Innovating Craftsmanship Meets Startups: A New Era in Sumida's Industrial Ecosystem

Craftsmanship and Startups: A Nexus for Innovation

On July 30, 2025, a unique event titled "Innovating Craftsmanship Meets Startups: A New Era in Sumida's Industrial Ecosystem" will be held as part of the 14th installment of the Producer Training Program. This program is being organized by the Research and Innovation Society in collaboration with Sumida Innovation Core (SIC) and ZESDA, a nonprofit organization led by Daisuke Sakuraba. This event aims to explore how traditional craftsmanship rooted in the downtown manufacturing culture of Sumida can intersect with cutting-edge technologies and new business models brought in by startups. The session will feature two distinguished speakers: Yasuyuki Takanashi from the Sumida Ward Industrial Promotion Division and Ryohei Miyauchi from Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting.

Reimagining the Manufacturing Landscape

The focus will be on designing sustainable spaces for co-creation where local resources can inspire innovation. With this in mind, the conference will delve into how to effectively create and implement these spaces that blend traditional and contemporary practices. The collaboration between local traditional industries and startups is critical for reconstructing a sustainable industrial groundwork. The Producer Research Subcommittee has been examining several case studies that highlight the creation of value-generating environments.

One remarkable example discussed will be the Sumida Innovation Core (SIC), which uniquely integrates public, private, and regional enterprises to foster co-creation. This initiative not only serves as a model for other regions but also emphasizes the importance of governmental leadership in establishing such collaborative practices. The program will dig deep into the processes surrounding the conceptualization, establishment, and operation of co-creation hubs, sharing experiences and insights that can be emulated elsewhere.

SUMIDA INNOVATION CORE: Leading the Charge in Co-Creation

Established in 2023 and spearheaded by the Sumida Ward, the SIC serves as a collaborative hub that brings together various stakeholders, including small and medium-sized manufacturers, startups, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs. What sets this facility apart from traditional industrial support centers is its design as a