MWC Barcelona 2025 | Life Transformation ~Enhancing the Power to Connect~

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KDDI CEO Makoto Takahashi to speak at the Keynote

Introducing the latest mobility case studies

On-site Report on KDDI's Exhibit at MWC Barcelona 2025

MWC Barcelona 2025 Highlights

The video introduce you the highlights of our exhibition this year.
Please take a close look with our various case studies with utilizing AI and open innovation.

Exhibition Concept

Today, AI is seamlessly woven into the fabric of our daily lives and the services we rely on.
KDDI, with customers and a global network spanning around the world, is driving a new era of "the power to connect" by leveraging cutting-edge communication infrastructure and AI. At MWC Barcelona 2025, we will introduce various use cases, including open innovation, that accelerate the realization of these services. Convenience stores that has a wide variety of products and services offered, along with the expansion of a future mobility society, and open innovation that accelerate the realization of these services. Please see the forefront of Life Transformation.

Concept Movie

By enhancing "the power to connect”,
KDDI aims to create a society where everyone can realize their dreams.
Please take a look at the world that KDDI is aiming for.

KDDI BOOTH

KDDI is committed to providing infrastructure that integrates telecommunications and AI. The AI Zone will showcase our efforts to provide high-quality infrastructure.

The Power of AI

Leveraging the technology and operational expertise from our global data center business (Telehouse), we are building next-generation AI data centers. In addition to conventional hyperscale data centers, we will introduce a variety of approaches, including the repurposing of factories with large power capacity and the use of highly flexible containers.

Experience Telco AI

KDDI is committed to building AI-integrated networks. At our booth, visitors will have the opportunity to experience demonstrations of fault recovery and network construction as network operators, with support from Telco AI.

Convenience stores, an important part of the lifestyle infrastructure in Japan, are updated with the power of AI and technology. The Retail Zone will feature "AI Digital Signage": a product shelf where AI displays your recommended products, "AI Consultation" that solves everyday life problems, a smartphone cashier system, automated restocking robots, and disaster inspection drones.

Virtual Reception

Popular Japanese virtual character “#kzn (pronounced as: kizuna)” has been appointed as an ambassador for KDDI. She is introducing the exhibition concept and contents to all visitors.

AI Digital Signage

By utilizing the Edge AI camera, the best information will be displayed for each customer in real time, such as product recommendations and campaign information. By linking customer purchasing history information, a personalized purchasing experience similar to online shopping could be provided in physical stores as well.

Partners: Activ8 Inc., Idein Inc.

AI Restocking System

AI automatic control performs a heavy workload of beverage product dispensing operations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The system supports in-store operations with real-time inventory management and flexible product placement according to the time of day and demand. This system contributes to addressing social issues such as labor shortages, which are expected to become more pressing in the future.

Partners: Telexistence Inc.

AI Consultation

Connect and consult with various professionals in different fields, from a convenient store. The center aims to become a hub for providing new services closely related to daily life by responding to diverse needs in telecommunication services, finance, healthcare, etc, through real-time responses by AI and customer service by avatars.

Partners: AVITA,Inc., ARISE analytics Inc., Digital Humans, Inc., Zoom Communications, Inc.

AI Digital Telco

Digital Telco “povo,” targeting GenZ, is promoting B2B2X initiatives, starting with “povo SDK” to be integrated into communities and OTT. It will showcase several case studies in Japan as well as abroad and future prospects.

As communications continue to evolve and blend into various aspects of our lives, the nature of mobility is also changing. The Mobility Zone introduces the future of coexistence between various types of mobility and people.

AI Mobility Society

KDDI is developing “WAKONX,” a new business platform for the age of AI integration. The brand was born from the concept of speeding up the digitalization of Japan and will eventually create a flow of change from Japan to the rest of the world as well. At MWC Barcelona 2025, we will introduce our intentions for the future mobility society with “WAKONX Mobility,” one of our focus areas, and how the power of communications and AI will support it, along with a variety of mobility use cases.

AI Drone Operation

The deployment of drones and Starlink in convenience stores will make it possible to search for human life in the event of a disaster, quickly restore lifelines in the affected area, and patrol the surrounding area in normal conditions. We will display how convenience stores can become hubs for the safety and security of the city.

Partners: Skydio, Inc.

AI Mobile Autonomous Shopping

Enjoy the experience of a new convenience store, an infrastructure for daily life, coming to you. You can purchase items displayed inside the automated car with your smartphone. This will help reduce the labor shortage and provide a new purchasing experience.

Partners: TIER IV Inc.

Global Connectivity

KDDI is a one-stop global provider of connected services. In addition to use cases where camera-captured material can be smoothly transmitted anywhere in the world, KDDI will introduce the expansion of this service to a variety of mobility applications such as automobiles, drones, and boats.

KDDI believes in the unlimited potential of startup companies. Through investments and partnerships, we are constantly exploring collaborations with innovative technologies to create new experience value together.

AI Space Exploration

By utilizing Apple Vision Pro, a zero-gravity shopping experience in the future of outer space will be available at the site. Also, visitors can enjoy an immersive space experience and explore the inside of the International Space Station through a large display.

Partners: STYLY, Inc., Space Data Inc.

AI Open Innovation

At MWC Barcelona 2025, we will introduce a variety of startups whose exhibits were made possible through collaboration with KDDI. In addition, our open innovation strategy will be introduced.

