SMBC invests in space transport and satellite integration startup

The megabank seeks to help grow Japan’s space industry.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) has invested in Interstellar Technologies, a space transportation and satellite integration startup.

The Japanese megabank has also signed a business alliance agreement with the startup to “support the establishment of supply chains in space-related industries,” it said in a press release on 10 July 2025.

This is the first time SMBC is investing in a space-related startup company.

The move comes as the Japanese government eyes doubling the market size of the space industry. Under the Basic Plan on Space Policy, the government hopes to grow the industry to JPY8t in the 2030s, from just JPY4t in 2020.

SMBC particularly noted rocket launches, saying that Japanese industries have been internationally competitive in areas such as internal combustion engines.

It added that there is increasing interest from private companies in the non-space industry related to utilizing tech capabilities of Japanese industries, including internal combustion engines.

“However, transportation of satellites into outer space is heavily dependent on overseas private companies since the number of private companies aiming to manufacture and launch rockets in Japan is still limited and the supply chain that supports manufacturing is still immature,” SMBC said in its statement.