Name: Pocket RD Inc.
Founded: November, 2017
Founder: Atsuya Momikura
HP: https://pocket-rd.com/en/
Contact: https://pocket-rd.com/en/#contact
Contact Person：Atsuya Momikura
Position：CEO/Founder
Bio：
Japan Contents Blockchain Initiative (Chairman of the Metaverse Committee)
Born in Tondabayashi City, Osaka Prefecture. After graduating from Doshisha University with a degree in psychology, Momikura worked consistently in business planning, marketing, and advertising fields at Fujitsu and Recruit Co. As COO of “Dream Gate,” a project of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, he led the establishment of an entrepreneurial culture and independent privatization.
In 2007, he founded NexGate, an advertising and media company, which has led to today’s Retrive through alliances with NTT DATA and many other industry, government, and academia.
In 2017, sensing the potential of the coming XR business, he founded POCKET RD and became its representative. He was selected as one of the “100 companies that will create the market of the future” by Nikkei Shimbun and Nikkei Trendy in 2020 and 2021 consecutively.
Pioneering the future of metaverse around the world with state-of-the-art XR technology 3D avatar and legal tender NFT.
Avatar × Blockchain: Seamless Experiences of the Future
Our company offers innovative solutions by combining avatar generation technology with blockchain. This integration allows us to create a wide range of projects that were previously unattainable. For example, we can instantly generate highly detailed 3D avatars from a single photo and use blockchain technology—such as Soulbound Tokens (SBTs)—to authenticate personal identities and achievements. Additionally, we track user activities, like digital stamp rallies, with Utility Tokens (UTs), which can be traded in the marketplace for rewards.
By merging avatars with blockchain, we enable seamless transitions between the physical and digital worlds, creating a more personalized and trustworthy experience. This fusion of technologies opens up new possibilities for enhancing user engagement and delivering cutting-edge digital experiences.
– “AVATARIUM” Attracts a Crowd for Easy Avatar Creation
At Viva Technology (VivaTech), a technology conference in Paris, France, that focuses on innovation and startups. Pocket RD showcased “AVATARIUM,” a quick and easy avatar creation tool that attracted a long line of visitors. To create an avatar, attendees entered the “AVATARIUM,” which resembled a photo booth, and took a picture. In just about 10 minutes, a photo-realistic avatar was created. Once complete, users could customize their avatars with features like glasses or enlarged eyes, and make them dance using emotes.
＊New type of Avatarium takes just 1 minute to create an avatar.
– More Avatar Creation Apps from Pocket RD
In addition to “AVATARIUM,” they offer other avatar creation applications, such as “i avatar” and “Mirror Muse.” The “i avatar” app allows users to create highly detailed avatars from a single photo and is designed for businesses to integrate into their own platforms, hold avatar-based events, and enhance branding.
For general users, “Mirror Muse” allows them to create avatar rooms, trade items with friends, and engage in avatar-based gameplay. Users can also create avatar cards to share on social media, helping to expand their growing user community.
– Avatars: Beyond the Accessory
Currently, avatars are often seen as accessories. However, with the rapid development of generative AI and Web 3.0 technologies, avatars may evolve into more integral parts of our lives. They could attend events or even work on our behalf, becoming essential to our personal identity. This raises concerns, such as the possibility of avatars being hijacked, or appearing in virtual worlds without thier knowledge, much like social network account hacks.
– Digital Double: Providing Infrastructure for the Virtual World
PocketRD is not just an avatar creation company, also creating the infrastructure for the future of Web 3.0. To enable thriving virtual economies, it’s essential to offer a platform that makes it easy for companies from all industries to participate.
Digital Double offers blockchain technology for virtual worlds, like the metaverse, supporting the issuance of NFTs, creating marketplaces, implementing smart contracts, and managing users. Their services, including BaaS (Blockchain as a Service), make it easier for diverse industries to participate. They are already partnering with companies like KDDI on the “αU market” NFT platform.
– Avatar x Blockchain: Limitless Possibilities Ahead
Thier forward-thinking business approach may seem like a distant vision, but with the rapid advancement of generative AI, virtual worlds will become common, and owning and operating avatars will be the norm. PocketRD is preparing for this future by revitalizing the virtual economy. Many companies, both in Japan and abroad, have already endorsed our vision, and they continue to collaborate with companies and countries worldwide.
