What Zero to One does

Zero to One is a Japan-based, privately held online education platform founded on January 8, 2016 and headquartered in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, with additional offices in Tokyo and Omiya (Saitama). The company delivers AI and digital talent development programs to individual learners and corporate employees, built around JDLA-certified E資格 and G検定 preparation pathways, cloud engineering courses, autonomous driving systems training, Web3 business education, data literacy, digital marketing, and executive DX transformation content. Academic oversight from Prof. Yutaka Matsuo (Tokyo University), Prof. Takayuki Okatani (Tohoku University), Prof. Shinpei Kato (Tokyo/Nagoya University), and Hitotsubashi Business School ICS faculty, combined with regular publication of internal education research, anchors content credibility.

The platform is browser-based, requiring no local software installation, and pairs courseware with two proprietary technology assets: a cloud-based GPU exercise environment with on/off GPU capability for deep-learning practice, and an original online self-driving car simulator used in autonomous driving engineering courses. A free experiential learning blog, an AI/G検定 terminology glossary, and SEO-optimized content drive top-of-funnel acquisition. Product-led growth flows through a self-serve e-commerce site where individuals purchase courses directly via credit card, while enterprise clients access volume pricing, custom contracts, and a corporate course-management dashboard through a direct sales motion. Distribution channels include the Relo Club employee-benefits platform (added June 2026), municipal E資格 support programs in Sapporo and Sendai, and free-access programs for government administrative staff.

Monetization combines per-ID course sales for individuals with B2B contracts, organized into subscription-style multi-year access for premium tracks (E資格 with support at ¥150,000/ID; JDLA E資格 designated at ¥165,000 eligible for up to 80% MHLW subsidy) and unit-priced courses for targeted content (digital marketing at ¥55,000 per 60-day ID; data literacy at ¥33,000). Official designation as a METI Fourth Industrial Revolution Skill Acquisition Course (February 2025) and JDLA Regular Member status enable subsidized learner demand. Co-development relationships with Sakura Internet (cloud and AI certification), Nomura Securities (Web3 for Business), Tohoku University and Tohoku Electric Power (data literacy), Tier IV (autonomous driving), Hitotsubashi ICS (DXF), and NVIDIA-listed partnership status anchor both content and channel reach.

Name

Zero to One

Legal name

株式会社zero to one

Website

https://zero2one.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Zero to One is a Japan-based, privately held online education platform delivering AI, deep learning, cloud engineering, autonomous driving, and digital transformation courses to working professionals and corporate employees, with academic oversight from Tokyo and Tohoku University faculty.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Learning Platform

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Computer Training (61142)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical & Digital Skills Training (BPACANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Software Engineering & Application Development Training (Languages, Frameworks, Testing) (BPAEANAI), Vendor/Authorized Certification Training (Microsoft/AWS/Cisco, etc.) (BPAEANAA), Cloud Computing & Infrastructure (AWS/Azure/GCP, Virtualization) (EDABAFAB), Certification & Credentialed Creator Programs (MPACALAI)

Keywords

• Online learning platform
• AI certification training
• Digital talent development
• Cloud engineer education
• Deep learning courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Sendai

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Online course sales (B2C & B2B): Individual learners purchase courses via credit card on the zero to one website. Corporate clients receive volume pricing through direct inquiry and custom contracts. Revenue is generated through per-seat/ID-based pricing and time-bound course access.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Zero to One sells an online AI and digital talent education platform delivering JDLA-certified programs (E資格 and G検定), cloud engineer courses (with Sakura Internet), autonomous driving engineering, Web3, DX, data literacy, and digital marketing courses. Courses run fully in-browser on the company's own platform with proprietary cloud GPU environments and a self-driving simulator, sold to individual learners via credit card and to enterprise clients via direct contract.

