#Japan #Escon Field #Kitahiroshima #business design #Hokkaido Innovation Lab

Hokkaido Innovation Lab's Second Phase Recruitment

The Advanced Institute for Business Creation Graduate School, located in Minato, Tokyo, has partnered with Escon Co. and the city of Kitahiroshima to launch the second phase of their innovative program, the Hokkaido Innovation Lab, scheduled to begin in June 2026. The application process for researchers is now open, along with information sessions starting in April.

Program Overview: Hokkaido Innovation Lab

Adopted by Kitahiroshima City as of April 1, 2026, this initiative aims to cultivate human resources contributing to regional revitalization while fostering new business ventures through practical learning experiences in collaboration with local communities.

Some highlights of the program include:

• - Unique Graduate Program: Japan's only graduate school offering a structured practical program around business design.
• - Real-Life Problem Solving: Participants will engage with real challenges presented by Escon Field Hokkaido and Kitahiroshima City.
• - Collaborative Learning: The program encourages knowledge sharing across different industries, organizations, and local governments.
• - Cutting-Edge Expertise: Attendees will receive lectures and insights from experts in areas such as DX (Digital Transformation) and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
• - Tangible Outputs: Over approximately ten months, participants will develop a business concept plan with an eye toward social implementation.

Recruitment Details

• - Number of Participants: 20 individuals
• - Duration: June 2026 to March 2027 (total of 20 sessions)
• - Cost: Free (participants cover travel and accommodation)
• - Main Venues: Kitahiroshima City Hall, Escon Field Hokkaido, and online
• - Application Deadline: May 13, 2026
• - Target Audience: Individuals eager to improve Kitahiroshima, companies aiming to utilize their resources and technologies to create new businesses, and those wishing to address local issues.

This program provides a valuable learning opportunity for corporate representatives focused on new business development or anyone interested in addressing regional challenges.

Information Session Details

Information sessions will be held as follows:
At Kitahiroshima City Hall:

• - April 20, 2026 (Monday) 13:00 - 14:00
• - April 20, 2026 (Monday) 16:00 - 17:00

Online Sessions:

• - April 27, 2026 (Monday) 13:00 - 14:00
• - May 8, 2026 (Friday) 13:00 - 14:00

Please register for the sessions here.

Message from Mayor Shozo Ueno of Kitahiroshima

As we embark on the second year of the project research conducted by the Business Design Graduate School, I reflect on our first year's efforts where diverse researchers engaged in dynamic discussions. This led to innovative ideas aimed at solving challenges for Kitahiroshima and the wider Hokkaido area, which was incredibly encouraging. Through mutual interaction among researchers, it has been a meaningful year.

I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Business Design Graduate School and Escon Co. for their tremendous support in promoting research that will shape our city's future. I am eager to see new businesses blossoming as a result of this research opportunity.

Outcomes from the First Phase

Initiated in June 2025, the first phase engaged a variety of participants from different industries for about ten months, focusing on developing concrete business concepts. On March 27, 2026, the final presentation was held at Escon Field Hokkaido, showcasing a collection of innovative ideas aligned with social implementation goals.

During the final event, Mayor Ueno provided insights and expressed strong expectations for initiatives that will pioneer the future of our region, emphasizing that the essence of this program is creating long-term value through human connections.

For Phase Two, we aim to further advance socially impactful business creation, leveraging the results and networks established previously.

This program's research and lectures are made possible by corporate hometown tax contributions from Escon Co. to Kitahiroshima City.

About the Business Design Graduate School

Founded in April 2012 in Minami Aoyama, Tokyo, the Graduate School offers a curriculum for professionals aiming to conceive, design, and implement business ideas. The program encourages close discussions with faculty and students from diverse industries, culminating in the submission of a business design plan and awarding of a professional degree, Master of Project Design (MPD). With campuses in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sendai, the school has graduated 967 individuals, producing numerous innovations. Its affiliated research institute actively conducts project-based research and has released countless publications, including the monthly Business Design magazine. For more details, please visit our official website.