2nd Japan-U.S. Dual-Use Tech Seminar ~Space Sector~
2025/10/31
Opening Remarks by Consul General Otsuki
Presentation by GO-Biz
On Monday, October 27, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco held the second U.S.-Japan Dual-Use Tech Seminar, in cooperation with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Northern California (JCCNC). An audience of around 100 gathered at the Japan Innovation Campus in Palo Alto to learn more about trends in tech with both military and civilian applications and explore how to improve dual-use tech collaboration between Japan and the US.
The event began with opening remarks from Consul General Kotaro Otsuki, followed by remarks from Michael Karavolias, Statewide Industry Engagement Manager at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Afterwards, Raj M. Shah, Managing Partner at Shield Capital gave a keynote presentation on several tech integration projects he led throughout his time at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), an organization that accelerates US government adoption of commercial technology to enhance national security. Next, there were presentations by Jeff Guido, Senior Director of Missions Enablement at Planet Labs and Issei Suzuki, Chief Representative of the West Coast Office of JSAT International Inc. Mr. Guido and Mr. Suzuki discussed the partnership between JSAT and Planet Labs, and advised other companies in the dual-use sector on how they could create new collaborations.
Later, Japanese dual-use tech companies took the stage to showcase their innovative solutions: CEO Sho Nakanose highlighted GITAI’s work in space robotics, while Senior VP of Policy & General Counsel Janna J. Lewis presented on Astroscale’s on-orbit satellite servicing technology. Finally, Suzanne Basalla, current partner at Geodesic Capital and former President and CEO of the U.S.-Japan Council, gave closing remarks. Guests enjoyed networking with like-minded dual-use tech enthusiasts over Japanese food and drinks.
The event began with opening remarks from Consul General Kotaro Otsuki, followed by remarks from Michael Karavolias, Statewide Industry Engagement Manager at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Afterwards, Raj M. Shah, Managing Partner at Shield Capital gave a keynote presentation on several tech integration projects he led throughout his time at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), an organization that accelerates US government adoption of commercial technology to enhance national security. Next, there were presentations by Jeff Guido, Senior Director of Missions Enablement at Planet Labs and Issei Suzuki, Chief Representative of the West Coast Office of JSAT International Inc. Mr. Guido and Mr. Suzuki discussed the partnership between JSAT and Planet Labs, and advised other companies in the dual-use sector on how they could create new collaborations.
Later, Japanese dual-use tech companies took the stage to showcase their innovative solutions: CEO Sho Nakanose highlighted GITAI’s work in space robotics, while Senior VP of Policy & General Counsel Janna J. Lewis presented on Astroscale’s on-orbit satellite servicing technology. Finally, Suzanne Basalla, current partner at Geodesic Capital and former President and CEO of the U.S.-Japan Council, gave closing remarks. Guests enjoyed networking with like-minded dual-use tech enthusiasts over Japanese food and drinks.
Keynote presentation by Shield Capital
Presentation by Planet Labs
Presentation by JSAT
Presentation by GITAI
Presentation by Astroscale
Closing remarks by Ms. Basalla
Group Photo
Venue atmosphere