Product overview

Zero to One operates a unified online learning platform for AI and digital talent development, offering a portfolio of over 20 courses and supplementary content products. The core portfolio is organized around JDLA certification pathways (E-資格 and G-資格) featuring supervised courses in machine learning, deep learning, and AI fundamentals with academic oversight from 東京大学 and 東北大学. Complementing the certification track, the platform offers specialized domain courses including autonomous driving engineering (with proprietary cloud simulator and GPU), Web3 business applications (co-developed with 野村證券), cloud engineering (METI-certified, co-developed with さくらインターネット), digital marketing, data literacy (co-developed with 東北大学), and DX transformation programs (with 一橋大学). Supporting products include AWS certification exam prep (content from Whizlabs), Sakura Internet cloud and AI certification courses, and a free experiential learning blog with interactive AI/ML tutorials. All courses are delivered fully online via browser, with cloud-based coding environments and academic advisory from leading Japanese universities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sakura Cloud Exam Basic Official Online Course (さくらのクラウド検定 ベーシック 公式オンライン教材) Official online course for Sakura Internet's Sakura Cloud Exam (Basic level) covering cloud infrastructure fundamentals, co-produced with Sakura Internet.
• Sakura Cloud Exam Advanced Official Online Course (さくらのクラウド検定 アドバンスド 公式オンライン教材) Advanced-level official online course for Sakura Internet's Sakura Cloud Exam, released in March 2026, co-produced with Sakura Internet.
• Sakura AI Certification Official Online Course (さくらのAI検定 公式オンライン教材) Official online course for Sakura Internet's Sakura AI Certification exam, launched March 2026 on the Zero to One platform in coordination with Sakura Internet.
• JDLA E資格 Certification Program (JDLA「E資格」向け認定プログラム) JDLA-certified program for the E資格 (Engineer Qualification) exam, featuring machine learning and deep learning curricula supervised by Okatani (Tohoku U) and Matsuo (Tokyo U). Approved under Japan's MHLW educational training benefit scheme (designated number 1310254-2020011-4) with up to 80% subsidy eligibility. Includes hybrid async/sync support options such as online kickoffs and monthly study groups via Zoom.
• E資格 Certification Speed Package (E資格認定スピードパッケージ) Efficiency-focused JDLA-certified E資格 preparation package covering only the JDLA E資格 syllabus, combining video lectures with cloud-based coding exercises. Priced at ¥71,500 (tax included).
• E資格 for Global AI Engineer E資格 certification preparation program tailored for global AI engineers, providing the JDLA-certified curriculum with international accessibility.
• JDLA G検定 Preparation Program (JDLA「G検定」向け対策プログラム) Comprehensive JDLA G資格 (Generalist Qualification) preparation program combining the AI Fundamentals video course supervised by Matsuo (Tokyo U) with the G検定 Practice Training of approximately 1,000 practice questions and mock exams. Priced at ¥8,800.
• G検定 Practice Training (G検定実践トレーニング) Practice-test-focused G検定 preparation course with approximately 1,000 practice questions, explanations with sources, and unlimited mock exam access. Priced at ¥5,500. Designed for self-study with no live support.
• AI Fundamentals (人工知能基礎) Foundational AI course covering AI history, machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and AI-related law and ethics. Supervised by Matsuo (Tokyo U). Includes video lectures, quizzes, and bilingual subtitles. Prerequisite for G検定 preparation.
