#Japan #Innovation #Startup #Kochi

Seeking Innovative Solutions in Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Prefecture is facing significant challenges as it grapples with an aging population and the outflow of youth. This situation poses various issues that require immediate attention. To tackle these local challenges, the Kochi Local Innovation Platform has launched the New Business Creation Support Program, which invites proposals for innovative solutions from startups and higher education institutions both within and outside the prefecture.

Objectives of the New Business Creation Support Program

On July 24, 2025, a briefing session was held to detail the challenges, unveiling five specific issues that need addressing. These include:

1. Sustainable Shopping Support in Mountainous Areas: Developing systems to aid residents in shopping in difficult-to-access regions.
2. Water Resource Sustainability: Ensuring a circular ecosystem for water resources while minimizing maintenance costs.
3. Employment Support for People with Disabilities: Enhancing support for individuals with disabilities to maintain stable employment and quality of life within their communities.
4. Human Resource Solutions in the Hospitality Sector: Creating systems to secure talent in hotels, boosting revenue through high-value services and enhancing tourist satisfaction.
5. Maximizing Value from Fish Waste: Finding methods to reduce the degradation of fish waste for recycling and uncovering high-value uses.

The detailed themes and problems are listed on the official website, along with links to archive videos of the briefing for those who may have missed it.

Call for Innovative Solutions

The program, conducted by Alpha Drive Co., Ltd., a company specialized in new business development, is looking for diverse solutions. This organization has already supported over 21,000 new business ideas and is well-equipped to assist in this initiative.

From July 24, 2025, to September 30, 2025, stakeholders including startups and educational institutions can submit their proposals. Following the announcement of the issues, consultations and site visits are planned to clarify the challenges and foster collaboration.

Proposal Process

Proposals will be reviewed in October 2025, with notifications sent out by the end of that month. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with local government representatives to refine their ideas and agree on formal collaborations (matching agreements).

Important notes include the possibility that not all proposals will be accepted, and successful meetings will still require mutual agreements to advance.

Conclusion

The New Business Creation Support Program in Kochi is a significant opportunity for innovation-driven entities to contribute to solving local issues while also creating viable business models. This initiative not only aims to address pressing concerns but also seeks to stimulate economic growth through collaboration and ingenuity. Interested parties are encouraged to participate and leverage their technologies or services to make a meaningful impact in Kochi Prefecture, embarking on a path toward community resilience and sustainable development.

For further details and to participate, please visit Kochi Local Innovation Platform’s official site.

Contact Information

• - Organizer: Kochi Prefectural Industrial Innovation Section
• - Management: Alpha Drive Co., Ltd.
• - Contact: Yosuke Hashizume (Kochi Local Innovation Platform Management Office)
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Address: 1F Kurusu Building, 2-17-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0014, Japan