#Japan #Shibuya #SHIBUYA QWS #Questionpreneur #QWS CULTIVATION

SHIBUYA QWS Introduces Concept of 'Questionpreneur'

Located on the 15th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, SHIBUYA QWS has been a hub for collaboration and innovation since it opened in November 2019. With the rapidly changing technological landscape, QWS is evolving its core program, the QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM, to better foster the skills needed in today’s world—skills centered around inquiry and the ability to ask meaningful questions.

The new concept of 'Questionpreneur'—a blend of 'question' and 'entrepreneur'—is designed to create a pathway for individuals to generate new value and possibilities starting from a question. QWS envisions this new breed of individual as someone who not only generates inquiries but also engages with them, deepening their understanding and navigating through complexities to create change. While traditionally aligned with entrepreneurs, the concept extends to researchers, creators, and individuals addressing societal issues through inquiry-driven actions.

The QWS Cultivation Program

The QWS Cultivation Program has supported over 460 startups and initiatives aiming to create new social value through inquiry. The program has been extensively revamped to adapt to the contemporary need for nurturing critical questioning rather than seeking quick answers. Enhancing this program will ensure it continues to train 'Questionpreneurs' adept at asking the right questions as a driver for innovation.

The update introduces nine new modules, focusing primarily on the cycle of "encountering questions," "refining questions," and "releasing questions." The goal is to encourage participants to apply their questioning skills in everyday situations by facilitating a loop between theory and practice.

• - Module Details:

- Encountering Questions: Held once or twice a month, this module helps individuals experience the inception of their questioning process—ideal for beginners or those new to QWS.
- Reflection on Questions: Occurring monthly to bi-monthly, this module emphasizes learning to reflect on inquiries as a source of new initiatives.
- Special Series: An annual invite-only session designed to help participants hone their unique questioning narrative.

Building a Community of Questionpreneurs

To further encourage collaboration, QWS is establishing specialized communication groups for those who meet specific criteria through participation in QWS activities. This allows for sharing ideas, seeking feedback, and pushing forward innovative projects together.

The update aims not only to promote inquiry within startup settings but also recognizes its significance in business development, educational domains, and beyond. With a clear focus on the concept of 'Questionpreneur,' QWS aims to provide vital insights into shaping the future workforce capable of handling the questions that directly impact community and industry challenges.

QWS has thrived not just by supporting entrepreneurs but by creating an ecosystem where collaboration and inquiry can intersect in pursuit of new societal values. It’s a space for everyone who wishes to challenge the status quo through the power of questions.

The Impact of Questionpreneurs

The push for 'Questionpreneurs' comes partly as a response to ongoing societal changes. According to Kenta Iwata, Community Manager at QWS, this initiative marks a transition from hastily finding solutions to taking the time to refine the questions that guide innovation, noting that valuable insights emerge when individuals pause to reflect on their uncertainties.

As SHIBUYA QWS continues to encourage these discussion-driven environments, it stands poised not just as a facilitator of entrepreneurship, but as a catalyst for societal change, nurturing individuals who are ready to ask the questions that matter.

For more information on the QWS Cultivation Program and how to engage, visit the SHIBUYA QWS website.