i-PRO marks seven years of growth and innovation

TOKYO—i-PRO is marking seven years as an independent company, highlighting a period of transformation that has reshaped its operations, technology strategy and market approach since separating from Panasonic in 2019. 

The company said the anniversary comes as it continues to build on investments in artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturing, cybersecurity, partnerships and workforce development, all aimed at positioning i-PRO for its next phase of growth in the global security market. 

Building for agility 

A major milestone this year was the completion of the transfer of wholesale and marketing responsibilities for i-PRO products in Japan from Panasonic Connect to i-PRO in March 2026. The move brings development, manufacturing, sales and marketing functions more directly under the i-PRO organization, allowing for greater alignment and faster decision-making. 

“Seven years ago, i-PRO began its journey as an independent company with an opportunity to build a new kind of organization,” the company said, emphasizing its goal of operating with greater agility and responding more quickly to changing customer needs. 

The company has also strengthened its manufacturing footprint. In October 2025, i-PRO began operations at its Saga Factory in Japan, which now serves as a key manufacturing hub producing Made-in-Japan products for global markets. The facility supports an integrated production model that includes component manufacturing, assembly and inspection, while leveraging automation and digitalization to improve efficiency. Together with i-PRO’s Suzhou manufacturing operation, the company said the facility enhances supply chain resilience and production flexibility. 

Investing in AI, cybersecurity and talent 

On the technology front, AI remains a central pillar of i-PRO’s strategy. Following the introduction of generative AI tools for forensic video analysis in 2025, the company expanded those capabilities into live operations in 2026 with its X-Series fisheye cameras featuring edge-based generative AI. Features such as AI On-Site Learning enable users to customize analytics for specific environments and operational requirements. 

Rather than treating AI as a standalone capability, i-PRO said it has focused on helping customers deploy advanced analytics within existing infrastructure through an open-platform approach. The strategy has helped expand interoperability with technology partners and cloud providers while giving end users greater flexibility in system design. 

That approach also earned industry recognition. Milestone Systems recently named i-PRO its Innovation & AI Solution Partner of the Year for the U.S. region, citing the company's work in edge AI and open technology ecosystems. 

Cybersecurity has become another major area of investment as security requirements continue to evolve worldwide. Through programs such as its Security Update Initiative, i-PRO has focused on strengthening hardware, firmware and product architecture to address emerging cybersecurity regulations and standards across global markets. 

The company has also focused on its workplace culture. i-PRO earned Great Place to Work certification for a second consecutive year across all operating regions, including Japan, the Americas, EMEA, Asia Pacific and China. 

Sustainability has become a greater part of the company's long-term strategy as well. The appointment of Shohei Ozaki as chief sustainability officer elevated sustainability initiatives to the executive level, while i-PRO's membership in the United Nations Global Compact aligns the company with internationally recognized responsible business practices. 

“As i-PRO marks its seventh anniversary, I would like to thank our customers, partners, and employees for their continued trust and support,” said Masato Nakao, president and CEO of i-PRO. “This milestone represents not only how far we have come, but also the beginning of our next stage of growth.” 

Nakao added that the company will continue investing in its manufacturing, sales and global business foundations while remaining focused on innovation, organizational agility and customer value as it pursues further expansion in the security marketplace. 

Related: i-PRO enables camera to cloud connectivity within Milestone’s Arcules VSaaS platform 

Photo courtesy of i-PRO