Otoz.ai Becomes First Pakistani‑Founded Business Featured at Kyoto University
By. Irfan Siddiqui
In a remarkable development for Pakistani innovation on the global stage, Tokyo-based technology company Otoz.ai, founded by Pakistani entrepreneur Mirza Asif Baig, has been formally included in the academic curriculum of Kyoto University, one of Japan’s most prestigious institutions. This milestone marks the first time a Pakistani-founded startup has been featured as a formal case study in a Japanese university’s curriculum — a groundbreaking achievement for the Pakistani diaspora in Japan and worldwide.
The inclusion appears in the university’s newly published textbook, Platform Studies II, which is set to be taught nationwide in Japan starting August 2025. Out of hundreds of startups reviewed from across Japan, only five companies were selected for inclusion — Otoz.ai among them. It stands out as a rare example of a foreign-led company being honored in this way by Japan’s academic system, which is traditionally conservative and domestically focused.
Platform Innovation with Global Reach
Founded by Mirza Asif Baig, who has lived in Japan for nearly 20 years, Otoz.ai is a cross-border platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI), AR/VR, and blockchain technology to revolutionize the used automotive trade between developed countries and emerging markets. The platform simplifies cross-border vehicle purchasing, adding transparency, trust, and intelligent automation to an otherwise opaque global trade segment.
Baig describes the achievement with humility, stating, “This is a moment of deep humility and gratitude. It is not only a milestone for our company but a signal that Japan’s innovation ecosystem welcomes global contribution.”
The decision by Kyoto University to feature Otoz.ai is being interpreted by many as more than just a case study selection — it’s a signal of Japan’s openness to international entrepreneurship and a nod to the growing impact of Pakistani innovators abroad.
High-Level Recognition and Endorsements
The recognition has drawn praise not only from the Japanese academic and tech sectors but also from the Embassy of Pakistan in Japan. His Excellency Mr. Abdul Hamed Bhutta, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, noted:
“The recognition of Otoz.ai by Kyoto University marks not just an exceptional achievement of Asif Baig, but also indicates an intersection of innovation, intellect, and cross‑cultural collaboration. It highlights the extraordinary talent and entrepreneurial drive of Pakistani businessmen and also reflects the openness of Japan’s technology landscape.”
The inclusion of Otoz.ai in the curriculum is also expected to inspire and guide young Pakistani entrepreneurs, particularly those interested in launching startups with a global vision.
Public and Private Sector Accolades
Beyond academic accolades, Otoz.ai has also been recognized by Japan’s public and private sectors. The company was:
• Selected by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for a Technology Development Grant in 2023.
• Chosen under the JETRO Global Startup Acceleration Program in 2024.
• Supported by leading corporations and venture firms such as Deloitte, Honda, and Brain & Capital, a Silicon Valley-based investment firm.
Otoz.ai’s parent company, Innov8 Inc., serves a wide portfolio of Japanese clients including eyewear giant JINS, Japan Communications, local municipal governments, and financial institutions — operating with an engineering base split between Tokyo and Lahore. This unique model of globally distributed talent enables the company to deliver high-tech solutions with both global standards and local sensibilities.
Global Thought Leaders Take Notice
Prominent global tech leaders have also commended Otoz.ai’s success. Among them is Naeem Zafar, a veteran of Silicon Valley and professor at UC Berkeley and Northeastern University:
“As someone who’s mentored hundreds of startups in Silicon Valley and across the globe, I see Otoz.ai as a standout example of grit and innovation. What they’ve achieved in Japan is extraordinary, and their story deserves to be studied and celebrated.”
Maxim Braverman, Managing Director at Google MENA, also applauded the company, stating:
“Otoz.ai’s recognition by one of Japan’s top universities marks a rare fusion of deep tech and cross‑cultural entrepreneurship. Asif’s leadership reflects the kind of global mindset we need more of — bridging ecosystems from Tokyo to Lahore, and from Silicon Valley to the Gulf.”
Adding to the chorus of praise, Masanao Ogawa, Chairman of JIIP and co-founder of the biotech unicorn Upstream Bio, said:
“Otoz.ai exemplifies the foundational traits of a next‑generation Amazon — platform scalability, data intelligence, and global market fit.”
A New Chapter for Pakistani Entrepreneurs in Japan
The inclusion of Otoz.ai in Kyoto University’s textbook is more than a symbolic victory. It serves as a blueprint for other Pakistani entrepreneurs to navigate the high-standard and often insular Japanese market. It underscores how a strong product, thoughtful execution, and respect for local culture can open doors even in the most traditional sectors.
As Baig reflects on the journey, he sends a message of encouragement to future founders:
“This journey affirms that innovation is borderless. I hope this moment encourages more founders, especially from Pakistan and other emerging economies, to explore Japan as a launchpad for bold, global ideas.”
Conclusion
Inclusion in Kyoto University’s academic curriculum cements Otoz.ai’s position not just as a tech startup, but as a cultural and entrepreneurial bridge between Pakistan and Japan. It’s a quiet but significant moment in history — one that marks the beginning of a new era for global startups originating from unexpected places.
“Platform Studies II” is now available across bookstores, online platforms, and university libraries throughout Japan and will officially be used in classes starting August 2025.
