ALES
ALES is a Japanese joint venture (SoftBank 80%, Enabler 20%) that generates and delivers centimeter-level GNSS positioning correction data using SoftBank's nationwide network of 3,300+ reference stations, serving agriculture, construction/surveying, and scientific research customers across Japan via real-time subscriptions and post-processing services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What ALES does
ALES is a Japanese joint venture established July 2, 2018 between SoftBank Corporation (80% ownership) and Enabler Co., Ltd. (20% ownership), headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, with registered capital of 625 million JPY. The company generates and distributes centimeter-level GNSS positioning correction data for the Japanese market, operating the proprietary ALES Delivery System that processes signals from SoftBank's nationwide network of 3,300+ proprietary GNSS reference stations (Real Reference Station / RRS mode) and approximately 1,300 Geospatial Authority of Japan electronic reference points (Virtual Reference Station / VRS mode), delivering correction data via the Ntrip protocol to customer receivers in 1-5 cm accuracy.
The company's product portfolio includes the Centimeter-Level Positioning Service (real-time RTK correction delivery, subscription-based at 36,000 JPY/year for individuals and 198,000 JPY/year for VRS), the Post-Processing Data Service (RINEX-format observation data at 40 JPY/minute for enterprise PPK use cases), and the RTK Compass evaluation kit (an attitude-measurement device combining gyroscope/accelerometer sensors with high-precision positioning). It serves three primary segments: agriculture (autonomous tractors, agricultural drones for pesticide spraying), construction and surveying (ICT construction, public surveying, construction machinery integration via SoftBank's ichimill service), and scientific research (earthquake and crustal deformation analysis through a consortium with Tohoku University, Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute, and other institutions). The technology stack is supported by 15 registered Japanese patents covering positioning systems, servers, information processing, and UWB positioning.
ALES operates a hybrid go-to-market: individual customers subscribe directly online (self-serve with credit card payment only), while enterprise customers are reached through SoftBank's ichimill service, which handles enterprise sales and customer relationships while ALES provides the correction-data layer. A Partner Program (launched 2020, scheduled to end July 2026) supplemented reach through device manufacturers and system integrators. Service is domestic-only; ALES holds Geospatial Information Authority of Japan Survey Act approval for public surveying work. The company is led by President and CEO Hayata Yoshihiro, who succeeded founding-era President Noda Shin on April 1, 2026.
ALES firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ALES
- Legal name
- ALES株式会社 (ALES Corp.)
- Website
- https://ales-corp.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- ALES is a Japanese joint venture (SoftBank 80%, Enabler 20%) that generates and delivers centimeter-level GNSS positioning correction data using SoftBank's nationwide network of 3,300+ reference stations, serving agriculture, construction/surveying, and scientific research customers across Japan via real-time subscriptions and post-processing services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ALES industry classification
Industry- Product category
- GNSS Positioning Correction Services
- NAICS
- Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136)
- SIC
- Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- GNSS/GPS Navigation & Augmentation Systems (IMABAFAC)
Keywords
Where ALES is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
ALES business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- センチメートル級測位サービス subscription fees: Recurring subscription fees for centimeter-level positioning correction data delivery. Customers choose between annual and monthly billing plans. Annual plans offer lower effective monthly cost; monthly plans provide flexibility with suspension options. Additional fees for account registration, plan changes, and suspension apply.
- VRS service fees: Virtual Reference Station service using Geospatial Authority electronic reference points. Higher pricing than standard RRS service, available in annual and monthly plans with comparable billing structure.
- Post-processing data service usage fees: Usage-based billing at 40 yen per minute (44 yen including tax) for RINEX format reference station data downloads. No registration fee or minimum commitment required. Pay-per-use model for post-processing kinematic positioning applications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Annual plan (RRS) - 36,000 yen/year base fee, one-time registration 6,000 yen |
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly plan (RRS) - 3,000 yen/month base fee, one-time registration 6,000 yen |
| Subscription | Annual | VRS Annual plan - 198,000 yen/year base fee |
| Subscription | Monthly | VRS Monthly plan - 16,500 yen/month base fee |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Post-processing data - 40 yen/minute usage-based |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
ALES product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ALES generates and distributes real-time RTK positioning correction data and post-processed GNSS observation data, enabling centimeter-level (1–5 cm) positioning accuracy across Japan. Its core service takes GNSS signals received at SoftBank's 3,300+ nationwide proprietary electronic reference stations, processes them through the proprietary ALES Delivery System, and delivers correction data to customer GNSS receivers via Ntrip protocol for use in agriculture, construction, surveying, autonomous mobility, and research applications. Additional offerings include a Post-Processing Data Service for PPK workflows and the RTK Compass evaluation hardware kit for attitude and position measurement.
