Exciting Updates on the Startup Audition in Yokosuka for 2025

Startup Audition in Yokosuka 2025: Finalists Announced

AlphaDrive, a dynamic startup company, has announced the finalists for the Startup Audition in Yokosuka 2025. This exciting event aims to support innovative business concepts that seek to establish themselves in the vibrant city of Yokosuka. The initiative is part of AlphaDrive's efforts under the "Implementation Support for the Startup Audition in Yokosuka" project.

Started in 2007 by the city of Yokosuka, this competition invites business plans targeting commercialization in the region. This year, the contest has seen a remarkable increase, with 47 brilliant business plans submitted, surpassing last year's record of 33 entries. This significant engagement reflects the growing entrepreneurial spirit in Yokosuka and beyond.

Announcing the Finalists

After a rigorous preliminary screening phase, seven outstanding teams have been selected as finalists. These teams represent a diverse range of innovative ideas, showcasing the creativity and commitment of entrepreneurs in the area. The finalists are:
1. e-PON (Zama City, Kanagawa): A service supporting pet owners by sharing medical information for pets in Yokosuka.
2. éhn (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa): A select shop that connects people and daily life in the Nishiwaki Residential Area.
3. Swell Inc. (Kamikawa County, Nagano): "TypeGO for Enhancing English Skills" - fostering English communication that connects people and Yokosuka.
4. Town News Co. (Yokohama City, Kanagawa): A project to support local communities through the digital transformation of neighborhood association tasks.
5. Designium Co. (Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima): An AR platform called "Local Verse" for enhancing Yokosuka's cultural tourism.
6. Hemicellulose Inc. (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa): A project focused on creating circular bio-plastic from agricultural waste within Yokosuka.
7. Macmillan Co. (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa): A project that combines state-of-the-art embroidery machines with an online ordering system, aimed at creating a next-generation Sukajan culture.

Final Judging Event

The final judging event will take place on October 22, 2025, where the finalists will present their innovative concepts. This is a unique opportunity for attendees to witness firsthand the exciting endeavors of each team. The event will award prizes that include monetary support of up to 2 million yen for winning teams, alongside various sponsorship prizes from participating companies. The city of Yokosuka also provides collaborative support for three years, including mentoring from AlphaDrive.

The event will be accessible both in-person and online (via ZOOM). This way, everyone can enjoy the dynamic pitching session, participate in the awards announcements, and engage in a networking event with the finalists and other attendees after the judging is complete.

Event Details:

- Date: October 22, 2025
- Time: 13:00 - 19:00 (doors open at 12:30)
- Venue: Werk Yokosuka Hall (1-5 Hinode-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa)

Participants can choose to join in person (limited to 20 attendees) or tune in online. To secure your spot, please register by filling out the application form below by October 20, 2025. Please note that if the in-person capacity is reached, online viewing will be arranged.
Registration Form

Don't Miss Out!

This Startup Audition in Yokosuka highlights the rich innovation potential in the region. Attending this event provides a prime opportunity to network with emerging entrepreneurs and industry professionals. We hope to see you there!

If you wish to cover the event, please confirm your attendance by emailing or calling the organizing committee by October 20.
For more information, reach out to:

- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 090-6746-6706

Organized by:

City of Yokosuka
Co-organized by: Kanagawa Prefecture, Keihin Electric Express Railway Co., Ltd.
Sponsored by: NTT East Japan Kanagawa Division, Yachiyo Co., Utsui Home Co., Nifco Co., Yokohama Bank, Kanagawa Shinkin Bank, Shonan Shinkin Bank, Yokosuka FM Broadcasting Co., FUNDINNO, MIRAIDOOR, Kamakura Investment Trust, 16Startups, BasedIn Yokosuka, and BIZcomfort Yokosuka Central.

Operation by: Startup Audition Executive Committee, AlphaDrive Co., Ltd., Attn: Harukawa, Fujita