Aichi-Texas Partnership Boosts Innovation with STATION Ai in 2025

In April 2025, Aichi Prefecture Governor Hideaki Ohmura visited the United States to strengthen economic and innovation ties. Also, Governer Ohmura met Texas Governer Greg Abbott to deepen their partnership. A particular focus was on Texas, where activities to deepen the partnership with Aichi Prefecture, ongoing since 2016, took place. As part of this effort, a dinner meeting was held in San Antonio on April 11th. This dinner was attended by the presidents of automotive-related companies with roots in Aichi Prefecture, namely Aisin USA and Toyoda Gosei. Also, Mr. Toyokazu Yamaguchi, President of American Katerra, attended the dinner as a representative of a local San Antonio firm.

(Featured Image Source: Governer Greg Abbott’s Facebook)

While headquartered in San Antonio, American Katerra also maintains a connection with “STATION Ai,” Aichi Prefecture’s startup support hub, emphasizing its ties with Aichi. Mr. Yamaguchi had the opportunity at this dinner, which followed Governor Ohmura’s meeting with Texas Governor Abbott, to explain the background of the company’s expansion into Texas, its future outlook, and business plans. Discussions at the dinner covered the favorable business environment in Texas and the enthusiasm of local governments towards attracting businesses.

Aichi Prefecture has long been Japan’s industrial heartland, particularly renowned for its automotive industry. The partnership between Aichi Prefecture and the State of Texas aims to promote economic development, technological innovation, and cultural exchange by leveraging Aichi’s industrial strength and Texas’s vibrant business environment to achieve mutual prosperity. Playing a crucial role in strengthening this collaboration is “STATION Ai,” one of Japan’s largest startup support facilities operated by Aichi Prefecture.

“STATION Ai” collaborates with startup support organizations both domestically and internationally, assisting startups like American Katerra in expanding into markets such as Texas. American Katerra also partners with Softbank, the operator of “STATION Ai,” and aims to expand its business in Texas by 2025, with a goal of listing on the Texas Stock Exchange by 2030.

Governor Ohmura’s visit to Texas and the interaction with local companies, including American Katerra, served as an important opportunity to strengthen the economic bonds between Aichi Prefecture and the State of Texas. American Katerra, by leveraging its connection with Aichi and utilizing the business environment of Texas as a stepping stone for growth, is expected to benefit from the collaboration between the two regions.