• Machine Learning (機械学習) JDLA-certified machine learning course covering supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, model selection and evaluation. Supervised by Okatani (Tohoku U). Part of the E資格 certification pathway.
• Deep Learning (ディープラーニング) JDLA-certified deep learning course covering neural network architectures, CNNs, RNNs, generative models, and deep reinforcement learning. Supervised by Matsuo (Tokyo U). Part of the E資格 certification pathway.
• Autonomous Driving System Complete Course (自動運転システム構築完全講座) Comprehensive autonomous driving engineering course using a proprietary online driving simulator and cloud GPU environment. Covers image acquisition, data augmentation, algorithm development, and execution. Supervised by Kato Shinpei (Tokyo U / Nagoya U) and Kawaguchi Nobuo (Nagoya U) with Tier IV as a technical partner.
• Self-Driving Car System Engineering (自動運転システム構築エンジニアリング) Self-driving car system engineering course using a proprietary online simulator and GPU cloud environment, allowing students to experience end-to-end deep learning workflows without installing software locally. Supervised by Kato Shinpei (Tokyo U).
• Cloud Engineer Training Program (クラウドエンジニア養成講座) Cloud engineer training program co-developed with Sakura Internet and certified by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as a Fourth Industrial Revolution Skill Acquisition Course. Covers cloud infrastructure, deployment, and operations.
• Web3 for Business (ビジネス活用のためのWeb3) Web3 business applications course covering blockchain, crypto assets/stablecoins, and the metaverse. Co-developed with Nomura Securities. Includes a free version for administrative officials.
• Data Literacy for Solving Social and Business Challenges (社会課題・ビジネス課題解決のためのデータリテラシー講座) Data literacy course aligned with METI's DX Literacy Standards, covering data types, statistical foundations, Excel-based analysis, and business decision-making. Co-developed with Tohoku University Data Science College and Tohoku Electric Power.
• Digital Marketing (デジタルマーケティング) Comprehensive digital marketing online course covering SEO/SEM, content marketing, social media marketing, display ads, mobile marketing, and marketing automation. Co-developed with AppsFlyer, Datorama, Marketo, Outbrain, Treasure Data, and others. Supervised by Fujikawa Yoshinori (Hitotsubashi U). Priced at ¥55,000 for 60-day access.
• DXF Online (DXF オンライン) Digital Transformation Forum online course by Hitotsubashi University Business School, covering DX strategy, CX/EX/SX, and leadership. Delivered by Hitotsubashi ICS faculty team in synchronous online format.
• DXF On-Demand (DXF オンデマンド) On-demand version of the Hitotsubashi Business School DX Forum, providing asynchronous self-paced access to DX curriculum including global perspectives, management essentials, and leadership challenges. Priced at ¥110,000 for 90-day access.
• AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-02) Practice Exam Course (AWS認定クラウドプラクティショナー(CLF-02)問題集) AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-02) certification practice exam course with content provided by Whizlabs. Designed to help learners pass the AWS CLF certification exam.
• AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) Practice Exam Course (AWS認定ソリューションアーキテクトアソシエイト(SAA-C03)問題集) AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) certification practice exam course with content provided by Whizlabs. Part of Zero to One's cloud certification exam prep suite.

