#STATION Ai #Japan #Nagoya #Nikkei Award #Autonomous City

STATION Ai's Landmark Achievement

In a remarkable accomplishment for the Chubu region, STATION Ai has been honored with the 38th Nikkei New Office Award, specifically the Third Workplace Promotion Award. This recognition highlights not only the innovative and functional aspects of the workspace but also the emphasis on co-creation, a criteria that makes this award distinct. The award ceremony took place on September 4, 2025, at the headquarters of The Nikkei in Chiyoda, Tokyo, celebrating a pivotal moment for STATION Ai, a hub for open innovation.

The Features of STATION Ai

STATION Ai, set to open in October 2024 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, is poised to become one of Japan's largest open innovation centers. The facility focuses on nurturing startups and fostering collaboration with existing industries, aiming to generate new business opportunities. By partnering with businesses, universities, and venture capitalists, STATION Ai aims to establish itself as a leading innovation hub in Asia.

With an emphasis on maximizing local potential through collaboration between startups and established industries, the center leverages Aichi's industrial strengths and the research capabilities of institutions like Nagoya University. Under the concept of “Autonomous City,” the architectural design eliminates traditional hallways, featuring an interconnected space with various areas, promoting serendipitous encounters among its users.

Architecturally designed with a spiral floor structure, the lounges from the first to the sixth floor spiral and seamlessly zone different spaces. This layout not only encourages inter-floor interactions but also stimulates spontaneous meetings, fostering a dynamic environment. Users actively engage with the space through art, movable furniture, and robotic installations, making STATION Ai an open facility encouraging community participation and innovation.

Office Concept: An Evolving City

• - The guiding vision, “Autonomous City in STATION Ai,” reflects the desire to create a vibrant urban-like environment that continues to evolve.

Unique Structural Features

• - Open Design for Co-Creation: The facility minimizes walls and partitions, utilizing ramps for gentle connections between floors, shared spaces, and tiered lounges that facilitate random interactions among users, enhancing open innovation.

• - Multi-Functional Spaces: The center offers labs, offices, event halls, gyms, studios, and general open areas for students and residents, available for a diverse range of activities, fostering interaction and collaboration amongst distinct user groups.

• - Diverse Stakeholder Interaction: Housing entrepreneurs, researchers, municipal personnel, corporations, and investors, the spatial organization supports frequent cross-interactions, creating an environment conducive to innovation.

• - Innovation through Technology: STATION Ai acts as a showcase for advancements, featuring smart building solutions through the integration of IoT and AI technologies, creating a robot-friendly environment conducive to experiments and demonstrations by startups.

• - Promoting Diversity: The design incorporates a focus on diversity, with even the internal signage reflecting this commitment. The presence of 152 artworks throughout the facility enhances creativity and inspires innovative thinking.

Looking Ahead to the Future

With the first anniversary of STATION Ai approaching, the center is committed to evolving continuously in response to the needs of its users. As its operators, the aim is to further enhance accessibility for all stakeholders, solidifying STATION Ai as a catalyst for open innovation and collaboration.

Voices from Residents

Users have shared their experiences, noting that the open common area on the first floor often leads to unplanned encounters among startups, fostering conversations that could lead to new projects. Moreover, the diverse environment where academia, private sectors, and government intersect is regarded as a unique strength compared to other incubation facilities.

About STATION Ai

STATION Ai provides a comprehensive range of support services aimed at nurturing startups and fostering open innovation. With participation from more than 700 startups, partner companies, venture capitalists, and academic institutions, STATION Ai continues to push forward in creating innovative business opportunities. Beyond providing a conducive office environment, the facility offers workshops, mentoring, and avenues for startups to network and solve their challenges. STATION Ai looks forward to contributing to the startup ecosystem not just in Aichi, but across Japan and internationally.

Facility Overview

• - Operating Company: STATION Ai Co., Ltd.
• - Floor Area: Approximately 23,600㎡ over 7 floors
• - Opening Date: October 2024
• - Core Features: Membership-based offices, tech labs, event halls, a fitness gym, cafes, and prototyping facilities.

For more information about the office and services offered at STATION Ai, visit their official website.