VISIONS Magazine (October 2025 Edition)
SCOA Backs Ursa Space to Expand Next-Generation Geospatial Intelligence
In a world where data drives decisions, the sky is no longer the limit, but rather, the starting point. That belief underpins Sumitomo Corporation of Americas’ latest strategic move: an equity investment in Ursa Space Systems, a U.S. startup transforming how organizations access and act on satellite intelligence.
Announced this summer, the partnership gives SCOA a front-row seat to one of the most agile players in the rapidly evolving geospatial analytics market. Ithaca, NY–based Ursa Space has built the world’s most comprehensive virtual constellation of commercial satellites, fusing data from a large number of sensors across synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical (EO), radio frequency (RF), and other sources. Its AI-driven platform can transform data into actionable insights in minutes — not weeks — giving companies faster ways to monitor change, manage risk, and respond to emerging events.
SCOA Setting the Course
“This would be in line with our Group’s strategy to shift our business model from sales representative model to more commercial service provider,” said Shoki “Shaq” Irie of the Aerospace, Defense & Technology (ADT) Group in Washington, D.C.
Irie added that SCOA’s move is about making complex satellite data simpler and faster for customers to use the insight obtained by them: “By collaborating with Ursa Space, we can introduce capabilities that are the missing pieces in Japan to act on complex satellite data quickly and effectively which would be a significant contribution to the national security of Japan.”
For leadership, the investment also represents a larger directional shift.
“This step with Ursa Space reinforces our long-term goal to build new technology-driven services that deliver practical value across industries,” said Randy Yoshimura, Senior Vice President & General Manager of SCOA’s ADT Group. “It shows how SCOA is willing to invest early in capabilities that can scale globally while deepening our ability to serve customers.”
Building Bridges for Growth
SCOA’s deep networks and market expertise create a launchpad for Ursa Space’s expansion. “We are also the exclusive sales representatives for Ursa Space in the Japanese national security area and will be conducting marketing & promotional activities on their behalf,” Irie explained. Sumitomo is positioned to introduce Ursa Space’s platform across government agencies and industries in Japan that benefit from faster, clearer geospatial intelligence.
This “indicator-first” approach — moving from raw data to actionable triggers — helps clients measure activity and change anywhere in the world, supporting smarter investment and operational decisions not only for the national security domain but also for commodities, mining, agriculture, energy, and insurance.
“Partnering with Sumitomo as we expand into Japan positions us strongly for success,” said Adam Maher, CEO of Ursa Space Systems. “We’re thrilled by Sumitomo’s investment and the trust they’ve placed in our vision. This partnership will enable us to bring the power of geospatial solutions to a wider audience and accelerate our mission to deliver insights at unmatched speed and scale.”
Why It Matters (for SCOA’s Future)
Investing in Ursa Space represents more than a single deal, but instead, part of a deliberate strategy to position SCOA at the frontier of emerging technologies. Just as SCOA has advanced into decarbonization, sustainable fuels, and other high-impact innovations, this move strengthens its role as a connector — bringing world-class tech to Japan and using Sumitomo’s 400-year heritage of trust and global reach to scale it.
“Hopefully, Ursa Space’s solutions will fill the capability gap in Japan,” said Irie.
Looking Ahead
With satellite intelligence demand accelerating — for environmental resilience, supply chain visibility, strategic growth and national security — SCOA’s early partnership with Ursa Space puts it at the center of a fast-moving market. For Sumitomo Corporation globally, it underscores a long-term philosophy: to identify transformative technologies early, invest with conviction, and create new value across industries and borders.
So, for those following SCOA’s innovation journey, the message is clear: the next breakthroughs in data-driven intelligence won’t just happen above the earth — they’ll be orchestrated by companies willing to rethink how insights shape the future; no doubt that SCOA is doing exactly that.
