TIER IV, Inc.

TIER IV is a leading Japanese deep-tech startup and a pioneer in autonomous driving. As the primary developer of Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for self-driving vehicles, they advocate for a "horizontal" business model. Instead of building cars from scratch, they provide the software platforms and reference designs that allow others to deploy autonomous technology. Based in Tokyo and born out of Nagoya University, TIER IV is a Unicorn startup backed by giants like Yamaha and Bridgestone. They focus on practical Level 4 automation, specifically for logistics and public transit, aiming to make intelligent mobility a global public utility.