3/3 (Mon) 13:30-13:45

Telecommunication Infrastructure in the AI Era: Efforts in Network Operations and AI Data Centers

Toru Maruta /
Executive Officer, Technology Planning & Strategy Division, Core Technology Sector, KDDI Corporation
Takemasa Imada /
Core Researcher, Network Division, KDDI Research Inc.
Yukitoshi Kashimoto /
Core Staff, Data & AI Center, Corporate Strategy Division, KDDI

With the evolution of communication technology and the diversification of customer needs, network operations now demand a higher level of expertise. In this presentation, we will introduce KDDI's initiatives in Telco AI aimed at realizing autonomous networks, as well as our efforts to develop AI data centers that can be uniquely tailored by telecommunications operators to support these initiatives.

Toru Maruta /
Executive Officer, Technology Planning & Strategy Division, Core Technology Sector, KDDI Corporation
Takemasa Imada /
Core Researcher, Network Division, KDDI Research Inc.
Yukitoshi Kashimoto /
Core Staff, Data & AI Center, Corporate Strategy Division, KDDI

Presentation

3/3 (Mon) 15:15-15:45

KDDI's Network API Initiatives

Anthony Bartolo /
CEO, Aduna
Atsushi Matsugatani /
Chief Architect & General Manager, Beyond 5G Strategy Office, Technology Strategy & Planning Division, KDDI

Discover how KDDI is driving innovation in network APIs. This session details the Open Gateway initiative, KDDI's strategic investment in Aduna, and offers insights from Aduna CEO Anthony Bartolo in a panel discussion.

Anthony Bartolo /
CEO, Aduna
Atsushi Matsugatani /
Chief Architect & General Manager, Beyond 5G Strategy Office, Technology Strategy & Planning Division, KDDI

Presentation

3/3 (Mon) 16:15-16:30

Enpowering the Future Mobility Society with the Power of Connectivity and AI
～Connected Mobility: Creating the Future～

Tadayuki Aizawa /
Deputy General Manager, Mobility Business Division, KDDI

As connectivity continues to evolve and seamlessly integrate into every aspect of our lives, the nature of mobility is also changing. KDDI leverages its global experience and expertise to promote initiatives aimed at a future where people and mobility collaborate effectively. In this session, we will introduce the new mobility society that KDDI envisions under its business brand "WAKONX Mobility,” and explain how it will be supported by the power of connectivity and AI.

Tadayuki Aizawa /
Deputy General Manager, Mobility Business Division, KDDI

Presentation

3/4 (Tue) 15:00-15:30

Retail Innovations with Generative AI and IoT: Future Solutions with Case Studies

Nicolas Lesconnec /
Head of Strategic Partnerships, SORACOM Corporation,

Using Soracom's cellular services and a low-code IoT application builder that enables advanced automation, we present a vision of a future where AI and IoT solutions can be easily developed without requiring technical expertise. We will showcase how the integration of generative AI and IoT can optimize processes such as inventory management and customer behavior analysis in the retail industry, enhancing business competitiveness. This includes real-world examples of utilizing IoT cameras and generative AI to achieve these outcomes.

Nicolas Lesconnec /
Head of Strategic Partnerships, SORACOM Corporation,

Presentation

3/4 (Tue) 16:00-16:30

An IoT Use Case in Boating - The Siren 3

Bjorn Qvarsell /
Head of Product Portfolio, KDDI Spherience
Alex Joseph /
CTO, Siren Marine

Siren Marine, the connectivity subsidiary of Yamaha Marine shares their experience from connecting boats and what it takes to make a successful, connected, marine product.

Bjorn Qvarsell /
Head of Product Portfolio, KDDI Spherience
Alex Joseph /
CTO, Siren Marine

Presentation

3/5 (Wed) 13:15-13:45

KDDI Startup Pitch: Meet Japan’s Next Unicorns!

Koichi Nakamura /
Founder & CEO, Idein Inc.
Shinpei Kato /
Founder & CEO, TIER IV Inc.
Shogo Nishiguchi /
Founder & COO, AVITA Inc.
Masahiro Yamaguchi /
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, STYLY, Inc.

Four selected Japanese startups, chosen by KDDI, will present their pitches at MWC 2025 in Spain. These innovative tech startups cover a range of fields, including retail, autonomous driving, and XR. Don't miss the passionate presentations from these startups, each with the potential to become the next Japanese unicorn!

Koichi Nakamura /
Founder & CEO, Idein Inc.
Shinpei Kato /
Founder & CEO, TIER IV Inc.
Shogo Nishiguchi /
Founder & COO, AVITA Inc.
Masahiro Yamaguchi /
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, STYLY, Inc.

Presentation

3/5 (Wed) 14:30-14:45

How KDDI is Shaping the B2B2X Frontier with Digital Telco

Tatsuya Hamada /
Chief Operating Officer, Global Consumer Business Development Division, KDDI

Discover how KDDI is elevating its Gen Z-focused Digital Telco “povo,” nurtured in Japan, into a new B2B2X business model, sharing its vision and current progress.

Tatsuya Hamada /
Chief Operating Officer, Global Consumer Business Development Division, KDDI

Presentation

The information, including presenter's titles are listed as of March 19, 2025.
The dates listed are local time in Barcelona, Spain.

Keynote 2

3/3 (Mon) 11:30-12:30 (CET)

Beyond Connectivity : The Telco to Techco Transformation

Makoto Takahashi CEO, KDDI

As technology evolves, mobile operators continue to drive global economic and social transformation. However, many struggle to match their influence with financial returns.
The convergence of AI, Cloud, and 5G Standalone (5G SA) marks a pivotal moment, enabling operators to transition from connectivity providers to comprehensive Techcos. This shift demands new business models, strong partnerships, and investment in AI, cloud-based services and frontier tech. This keynote will showcase leading operators from diverse regions, sharing insights into the challenges and opportunities of this transformative journey.