WHILL Awarded METI Prize at Nippon Startup Awards with Praise from Prime Minister Ishiba
Recognized for its social significance and future growth potential for expanding inclusive short-distance mobility to the world
Sep 2, 2025
Tokyo, Japan, August 27, 2025 – WHILL, Inc., a leading provider of personal transportation solutions, today announced that it has been awarded the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (Nippon Startup Excellence Award) at the Nippon Startup Awards 2025, hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
The award recognizes WHILL’s efforts to address the challenges of an aging society while building a sustainable global business model for innovative short-distance mobility solutions. At the award ceremony, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, WHILL CEO Satoshi Sugie accepted the honor on behalf of the company.
At the ceremony, Prime Minister Ishiba took a test ride in WHILL and commented, “In places like airports, where distances can be long, this is extremely convenient.”
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Muto also tried WHILL and remarked, “Its overseas expansion is progressing steadily, and this is truly excellent.”
The Nippon Startup Awards celebrate startups that demonstrate exceptional social impact and future growth potential, serving as role models for the next generation of entrepreneurs. The program aims to foster a culture that values bold challenges and supports entrepreneurial spirit across society.
This is not WHILL’s first national recognition. In 2019, at the 5th Nippon Venture Awards (the award was renamed in 2022 to what it is known as today – the Nippon Startup Awards), WHILL received the Special Jury Award for pioneering new mobility services in the pedestrian area and for expanding opportunities for social participation and employment among the elderly.
Announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office:
https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/103/actions/202508/26startup.html
About WHILL, Inc.
Established in 2012, WHILL provides personal mobility products and services in approximately 30 countries. WHILL enhances accessibility in locations such as airports, hospitals, theme parks, cruise ships, and convention centers. The company's offerings range from electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters to self-driving devices, designed to give users greater mobility and independence through advanced technology.
To learn more, visit https://whill.inc.