Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has announced a strategic investment in Japan-based startup Archeda, Inc. through its ME Innovation Fund. Archeda specialises in satellite-based monitoring and analysis tools that enhance the reliability of carbon credit systems. This marks the eleventh investment by the fund.
As carbon neutrality efforts intensify globally, carbon offsetting has become a key mechanism for businesses to balance emissions through investments in projects that remove or reduce greenhouse gases. Japan is witnessing a growing demand for nature-based carbon credits, with momentum expected to rise further following the government’s planned national emissions trading scheme in 2027. The scheme will mandate caps and allow trading among companies emitting over 100,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
A major challenge in carbon markets remains the credibility of issued credits. Archeda addresses this by leveraging satellite data, including from Mitsubishi Electric’s ALOS-2 satellite, to track environmental changes and carbon sequestration. The company employs proprietary AI-based analysis to perform high-precision baseline assessments—estimating emissions in the absence of action and measuring real reductions against that benchmark.
Mitsubishi Electric said the investment will strengthen collaboration with Archeda, combining the startup’s AI and satellite analytics with its own technological capabilities to support the development of trusted carbon markets and contribute to global carbon neutrality goals.
Hiromasa Tsumura, CEO of Archeda, said, “We are truly encouraged to receive the support of Mitsubishi Electric, a company with world-class satellite technology, as we work toward building a foundation for natural capital assessment.”
Komi Matsubara, Executive Officer at Mitsubishi Electric, added, “Archeda is at the forefront of satellite-based environmental monitoring and plays a key role in improving the trustworthiness of carbon credits. This collaboration will enhance the competitiveness of our satellite data utilisation business globally.”
