What Qubena does

COMPASS Inc. operates Qubena (キュビナ), an AI-powered adaptive learning platform deployed across Japanese K-12 public education. The platform uses machine learning to analyze each student's error patterns and mastery level, automatically selecting and sequencing optimal practice problems across 9 subjects — mathematics, Japanese language, science, social studies, English, music, art, physical education, and technology/home economics. The core technology includes a proprietary adaptive recommendation engine, a patent-pending Smart Workbook retention-based review sequencing system, and proprietary handwritten character recognition for automated grading across multiple response formats. The Learning e-Portal architecture integrates via LTI with Japan's national digital textbook distribution systems (Mirai School Platform, L-Gate) and with the MEXT-operated MEXCBT computer-based testing platform.

The company sells exclusively to municipal and ward-level education boards (教育委員会/教育局) and public schools in Japan via direct enterprise field sales and formal government procurement processes. The revenue model is B2B annual subscription pricing per student, with two tiers: a Starter Edition at ¥1,320/student/year for new municipal adoptions and a quote-based Standard Edition for established deployments. Larger municipal contracts (e.g., Fukuoka City, Nagoya) bundle professional services including dispatched ICT support staff. The company is the dominant adaptive learning vendor in Japan's public education sector, deployed across 170+ municipalities, approximately 2,300 schools, and 1M+ students as of 2025-2026, with cumulative answer count exceeding 3 billion. The product portfolio has expanded beyond adaptive drill to include Qubena Test (digital assessment), SPARKE (inquiry-based learning library co-developed with ShoPro and corporate partners including the Pokémon Company), and integrations with MEXT's national education data standards. Government endorsements include three consecutive years (2018-2020) in METI's Future Classroom demonstration project, EdTech Subsidy selection (2021, 2022), and JIS Q 27001:2025 information security certification.

Name

Qubena

Legal name

株式会社COMPASS

Website

https://qubena.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

COMPASS Inc. operates Qubena, an AI-powered adaptive learning platform deployed across 170+ municipalities, 2,300+ schools, and 1M+ students in Japanese K-12 public education, with B2B SaaS subscriptions sold to municipal education boards.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Learning Software

NAICS

All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Adaptive Learning & Personalized Instruction Software (EDAJAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Institutional & Program Analytics (Enrollment, Retention, Outcomes) (EDAFAFAK), School IT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity for K–12 (Network, Identity, SSO) (EDAJAMAM)

Keywords

• Adaptive learning software
• K-12 educational technology
• AI learning platform
• Digital textbook integration
• Learning analytics software

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. School/District Subscription (B2B SaaS): COMPASS sells subscription licenses to municipal education boards and individual public schools. Pricing is based on the number of schools and enrolled students within a municipality. Annual subscription model. Large municipalities (e.g., Nagoya, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture) are served with dedicated account management and ICT support staff alongside the software subscription. The キュビナ スターター版 (Starter Edition) targets new municipalities at a lower price point (annual fee per student) to facilitate initial adoption.
2. ICT Support Services (ICT支援員派遣): In some municipal contracts (e.g., Fukuoka City), COMPASS provides ICT support staff (ICT支援員) dispatched to schools alongside the software license, supporting implementation and ongoing utilization. This adds a professional services component to the revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Qubena is an AI-powered adaptive e-learning platform sold to Japanese public elementary and junior high schools (K-12). The platform uses machine learning to diagnose each student's individual knowledge gaps and automatically sequences personalized practice problems across 9 subjects, with textbook-aligned content, teacher dashboards, and LTI integration with national digital textbook ecosystems. Sold as annual subscriptions to municipal education boards and ward-level education offices, with over 1 million students across 2,300+ schools and 170+ municipalities as of 2025-2026.