Product overview
ALES provides precision GNSS positioning correction data generation and delivery services, enabling centimeter-level positioning accuracy via two service models: edge RTK (correction data delivery with position calculation on the receiver device) and cloud RTK (correction generation and position calculation performed in ALES's cloud, with results delivered to the device). The core product portfolio consists of the Centimeter-Level Positioning Service for individual customers (delivering RTK correction data via Ntrip using SoftBank's 3,300+ proprietary reference stations), the Post-Processing Data Service for enterprise customers (providing RINEX-formatted observation data for PPK positioning), and the RTK Compass evaluation kit (a dedicated hardware device for high-precision positioning and attitude angle measurement). The ALES Delivery System serves as the underlying proprietary platform powering all services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- センチメートル級測位サービス (Centimeter-level Positioning Service): Real-time correction data delivery service for RTK positioning, enabling centimeter-level accuracy using SoftBank's proprietary base stations or Geospatial Authority of Japan's electronic reference stations.
- 後処理データサービス (Post-processing Data Service)
- RTKコンパス (RTK Compass)
- ALES Ntrip Client
Products and services
- Centimeter-Level Positioning Service (センチメートル級測位サービス) Subscription-based RTK correction data delivery service for individual customers (farmers, drone operators, surveyors) providing centimeter-level positioning accuracy via Ntrip. Uses SoftBank's 3,300+ proprietary GNSS reference stations (RRS mode) or Geospatial Information Authority electronic reference points (VRS mode) to generate and deliver real-time correction data to RTK-capable GNSS receivers. Available in annual and monthly plans with credit-card billing.
- Post-Processing Data Service (後処理データサービス) Enterprise-oriented service providing SoftBank's proprietary reference station observation data in RINEX format via a download portal, enabling customers to perform Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) positioning by combining this data with their own GNSS receivers' observation data. Suitable for surveying, digital mapping, drone flight data analysis, and scientific research applications.
- RTK Compass (RTKコンパス) Hardware evaluation kit that combines ichimill RTK positioning with ALES's proprietary calculation algorithm to deliver centimeter-level position and attitude angle measurement (yaw, pitch, roll) for fast-moving objects. Includes built-in gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, supports high-frequency output up to 100Hz, and provides IP54 waterproof rating for construction machinery, agricultural automation, and autonomous ship navigation.
- VRS Service Using Geospatial Authority Electronic Reference Points Virtual Reference Station (VRS) service using the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan's electronic reference points, approved for use in public surveying under the Survey Act. Provides correction data via virtual station modeling for surveying-grade centimeter-accuracy positioning. Offered in annual and monthly billing plans.
- Crustal Deformation Correction Mount Points Proprietary technology feature that calculates crustal deformation differences between mobile and reference station positions using Geospatial Information Authority of Japan parameters, then applies corrections to the delivered RTK data to achieve more accurate coordinates with standard GNSS receivers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1-5 cm positioning accuracy
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use ALES
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
ALES technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
ALES partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Tohoku University Graduate School of SciencecoreLead institution in the consortium for utilizing SoftBank reference station data for earth science applications. Conducts integrated GNSS analysis for fault slip distribution and earthquake analysis. Provided analysis of the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake using reference station data.
- Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research InstitutecoreCore institution in the earthquake research group of the consortium. Conducts integrated GNSS analysis for earthquake displacement estimation and fault model development using SoftBank reference station data.
- Mitsufuji CorporationminorInitial partner company in ALES Partner Program (device development and consulting). Developed wearable IoT solutions combining conductive fiber technology with GNSS positioning for biological information and positioning data.
- Hitachi Solutions, Ltd.minorInitial partner company in ALES Partner Program (device development and consulting). GIS and positioning technology solutions provider. Offers spatial information solutions under GeoMation brand.
- Sun Denshi Co., Ltd.minorInitial device development partner in ALES Partner Program. IoT/M2M solutions provider. Developed LTE communication gateway Rooster series and 920MHz wireless IoT sensors. Provides correction data delivery dedicated LTE router (Rooster NSX7000).
