KDDI and Couger Lead Japan to Initiate "Smart Contract" Proof of Concept Projects Utilizing Enterprise Ethereum

Precursor to the next-generation service platform combining AI, IoT, and Blockchain technology.

KDDI CORPORATION

KDDI Research, Inc.

Couger Inc.

September 27,2017

TOKYO KDDI Corporation [TOKYO: 9433], KDDI Research, Inc., and Couger Inc. initiate proof of concept projects for a Smart Contract system, the first in Japan to utilize Enterprise Ethereum [1].

Additionally, KDDI has joined the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA) [2] on September 27th, 2017.

Smart Contract is a system that uses blockchain [3] technology to insert pre-determined agreement and contract terms into a software program in a way that is difficult to falsely tamper or alter. When the conditions are fulfilled, they will be executed automatically.

This proof of concept will extend beyond blockchains utilized by existing business and will validate business and technical issues and benefits for (a) Open services built on platforms such as the Ethereum and includes non-financial interactions, and (b) Smart Contracts for coordination with partner company services.

Specific first step will be to validate operational productivity benefits by application of blockchain to share necessary information securely and in real-time for the service flow from customers cellphone repair request at AU shops to the completion of the repair process.

Smart Contract will also be validated for handset reuse services that require versatile coordination between multiple business entities. Specifically, we will validate that program can autonomously discern data from different systems such as repair price, model exchange price, used handset market price to make an optimum contract.

KDDI and Couger will further explore and validate ways to combine Smart Contract with IoT and AI technologies in ways to achieve new levels of closeness, value, and experiences for the customers.

In addition to working with Couger to develop ways to combine and apply AI, robotics, and blockchain, KDDI will work with blockchain developer Trident-Arts co., ltd., legal tech developer Kentauros Works Inc., and in cooperation with other members of the EEA to create a robust next generation service platform based on the combined AI x IoT x Blockchain technology.

[1]

Enterprise Ethereum is a distributed application platform for the enterprise.

[2]

Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA) is an alliance formed to unify Enterprise Ethereum use cases, decide upon standardization, and develop open-source programs. there are more than 150 participating companies.

[3]

A blockchain is a continually operating system that makes falsification of data very difficult through distributed computing and verification. Because of this, users can expect to safely share data even in the absence of a trustworthy central management figure.

[Corporate Profile: KDDI CORPORATION]

Company Name:

KDDI CORPORATION

Date of Establishment:

June1, 1984

Head Office:

3-10-10, Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

President:

President Takashi Tanaka

Main Business:

Telecommunications business

[Corporate Profile: KDDI Research, Inc.]

Company Name:

KDDI Research, Inc.

Date of Establishment:

April 1, 1998

Head Office:

2-1-15 Ohara, Fujimino-shi, Saitama, 356-8502 Japan

President:

President and CEO Yasuyuki Nakajima

Main Business:

Research, development, production, sale, and licensing of technologies and systems for information and communications. Survey, research, and consulting on policies, markets, and businesses mainly in the information and communication fields.

[Corporate Profile: Couger Inc.]

Company Name:

Couger Inc.

Date of Establishment:

December, 2006

Head Office:

Koshiichi Bldg #403, 6-19-16, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001, Japan

President:

CEO Atsushi Ishii

Main Business:

Architecture and development of platforms to apply artificial intelligence, robotics, and blockchain technologies and large-scale server-side system.

[Corporate Profile: trident-arts co., ltd.]

Company Name:

trident-arts co., ltd.

Date of Establishment:

2016

Head Office:

Chuo-ku Ginza 7-11-3 Yajima building 8F-10, Tokyo, Japan

President:

CEO Koji Machi

Main Business:

Development of open source softwares

Consulting of enterprise smartcontract development

Design and development of enterprise smartcontract

[Centaurus Works inc.]

Company Name:

Centaurus Works inc.

Date of Establishment:

April, 2017

Head Office:

Chiyoda-ku Kudan-minami 1-6-17 ,Tokyo, Japan

President:

CEO Kenichiro Kawasaki

Main Business:

Development and operation of smart contract system using AI and blockchain technology

The information contained in the news releases is current at the time of publication. Products, service fees,service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.

LINK:	http://news.kddi.com/kddi/corporate/english/newsrelease/2017/09/27/271...
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