Product overview

Qubena is an AI-powered adaptive e-learning platform for K-12 (elementary and middle school) students operated by COMPASS Inc. The core product combines an AI diagnostic engine that automatically identifies individual student knowledge gaps with an adaptive recommendation engine that personalizes problem selection and sequencing. The platform has expanded from an initial 2-subject offering (mathematics and English) to a 9-subject platform covering core academic subjects plus music, art, physical education, and technology/home economics. The product portfolio consists of the core Qubena adaptive e-portal complemented by several modules: Qubena Manager (teacher administration dashboard with parent reporting via LINE), Qubena Test (digital assessment delivery integrated with MEXCBT), Qubena Smart Workbooks (supplementary drill practice), Qubena Lite (lower-cost starter version for new municipalities), Cubina (AI-based teaching materials with LTI digital textbook integration), and SPARKE (an inquiry-based learning library available alongside the adaptive learning platform). Qubena integrates with multiple Japanese digital textbook publishers via LTI through the みらいスクールプラットフォーム, and connects with MEXCBT for national standardized testing correlation analysis, enabling interoperability with Japan's national education technology ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Qubena (キュビナ) AI-powered adaptive e-learning platform for Japanese K-12 public schools that uses machine learning to diagnose each student's knowledge gaps and automatically sequence personalized practice problems across 9 subjects. Sold as annual subscriptions to municipal and ward-level boards of education. Includes teacher administration dashboard (Qubena Manager), Learning e-Portal integration with national digital textbook platforms (Mirai School Platform, L-Gate), MEXCBT correlation analysis, and parent communication via LINE.
• Qubena Test (キュビナ テスト) Computer-based test (CBT) delivery service for K-12 schools and municipalities. Enables deployment of custom test questions and standardized assessments, with class-level analytics including class averages and filtering by question type. Includes offline learning function allowing students to download designated workbooks and sync results automatically upon reconnection.
• SPARKE (スパーク) Inquiry Learning Library Inquiry-based learning content library and program developed by COMPASS in partnership with ShoPro. Distinct from the Qubena adaptive e-learning product, SPARKE fosters self-directed inquiry-based learning through structured programs that link school curriculum to real-world corporate themes. Provided free to schools. Available as a separate library within the Qubena e-portal. Cumulative enrollment reached 50,000 students.

Quantifiable outcome

• Math test scores approximately 4.5% higher for Qubena-using classes vs control (statistically significant at 1% level). Effect of 18.5% higher for economically disadvantaged students (study: 637 students, 8 schools, 6 prefectures, Dec 2020–Feb 2021, by Keio University Nakatsuma Lab)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• 株式会社タマス / バタフライ (Tamas / Butterfly)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2026Partnership for SPARKE inquiry program 'もの作りの極意を学び、卓球ラケットを開発してみよう'. Students learn about manufacturing process and engineering from Butterfly's table tennis racket development. Linked to elementary 5th-grade social studies (industrial production) and middle school technology curriculum.
• 内田洋行 (Uchida Yoko)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 April 2026Integration between Qubena and Uchida Yoko's learning e-portal 'L-Gate (L-Gate)'. Provides roster synchronization, SSO, and learning data linkage. Planned for phased rollout starting 2026.
• 香川県 (Kagawa Prefecture)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Kagawa Prefecture has established a prefecture-wide education dashboard that integrates learning data from Qubena across multiple municipalities within the prefecture. COMPASS provides data linkage to the prefectural dashboard, enabling prefecture-level learning analytics. This represents a unique regional government partnership for data-driven education management.
• 小学館集英社プロダクション (ShoPro / Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2026ShoPro (小学館集英社プロダクション) is COMPASS's joint development partner for the SPARKE inquiry learning library. Together they co-develop inquiry learning programs that link school curriculum to real-world corporate themes. ShoPro contributes its extensive education content expertise and production capabilities. Programs are provided free to schools. SPARKE launched February 27, 2026.
• 株式会社ポケモン (The Pokémon Company)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2026Partnership for the SPARKE inquiry learning program '算数×『ポケモンフレンズ』で学ぶ 考えることが楽しくなるゲームをつくろう！' — the 10th SPARKE program. Children learn game design concepts from Pokémon Friends creators and apply elementary math (geometry) to design their own games. Marketed as free to schools.
• 富士ソフト株式会社 (Fuji Soft Corporation)flagshipTechnology or Integration · 25 February 2026LTI-based integration between Qubena's learning e-portal and the 'Mirai School Platform (みらいスクールプラットフォーム)' digital textbook distribution platform operated by Fuji Soft. Enables SSO and automated roster management. Scheduled for April 2026 launch. Eliminates need for separate account/license management for digital textbooks.
• スケーター株式会社 (Skater Co., Ltd.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026Partnership for SPARKE inquiry program '理科で学ぶお弁当箱の素材を科学する探究プログラム'. Students apply science knowledge about material properties (middle school 1st-year 'properties of everyday substances', 3rd-year 'various substances and their uses') to design bento boxes. Skater is a major Japanese household goods manufacturer (bento boxes, water bottles, kitchenware).
• 株式会社タカラトミーアーツ (Takara Tomy Arts)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2025Partnership for SPARKE inquiry program '社会科で学ぶ、ガチャを通じて日本の特色や文化を考える探究プログラム'. Students apply social studies knowledge (Japanese geography, culture, history, industry) to design gacha capsule toy ideas for international audiences. Linked to 5th-6th grade social studies and middle school geography/history.
• 雪印メグミルク株式会社 (Megmilk Snow Brand)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2025Partnership for SPARKE inquiry program where students learn about 6P Cheese's 70+ year brand management and goal-achievement strategies, then design their own goal-achievement plans. Linked to 4th-grade integrated studies (dream/goal planning) and Japanese language curriculum.
• 開隆堂出版株式会社 (Kaichōdō)coreTechnology or IntegrationDigital textbook publisher integrated via LTI into Qubena's learning e-portal. Qubena users can access Kaichōdō's English language digital textbooks through SSO. Part of the Mirai School Platform ecosystem.
• 学校図書株式会社 (Gakutō)coreTechnology or IntegrationDigital textbook publisher integrated via LTI into Qubena's learning e-portal. Part of the Mirai School Platform ecosystem for SSO digital textbook access.
• 教育出版株式会社 (Kyōiku Shuppan)coreTechnology or IntegrationDigital textbook publisher integrated via LTI into Qubena's learning e-portal. Part of the Mirai School Platform ecosystem for SSO digital textbook access.
• 日本文教出版株式会社 (Nihon Bunka Kyōshuppan)coreTechnology or IntegrationDigital textbook publisher integrated via LTI into Qubena's learning e-portal. Also has direct cross-application API integration with Qubena for textbook-drill linkage (pilot in Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture).
• 文部科学省 (MEXT — Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOMPASS participates in MEXT's education data standardization initiatives. Qubena is compliant with 学習eポータル標準モデル (Learning e-Portal Standard Model) and integrates with the national MEXCBT computer-based testing system. Content is aligned to 学習指導要領 (National Curriculum Standards).
• 経済産業省 (METI — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOMPASS has participated in METI's 'Future Classroom' demonstration project for 3 consecutive years (2018–2020) and was selected for the EdTech Introduction Subsidy 2021 and 2022. METI programs serve as a key GTM channel and credibility signal for municipal adoption.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Emerging players

