#Sustainability #Japan #Tokyo #King Salmon #Global City Network

King Salmon Project: A New Initiative for Global Urban Solutions

Tokyo, renowned for its vibrant startup ecosystem, has launched the King Salmon Project, aimed at addressing urban challenges through international collaboration. This initiative aligns with the Global City Network for Sustainability (G-NETS) and focuses on supporting Tokyo-based startups in their quest for global expansion and problem-solving.

Project Overview

The King Salmon Project intends to provide innovative startups a platform to propose solutions to real-world problems in international cities. For the current fiscal year, the project focuses on two significant cities: Morton Bay in Australia and Rome in Italy. Both cities present unique urban challenges that Tokyo startups are encouraged to tackle with their innovative solutions.

Key Benefits for Startups

1. Opportunity for Demonstration: Startups will be given the chance to test their solutions in the field by collaborating with these overseas cities.
2. Financial Support: Tokyo Metropolitan Government will cover the costs associated with overseas travel and the necessary expenses for demonstration projects (within certain limits).
3. Comprehensive Support: Local stakeholders in Morton Bay and Rome, along with project promoter Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co., will aid in selecting demonstration fields and coordinating local efforts.

Process Flow

The collaboration begins with the overseas cities presenting their challenges, which Tokyo startups will then address through proposed solutions. This leads to practical demonstrations in the respective cities.

Call for Proposals

Referred to as the Overseas Urban Challenge Course, this initiative invites startups to submit their proposals until May 29. The details surrounding the challenges faced by Morton Bay and Rome were shared during the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 reverse pitch event that took place on April 27, 2023. Videos featuring these reverse pitches are available for viewing on the project's official website.

Timeline for Proposal Acceptance:

• - Proposal Acceptance Period: May 11 to May 29
• - Initial Evaluation by Overseas Cities: June (tentative)
• - Travel to Overseas Cities for Final Evaluation: July for Rome and August for Morton Bay (tentative)

More Information

For comprehensive details regarding the application process, interested startups can visit the King Salmon Project website. Here you'll find all necessary information regarding eligibility and requirements.

Previous Success Stories

Last year's initiative successfully launched projects in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Malmö, Sweden. Notably, a Tokyo startup partnered with Jakarta to address waste reduction and renewable energy transition. They processed over 7.16 tons of waste, demonstrating the potential for creating valuable outputs from waste, promoting a circular economy in the region.

In Malmö, another startup focused on turning food waste into valuable products. Utilizing innovative technology, the startup collected 200 kg of used coffee grounds and developed products like drip stands, which tested successfully in local cafes.

These projects exemplified the potential for startups in Tokyo to innovate globally while contributing to sustainable urban solutions.

Conclusion

The King Salmon Project not only bolsters the startups' growth trajectory but also reinforces Tokyo's commitment to fostering global partnerships that tackle pressing urban issues. This initiative is part of fulfilling the 2050 Tokyo Strategy, which emphasizes cultivating startups that excel internationally, thus showcasing innovation and sustainability on a global stage.