Quantifiable outcome

• Completion and pass rate improvements confirmed when hybrid async+sync format (online study groups + kickoffs) was used in Sapporo and Sendai city E-Kentei support programs
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered secondary, core and minor.

• Relo Club (福利厚生俱楽部 / リロクラブ)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 5 June 2026Zero to one courses and benefits are listed on the Relo Club employee benefit platform, enabling employees of Relo Club member companies to access zero to one's AI and advanced IT education programs through their corporate benefits package.
• Sakura Internet (さくらインターネット)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2026Co-developed 'Cloud Engineer Training Program' (certified by METI), official online course materials for Sakura Cloud Certification (Basic and Advanced tiers), and Sakura AI Certification. Zero to one serves as the official course material provider for Sakura Internet's certification programs.
• Nomura Securities (野村證券)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 April 2025Zero to one and Nomura Securities co-developed the 'Web3 for Business' online course covering blockchain, crypto assets/stablecoins, and metaverse. They also co-released a 'Web3 Literacy Introduction' course with a free access program for administrative staff. Joint webinars on Web3 AI strategy have been conducted.
• Tohoku University Data Science College (東北大学データサイエンスカレッジ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-produced the 'Data Literacy for Solving Social and Business Challenges' course, aligned with METI's DX Literacy Standards. Tohoku University Data Science College, a social recurrent education school under the Graduate School of Economics at Tohoku University (opened October 2022), co-developed curriculum, content, case studies, and demo lectures.
• Tohoku Electric Power (東北電力)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated as co-producer in the Data Literacy course, contributing to curriculum design, content development, case study data provision, and demo lectures for employees from early development stages.
• Tier IV (ティアフォー)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTier IV, founded by Prof. Kato Shinpei (Tokyo University / Nagoya University), co-advisors the self-driving car engineering courses. Prof. Kato's autonomous driving technology R&D at Nagoya University underlies the course content, with Tier IV providing industry-grade perspective on complete autonomous driving systems.
• Hitotsubashi Business School ICS (一橋ICS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZero to one co-delivers the DXF (Digital Transformation Forum) program, originally developed by Hitotsubashi Business School. DXF on-demand and DXF Online courses feature Hitotsubashi ICS faculty and partner institution lecturers. Program Director Prof. Fujikawa Yoshinori oversees curriculum quality.
• WhizlabssecondaryTechnology or IntegrationWhizlabs provides AWS cloud practitioner training content (CLF and SAA practice exam courses) integrated into zero to one's platform.
• Digital Marketing course production partners (AppsFlyer, Datorama, Marketo, Outbrain, prismatix, SATORI, The Trade Desk, Treasure Data)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationEight digital marketing platform companies served as production partners for the Digital Marketing course, providing practical case studies and industry perspectives alongside the academic curriculum.
• INTILAQ Tohoku Innovation Center (INTILAQ東北イノベーションセンター)minorOthersZero to one's headquarters is located within the INTILAQ Tohoku Innovation Center in Sendai, indicating a partnership with this regional innovation ecosystem.
• Japan Deep Learning Association (JDLA / 日本ディープラーニング協会)coreOthersZero to one is a regular member of JDLA and operates JDLA-certified programs (E-Kentei and G-Kentei preparation). The JDLA governs certification standards and grants zero to one's programs official 'JDLA Certified Program' status.
• NVIDIAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNVIDIA is listed as a partner on zero to one's company page, suggesting collaboration in GPU/cloud AI education infrastructure or content support.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Pluralsight: Pluralsight is a tech skills online learning platform focused on software development, cloud, and IT operations with strong enterprise sales motion. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving the same enterprise IT/DX upskilling buyer as Zero to One, though primarily with English-language content.
• Udemy: Udemy is a global online learning marketplace with thousands of AI, ML, cloud, and web development courses. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the online technical skills training category that Zero to One competes with for individual learners, though Udemy's catalog is open and multi-creator rather than academically supervised.
• DataCamp: DataCamp specializes in data science, Python, and AI training delivered via browser-based interactive exercises. Comparable as a broad incumbent in interactive online data/AI training, with a similar hands-on learning philosophy that overlaps with Zero to One's cloud GPU exercise environment.
• Coursera: Coursera partners with universities (including Tokyo University) and companies to offer online courses, certificates, and degree programs in AI and data science. Comparable as a broad incumbent in credentialed online learning, competing with Zero to One for both individual learners and enterprise L&D budgets.
• LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers professional development courses including technology, business, and creative skills integrated with LinkedIn's professional network. Comparable as a broad incumbent in corporate L&D online learning, often competing for the same enterprise training budget as Zero to One.

Direct peers

• Skill Up AI: Skill Up AI offers JDLA E資格 and G検定 certification preparation courses online in Japan, with academic supervision from Japanese university researchers. Closely comparable as a direct competitor in the JDLA certification prep category.
• AVILEN: AVILEN provides AI/DX talent development services including corporate training and E資格 preparation courses in Japan. Comparable as a domestic AI training peer with overlapping course offerings and enterprise customer base.
• Kikagaku (キカガク): Kikagaku is a Japan-based AI and DX education company offering online courses and corporate training in machine learning, deep learning, and data science. Directly comparable as a domestic AI upskilling platform serving both individual learners and enterprise clients with similar JDLA-aligned content.

Emerging players

• DNNcollections (DNN) / DHelper: DNN-related ventures provide JDLA certification preparation and AI education services in Japan. Comparable as an emerging player focused on the specific niche of Japanese AI certification training, overlapping with Zero to One's E資格 and G検定 programs.

Regional players

• N予備校 (N Prep School): N Prep School is a Japanese online education platform offering programming, AI, and IT courses primarily to the domestic market. Comparable as a Japan-focused online learning platform with programming and AI content, though broader in scope (also covering high school curriculum).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/zero2one_jp
• Facebookfacebook.com/zero2one.jp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zero-to-one

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Zero to One