KPMG Consulting Launches Open Innovation Center in Kyoto's Art and Technology Village

KPMG Consulting, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has taken a significant step towards enhancing smart city initiatives by opening an Open Innovation Center within the Art and Technology Village Kyoto (ATVK) situated in the Kyoto Prefecture. This center aims to cultivate talent and spark new business ventures, providing a focal point for companies and individuals involved in promoting smart cities throughout the region.

The ATVK has been designed as a hub for open innovation based on the integration of art and technology. It comprises five main spaces: an interaction building, a creative area, a testing space, an art collaboration space, and a corporate site. This initiative is strategically positioned within Kyoto’s “Industrial Creation Leading Zone” project, which seeks to leverage local resources and encourage innovation among businesses.

KPMG Consulting has previously served as an advisor for the Kyoto Smart City Promotion Council, facilitating connections among a variety of stakeholders, including corporations, municipalities, universities, and research institutions, all aiming to realize smart city concepts. The firm has supported the establishment of the “Kyoto Big Data Utilization Platform,” aimed at promoting data-driven decision-making within the region.

In addition to these efforts, KPMG, through its member firm Azusa Audit Corporation, leverages its global network and management advisory capabilities to support investments and business operations for companies connected to Kyoto, ultimately contributing to solving local challenges and revitalizing the Kyoto economy. They have signed an agreement supporting collaboration to foster the growth of businesses in the area.

The newly established Open Innovation Center seeks to provide a space for business creation through the integration of design and business thinking. One of its primary goals is to nurture