, he serves as the General Manager of Data Production, overseeing ground system development and data production operation and supporting solutions development and sales.
Prior to joining Synspective, Tomoyuki worked at a geospatial information provider where he developed a high-speed image processing system for ASNARO satellite ground systems and became the project leader of research and development for feature recognition from satellite data through deep learning. In addition, Tomoyuki served as the leader of an artificial intelligence project and was engaged in developing solution services by using deep learning with remote sensing data.
Since December 2015, with the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Research Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tomoyuki has been engaged in research as an initial member of the Geographic Information Science Research Team.
Tomoyuki received a MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Gunma University and a MS in Systems Engineering from Keio University.
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Tomoyuki Imaizumi
Executive Officer
General Manager of Data Production Dept.
Tomoyuki joined Synspective in April 2018 as the General Manager of Solution Development and Ground System. Currently, he serves as the General Manager of Data Production, overseeing ground system development and data production operation and supporting solutions development and sales.
Prior to joining Synspective, Tomoyuki worked at a geospatial information provider where he developed a high-speed image processing system for ASNARO satellite ground systems and became the project leader of research and development for feature recognition from satellite data through deep learning. In addition, Tomoyuki served as the leader of an artificial intelligence project and was engaged in developing solution services by using deep learning with remote sensing data.
Since December 2015, with the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Research Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tomoyuki has been engaged in research as an initial member of the Geographic Information Science Research Team.
Tomoyuki received a MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Gunma University and a MS in Systems Engineering from Keio University.
Takayuki Odawara
Executive Officer
General Manager of Business Dept.
Takayuki, also known as "Oda," joined Synspective in 2021 as a geospatial business development expert in Japan and international markets. He assumed his current General Manager of Business position in October 2022.
Takayuki’s career spans 30 years with a focus on the geospatial data and analytics industry including Earth observation and remote sensing, location-based services, connected cars, and intelligent transportation systems. After taking on Sony's consumer electronics sales and marketing role in the North African market, Takayuki served in a series of business growth roles including sales and marketing manager at NAVTEQ (now HERE Technologies), Corporate VP and APAC head at DigitalGlobe (now Maxar Technologies) and INRIX, and country manager roles at leading geospatial start-ups.
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Takayuki, also known as "Oda," joined Synspective in 2021 as a geospatial business development expert in Japan and international markets. He assumed his current General Manager of Business position in October 2022.
Takayuki’s career spans 30 years with a focus on the geospatial data and analytics industry including Earth observation and remote sensing, location-based services, connected cars, and intelligent transportation systems. After taking on Sony's consumer electronics sales and marketing role in the North African market, Takayuki served in a series of business growth roles including sales and marketing manager at NAVTEQ (now HERE Technologies), Corporate VP and APAC head at DigitalGlobe (now Maxar Technologies) and INRIX, and country manager roles at leading geospatial start-ups.
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Takayuki Odawara
Executive Officer
General Manager of Business Dept.
Takayuki, also known as "Oda," joined Synspective in 2021 as a geospatial business development expert in Japan and international markets. He assumed his current General Manager of Business position in October 2022.
Takayuki’s career spans 30 years with a focus on the geospatial data and analytics industry including Earth observation and remote sensing, location-based services, connected cars, and intelligent transportation systems. After taking on Sony's consumer electronics sales and marketing role in the North African market, Takayuki served in a series of business growth roles including sales and marketing manager at NAVTEQ (now HERE Technologies), Corporate VP and APAC head at DigitalGlobe (now Maxar Technologies) and INRIX, and country manager roles at leading geospatial start-ups.
Keizo Fujiwara
Executive Officer
General Manager of Solution Development Dept.
Keizo joined Synspective in April 2022 to apply his expertise and create new innovations in the space industry. He was appointed Executive Officer and General Manager of Solutions in October 2022.
Prior to joining Synspective, he worked for Microsoft where he was responsible for the development and launch of many of the company’s online products. He later became the Senior Program Manager of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Services where he oversaw the development and commercialization of AI models and related systems. He was also instrumental in popularizing pioneering chatbots in the Japanese market.
Keizo studied electrical engineering at a technical college. After completing his BA, he completed his MS in electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Irvine.
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Keizo joined Synspective in April 2022 to apply his expertise and create new innovations in the space industry. He was appointed Executive Officer and General Manager of Solutions in October 2022.
Prior to joining Synspective, he worked for Microsoft where he was responsible for the development and launch of many of the company’s online products. He later became the Senior Program Manager of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Services where he oversaw the development and commercialization of AI models and related systems. He was also instrumental in popularizing pioneering chatbots in the Japanese market.
