AI SILK

About AI SILK

AI SILK Corporation, founded in June 2015 as a spin-off from Tohoku University, develops and manufactures high-performance conductive fibers. The company is headquartered in Sendai, Japan, with its CEO being Hideo Okano. AI SILK was established based on research into conductive textile technology for silk conducted at the university.

The company's core product is a conductive textile named "LEAD SKIN®". This material is created by applying a proprietary conductive polymer coating technology, based on dyeing techniques, to various base materials including silk, polyester, cotton, non-woven fabrics, and suede. This process gives the fibers high and homogenous conductivity, while maintaining the texture and comfort of the base textile. LEAD SKIN® addresses several issues found in conventional conductive textiles, such as inaccuracies in sensing due to resistance, discomfort, and manufacturing costs. The material is also noted for its durability, antibacterial and antiviral properties, and has received Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, class I certification, ensuring it is free from harmful chemicals.

AI SILK operates on a B2B model, supplying its LEAD SKIN fibers to manufacturers in sectors such as wearable technology, healthcare, and sports apparel. The company generates revenue through direct sales of its conductive fabrics, selling resin for customers to produce the fabric themselves, and licensing its know-how. Its products are used in applications like electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) apparel, wearable sensors for measuring vital signs like heartbeat, and touch sensors. The company has seen its revenue grow, reporting profitability in 2022.

AI SILK has raised funding through multiple rounds, including a Series A round on May 15, 2023, where it secured JPY 320 million from investors such as Global Brain, Mizuho Capital, and Epson X Investment Corporation. The company plans to use these funds to expand its production capacity and enter new markets, particularly in the medical industry globally.