3D CityScapes (3DCS), a Toronto-based startup, is the sole Canadian finalist to win a spot in the Japan External Trade Organization’s (JETRO) Japan Challenge for Society 5.0 competition.
Founded in 2019, 3DCS is a provider of 3D visualization technology, specializing in building 3D interactive environments, assets, and digital twins, which are visual representations that serve as the real-time digital counterpart of a physical object.
“This competition was a way to showcase what we do best and establish strong partnerships overseas.”
Property developers, municipalities, urban planners, seaport authorities, and architects use 3DCS’ platform to provide 3D applications for marketing, planning, predictive analysis, cinematic video production, and more.
JETRO’s competition aims to address issues facing Japanese society. According to JETRO, these issues are: environmental friendliness; labour shortage and improving productivity; as well as building a “smarter and more resilient Japan.”
3DCS was one of 292 applicants from 53 countries and regions to have submitted its solution as part of the competition.
RELATED: 3D visualization software startup PreVu3D raises $2.5 million seed round
JETRO released a shortlist of 45 contestants in September last year. A spokesperson with 3DCS confirmed that six Canadian companies made it to the second round. These include BrainBox AI, JITbase, ThisFish Inc., Upbrella, Pantonium, and 3D CityScapes—the only Canadian tech startup to advance from the round.
3DCS’ visualization platform won in the “smart and resilient Japan” category, finishing among three other companies in the group.
By being named one of the final award winners, 3DCS is given the opportunity to travel to Japan to partner with Japanese companies and municipalities. The company will also be provided with virtual mentorship from 12 people to support it in conducting business in Japan.
“Japan is a leader in the global smart city initiative and 3DCS wants to be at the forefront of providing the 3D visualization for these cities,” 3DCS told BetaKit. “This competition was a way to showcase what we do best and establish strong partnerships overseas.”
This wasn’t 3DCS’ first competition win. In 2020, the startup was also the recipient of the Epic MegaGrant, a $100 million program designed to support people doing outstanding work for the 3D graphics community.
Feature image courtesy 3D CityScapes.