- Texa Japan Co., Ltd.minorInitial partner company in ALES Partner Program (device development and consulting). Solar power engineering and telecommunications contractor. Developed systems for floating solar power plant maintenance using GNSS positioning technology.
- Core CorporationminorInitial device development partner in ALES Partner Program. Sells GNSS receivers (QZNEO, Cohac∞ Ten) compatible with ichimill. Provides positioning system construction, app development, receiver introduction support, and positioning accuracy evaluation services.
- SoftBank Corporation (channel partner)coreSoftBank serves as primary channel partner for enterprise customers through ichimill service. SoftBank sells positioning services using ALES correction data generation and delivery infrastructure. ichimill adopted by construction machinery manufacturers.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ALES competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Swift Navigation: Swift Navigation provides precise GNSS positioning services including Skylark cloud-based correction delivery for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and agriculture — directly comparable to ALES's Edge RTK / Cloud RTK positioning-as-a-service model.
- Point One Navigation: Point One Navigation offers an RTK correction network and API-based precise positioning service for autonomous mobility, robotics, and logistics — the same use cases ALES targets in Japan with ichimill.
- Topcon Corporation: Topcon is a Japanese competitor in high-precision GNSS positioning for construction, surveying, and agriculture, offering both receivers and correction services — a direct domestic peer with overlapping customers.
- Sapcorda Services: Sapcorda (Bosch, Continental, Geo++, Mitsubishi Electric) provides global GNSS correction services for mass-market automotive and industrial positioning — a direct peer in network-based high-precision positioning services.
Broad incumbents
- Trimble Inc. Trimble is a broad incumbent in positioning, GNSS correction services (Trimble CenterPoint/RTX), and geospatial solutions serving surveying, construction, and agriculture — directly overlapping with ALES's enterprise customer verticals at a much larger scale.
- HERE Technologies: HERE Technologies provides location data, HD maps, and positioning services for automotive and logistics. While broader than GNSS correction, HERE's HD positioning layer for autonomous mobility overlaps with ALES's enterprise positioning ambitions.
- Septentrio: Septentrio manufactures high-precision GNSS receivers and offers correction data reception (including via Ntrip) used in surveying, construction, and autonomous applications — a technology peer at the receiver layer adjacent to ALES's correction-data business.
- Hexagon (NovAtel): Hexagon's NovAtel division provides GNSS correction services (TerraStar-X) and high-precision receivers used in surveying, mining, and agriculture globally — a comparable positioning-augmentation offering with broader geographic reach.
Emerging players
- u-blox: u-blox provides GNSS modules and chips used in RTK-capable devices and is already an ALES technology partner (modules integrate with ichimill) — comparable at the component level for cm-level positioning applications.
Regional players
- Teria: Teria is a French PPP/RTK correction service provider for surveyors and geomatics professionals in France — closely comparable business model (network-RTK subscription) but serving a different national market than ALES.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ALES social profiles
Digital presenceALES financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ALES leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ALES funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ALES M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ALES
What does ALES do?
ALES generates and distributes real-time RTK positioning correction data and post-processed GNSS observation data, enabling centimeter-level (1–5 cm) positioning accuracy across Japan. Its core service takes GNSS signals received at SoftBank's 3,300+ nationwide proprietary electronic reference stations, processes them through the proprietary ALES Delivery System, and delivers correction data to customer GNSS receivers via Ntrip protocol for use in agriculture, construction, surveying, autonomous mobility, and research applications. Additional offerings include a Post-Processing Data Service for PPK workflows and the RTK Compass evaluation hardware kit for attitude and position measurement.
Is ALES a public or private company?
ALES is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was ALES founded?
ALES was founded in 2018.
Where is ALES based?
ALES is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does ALES make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. センチメートル級測位サービス subscription fees are the primary driver. The others are VRS service fees and post-processing data service usage fees.
Who are ALES's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Swift Navigation, Point One Navigation, Topcon Corporation and Sapcorda Services. Broad incumbents are Trimble Inc., HERE Technologies, Septentrio and Hexagon (NovAtel). u-blox is listed as an emerging player. Teria is listed as a regional player.
Does ALES have an API?
No public API is recorded for ALES.
What industry is ALES in?
ALES's product category is GNSS Positioning Correction Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAFAC, GNSS/GPS Navigation & Augmentation Systems. Its NAICS code is 54136 and its SIC code is 3829.