Future of Speed: Racing Intelligence
Speed has always meant more than movement. It is timing, instinct, engineering, and the relentless drive to go faster, smarter, and further. Future of Speed brings that energy into one room to explore what happens when racing meets technology and where that intersection is headed next.
We will begin with brief introductions, followed by a presentation from Checkmate AI to set the stage for a deeper conversation on the tools, data, and ideas shaping modern racing.
The discussion will then move into a panel featuring:
Maprang Suwanbubpa — Founder & CEO, Checkmate AI
Maprang is the founder and CEO of Checkmate AI, a Tokyo-based AI startup building GREYZONE™ — an AI-powered FIA regulations edge finder that parses motorsport technical regulations in real time to surface grey zones, tolerance stacks, and interpretive gaps that racing teams can exploit competitively.
With GREYZONE™ already gaining interest in the F1 and Super GT paddocks, Maprang is on a mission to make regulatory intelligence the next frontier in competitive motorsport.
Koji "Ron" Obara — Japan's Fastest Safety Car Driver
Known across Japan's motorsport community as the fastest safety car driver on circuit.
Ron serves as an official safety car driver at Sportsland SUGO and Fuji Speedway, and holds a Grade A license for the Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
He also works as a practical instructor for JAF National A License testing bringing deep on-track expertise to everything he does. His current mission: an overall victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Max Frenzel, Ph.D. — CTPO, Track Titan
Max is an experienced AI researcher, product leader, and entrepreneur building AI-enabled coaching for racing drivers as CTPO at Track Titan — the "Strava for motorsport."
After completing his PhD in Quantum Information Theory from Imperial College London, Max has spent the last decade bridging cutting-edge AI research and real-world applications.
Track Titan recently closed a $5 million Seed round co-led by Partech and Game Changers Ventures — the fund led by Alpine F1 co-owner Roger Ehrenberg — with backing from existing investor APX, a joint venture between Axel Springer SE and Porsche AG, who doubled down from pre-seed.
Track Titan has also partnered with major hardware manufacturers including MOZA and Fanatec.
Lee Jean (Moderator) — Co-founder & CEO, Pulsar Innovations
Lee Jean is the co-founder and CEO of Pulsar Innovations, and a familiar face in Tokyo's innovation and technology ecosystem.
As moderator for Future of Speed: Racing Intelligence, Lee brings sharp cross-industry instincts and the ability to draw out the most compelling ideas from the room — keeping the conversation fast, focused, and forward-looking.
Expect a dynamic exchange on performance, innovation, and the real-world impact of emerging technologies on racing, both on and off the track. There will also be time for audience Q&A, so come ready with thoughtful questions.
We will close with an introduction to Future of Speed Summit 2027, followed by open networking.
Join us at Google for Startups for an evening of ideas, conversation, and connection with builders, operators, and enthusiasts shaping what comes next.
AGENDA
🏎️ Future of Speed: Racing Intelligence 📍 Google for Startups Shibuya | 6:00 – 8:30 PM
An evening at the intersection of motorsport and artificial intelligence — bringing together the builders, drivers, and thinkers shaping the future of racing.
6:00 PM · Opening Remarks Moderator Lee Jean (CEO, Pulsar Innovations) welcomes the room and sets the tone for the evening.
6:05 PM · Speaker Pitches & Live Demos Meet the innovators and athletes pushing the boundaries of racing intelligence. Each speaker presents their work — followed by a live demo or exclusive clip.
6:35 PM · Fireside Chat A candid, fast-paced conversation across all speakers — moderated by Lee Jean. From AI in the paddock to the future of driver performance, nothing is off limits.
7:15 PM · Audience Q&A Your chance to go deeper. Ask the speakers anything.
7:25 PM · Closing Remarks
7:30 PM · Open Networking Mingle with speakers, fellow founders, engineers, and motorsport enthusiasts over drinks. The conversation doesn't stop here.
Doors open at 6:00 PM sharp. Seats are limited — arrive on time.