• Wamajuku (ワマジュク / Wamakids): Japanese AI-enabled online K-12 tutoring platform providing personalized learning experiences to students. Comparable as a domestic Japan K-12 adaptive learning player targeting similar parents, students, and schools.
• Willbo (ウィルモ): Japanese AI-powered adaptive learning platform for K-12 schools with similar AI drill mechanics and B2B distribution to municipal education boards. Directly comparable as a domestic adaptive learning competitor in the same public school procurement channel.

Direct peers

• DreamBox Learning: US K-12 adaptive math platform (now part of Discovery Education) selling primarily to school districts with intelligent adaptive practice. Comparable as a B2B school-district adaptive learning product with proven outcomes evidence and similar go-to-market.
• Carnegie Learning: US-based K-12 AI adaptive learning provider (MATHia, LiveLab) with deep textbook alignment to major US publishers and outcomes-validated efficacy. Comparable as a textbook-aligned adaptive learning vendor selling into public school systems at scale.
• Risu Education (RISU Kogaku / RISU算数): Japan-based K-12 adaptive math learning platform with tablet-based personalized problem delivery, serving both individual consumers and schools. Directly comparable as a Japan-focused adaptive learning product competing for similar teacher and parent mindshare.
• Squirrel AI (松鼠AI): China-based AI adaptive learning K-12 platform using Bayesian knowledge tracing and diagnostic engines, operating one of the largest deployed AI tutoring networks globally. Closely comparable technology and category; relevant international benchmark for Qubena's AI architecture and scale.

Broad incumbents

• IXL Learning: US-headquartered K-12 personalized learning platform covering math, English, science, and social studies, with school and consumer subscriptions. Comparable subject coverage, K-12 focus, and adaptive personalization approach, though distribution is broader and more consumer-tilted.
• Knewton (Wiley): Pioneering adaptive learning infrastructure acquired by Wiley in 2021, providing AI-driven personalization APIs and content. Comparable as a foundational adaptive learning technology provider whose infrastructure approach to textbook-aligned personalization parallels Qubena's LTI-integrated e-portal strategy.
• Benesse Corporation: Japan's largest K-12 educational publisher and services provider, with products like 進研ゼミ (Shinkenzemi) reaching millions of students. Comparable as a major Japanese K-12 education incumbent with adjacent content distribution capabilities and direct relationships with schools and parents.
• Try IT (トライグループ / Trygroup): Large Japanese education group operating Try IT, an online K-12 tutoring/learning platform, plus a juku chain. Comparable as a broad incumbent offering digital learning to Japanese K-12 students with overlapping teacher and parent end-users.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/qubena_compass
• Facebookfacebook.com/qubena.compass

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors10 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Qubena