Keizo studied electrical engineering at a technical college. After completing his BA, he completed his MS in electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Irvine.
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Keizo Fujiwara
Executive Officer
General Manager of Solution Development Dept.
Keizo joined Synspective in April 2022 to apply his expertise and create new innovations in the space industry. He was appointed Executive Officer and General Manager of Solutions in October 2022.
Prior to joining Synspective, he worked for Microsoft where he was responsible for the development and launch of many of the company’s online products. He later became the Senior Program Manager of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Services where he oversaw the development and commercialization of AI models and related systems. He was also instrumental in popularizing pioneering chatbots in the Japanese market.
Keizo studied electrical engineering at a technical college. After completing his BA, he completed his MS in electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Irvine.
Vincent Kessler
Executive Officer
General Manager of Synspective SG Pte. Ltd.
Vincent joined Synspective in October 2021 as the General Manager of Synspective's Singapore branch. He oversees Synspective’s activities in the Asia-Pacific and Eastern European regions.
After graduating from the National University of Singapore's Geography Department in 2005, Vincent began his career at CRISP, the national remote sensing ground station of Singapore. He spent over 15 years leading Asia sales and business development activities for various high-profile global companies in the geospatial industry.
Vincent received his MBA from the University of Birmingham, UK.
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Vincent joined Synspective in October 2021 as the General Manager of Synspective's Singapore branch. He oversees Synspective’s activities in the Asia-Pacific and Eastern European regions.
After graduating from the National University of Singapore's Geography Department in 2005, Vincent began his career at CRISP, the national remote sensing ground station of Singapore. He spent over 15 years leading Asia sales and business development activities for various high-profile global companies in the geospatial industry.
Vincent received his MBA from the University of Birmingham, UK.
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Vincent Kessler
Executive Officer
General Manager of Synspective SG Pte. Ltd.
Vincent joined Synspective in October 2021 as the General Manager of Synspective's Singapore branch. He oversees Synspective’s activities in the Asia-Pacific and Eastern European regions.
After graduating from the National University of Singapore's Geography Department in 2005, Vincent began his career at CRISP, the national remote sensing ground station of Singapore. He spent over 15 years leading Asia sales and business development activities for various high-profile global companies in the geospatial industry.
Vincent received his MBA from the University of Birmingham, UK.
Our Story
ImPACT Program
The ImPACT program was started in 2014 as a Japanese government-led R&D initiative to promote high-risk, high-impact scientific and technological innovation that will bring about major changes in industry and society. This program developed the core technology for Synspective’s small SAR satellites.
Synspective Founded
Synspective SG Pte. Ltd. Established
StriX-α Launched
https://synspective.com/press-release/2020/successfully-reached-its-target-orbit/
Synspective Japan Established
Additional 11.9 billion yen Fundraising
[METI] Selected for J-Startup Impact
10 Electron launch agreement with Rocket Lab
https://synspective.com/press-release/2024/launch-agreement-rocketlab/
Additional 7 billion yen raised (Total amount raised: 28.19 billion yen)
Succeeds in Acquiring Japan's Highest Resolution 25cm SAR images (Test Observation)
https://synspective.com/press-release/2024/staringspotlight_25cm/
Fifth StriX Satellite Launched
https://synspective.com/jp/press-release/2024/fifth-sar-satellite-successfully-reaches-target-orbit/
Succeeds in Acquiring High-Resolution Images in Two SAR Observation Modes
Awards
- 2019 Euroconsult Award For “Strategic Transaction for EO Business”
- 2020 Business Insider 100 people transforming business in Asia
- 2020~2022 LinkedIn Japan Top Startups 3 years in a row
- 2022 Morning Pitch Special Edition 2022 “Audience Award”
- 2022 Mizuho Innovation Award 2022.1Q
- 2022 Geospatial World Leadership Award
- 2022 The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan) Award,Japan Startup Category
- 2022~2024 TOP 100 geospatial companies: 3 years in a row
- 2023 Forbes JAPAN “START-UP OF THE YEAR 2024”
- 2023 Forbes JAPAN “Emerging Deep Tech Japan TOP10”
- 2023 Kuramae Venture Award
- 2024 Cabinet Office’s 6th Space Exploitation Awards
- 2024 Edison Awards: Silver, Resilient Sustainable category
- 2024 Japan-US Innovation Award
Join Us
At Synspective, we are a diverse and dynamic team of experts and professionals from more than 25 countries. Though each of us brings unique perspectives and different skill sets, we are united in our enthusiasm and determination to solve the many challenges our Earth faces using data and technology. Join us on our journey to create a data-driven, sustainable world.
