UNIDGE and Estée Launch New Co-Creation Business Program ‘Next’

In a significant step towards innovation, UNIDGE, a subsidiary of Alphadrive, is excited to announce the opening of applications for new co-creation business partners in Estée’s groundbreaking program, ‘Next’. This program is set to commence on June 22, 2026. As the operational partner for this initiative, UNIDGE will provide comprehensive support aimed at realizing business commercialization. This support will encompass areas such as program design, business development guidance, exploration of potential partners, and production of various content.

Overview of ‘Next’

The ‘Next’ program is centered around Estée’s mission to enhance the quality of life in society through resonant ideas that bring smiles in everyday moments. It aims to evolve Estée into a “wellness company that enriches lives and society” by leveraging its established brand strength, research and development capabilities, production and logistics systems, sales channels, and customer engagement networks, while also integrating insights and technologies from external partners. This year’s theme is ‘BUILD’, which emphasizes a robust commitment to transforming ideas into tangible value and ensuring successful business commercialization. Participants who pass the evaluation stage will take the lead in launching their ventures, receiving full support from the organization for those who earnestly step forward.

Call for Co-Creation Partners

Recruitment Themes

1. Creating New Experiences Through Air: Addressing the scent challenges in entertainment and seating businesses. Develop a solution that uses Estée's scent technologies to tackle odor issues and provide a seamless user experience that enhances customer attraction and retention.

2. Early Detection Healthcare Devices for Pets: Collaborate with startups equipped with sensing and data analytics technologies to support pet health through early detection of abnormalities, aiming to prevent regrets about missed signals concerning pet health.

3. Improving Sleep Environments: Focused on enhancing sleep conditions in spaces like night buses and capsule hotels. By applying Estée's scent technologies, this initiative seeks to create comfortable sleeping areas without the need for structural alterations.

4. Team-Based Household Management: Shift household tasks from being an individual burden to a shared responsibility among family members, fostering children's initiative in learning household skills.

5. Maximizing Healthy Moments for Senior Pets and Owners: Use Estée’s scent technology to support early detection of aging in pets and connect them with care facilities.

6. Solving Odor Issues in Nursing Care Facilities: Implement automatic deodorization systems in care facilities to create pleasant environments for both staff and residents, addressing odor issues that arise in such settings.

7. Developing Mental Gear to Alleviate Performance Pressure: Partner to invent devices using Estée's scent knowledge to assist athletes in managing sudden anger or extreme tension during competitions.

8. Cross-Cultural Odor Resolution: Innovate solutions addressing scent issues arising from cultural differences for the increasing number of foreign tourists visiting Japan. Enhance customer experiences in accommodation through the effective use of Estée's technologies.

9. ‘Change the Air’ Project via Integrated Odor Control: Create deodorization solutions that respect the dignity of individuals working in challenging environments like construction sites, employing odor control technologies to build comfortable spaces.

Application Submission Guidelines

- Deadline: July 24, 2026, at 17:00 JST.
- How to Apply: Interested companies can apply via the dedicated website by clicking the “ENTRY” button and completing the necessary forms. Optional supplemental materials may be attached.

Application Criteria

- Registered corporations are eligible (individual applications are not accepted).
- All stages, locations, ages, genders, and nationalities of enterprises or NPOs are accepted.
- No associations with anti-social forces or projects that violate public decency.
- Demonstration of potential for implementing products or services during the program and showcasing societal impact by the final evaluation stage.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the compatibility with recruitment themes, the commitment towards co-creation, clarity on customer pain points, proposed value/solutions, and how both organizations can synergize their assets.

Schedule of the Program

- June 22, 2026: Application Begins
- July 24, 2026: Application Deadline
- July 24, 2026 – Late August: Document Review
- Late August 2026: Document Review Results Notification
- Late August – Late September 2026: Interviews
- Late September 2026: Final Evaluation
- October 2026 – February 2027: Pilot Tests and Mentoring
- February 2027: Final Pitch and Evaluation
- March 2027: Business Verification

About Estée Corporation

Estée is a recognized leader in various markets with products such as odor eliminators and pest control solutions. Their commitment to addressing social issues in the wellness sector is reflected in their mission to enhance the quality of life.

About UNIDGE

As a strategic subsidiary of Alphadrive, UNIDGE focuses on supporting new business creation through thorough facilitation and collaboration beyond mere matchmaking. The firm draws on the extensive experience of its team in business development and aims to establish a sustainable framework for co-creation.