Innovative Entrepreneurial Support Program on Physical AI Launching in Japan

In a significant advancement for the startup ecosystem, Jigyojin Inc. has announced its participation as a lecturer in the upcoming Physical AI-focused entrepreneurial support program, named "Physical AI Thinka." This initiative is organized by First Light Capital and set to commence in April 2026, targeting entrepreneurs at various stages, particularly those preparing for seed funding.

The Importance of Organizational Development

As Japan's core industries face pressing structural challenges, the Role of Physical AI becomes increasingly vital. Successful startups often rely not only on technological prowess and funding but also on the effective building of human capital and organizational structures. In this context, Jigyojin, led by co-founders Akihiro Uono and Akira Nishimura, aims to leverage their extensive experience in human resources to address these critical issues.

Uono has held various roles, including external CHRO for major corporations and fast-growing startups. His insights into organizational strategy will be instrumental in guiding entrepreneurs through the myriad challenges they encounter in the rapidly evolving Physical AI landscape.

What is Physical AI Thinka?

"Physical AI Thinka" is a six-month program designed specifically to tackle the unique difficulties faced by Japan's core industries through innovative Physical AI solutions. It serves as a platform for entrepreneurs who are either about to launch or are in the early stages of their ventures.

Participants can expect a combination of collaborative sessions with industry experts and individual mentoring. The program will cover practical areas such as Initial Market Research (PMR) and defining Ideal Customer Profiles (ICP), ultimately aiding participants in advancing their business endeavors. Notably, the final day of the program will offer participants the chance to pitch their ideas directly to potential investors and businesses, significantly enhancing their networking and funding opportunities.

Program Duration: April 2026 - October 2026
Details: Physical AI Thinka

Target Participants

The program is creatively designed for individuals at varying levels of entrepreneurship:

- Entrepreneurs preparing for or currently in the seed funding stage.
- Researchers and engineers still engaged in academia or existing employment planning to launch their businesses after selecting for the program.

The program will welcome ambitious and innovative approaches that involve "physical interventions in the real world" across various fields, such as:

- Infrastructure & Construction: Addressing the crisis of declining skilled labor and deteriorating infrastructure through automation and spatial intelligence in construction machinery.
- Logistics & Mobility: Reconstructing physical transportation networks using autonomous driving and group control technologies in response to logistical crises and challenges faced by those with limited mobility.
- Manufacturing & Production: Utilizing AI to achieve the flexibility in factory automation that has previously been elusive, thus overcoming barriers like technical succession and labor shortages.
- Primary Industries: Enabling sustainable food production by integrating sensing technologies and robotics in vast, unpredictable natural environments.
- Services & Social Infrastructure: Supporting essential services such as healthcare, elderly care, and disaster response, particularly in high-stakes environments where human well-being is paramount.
- General Purpose Humanoids & Base Models: Focusing on developing adaptable humanoid robots capable of functioning in diverse environments.

Instructor Profile

Akihiro Uono | CEO & Co-Founder of Jigyojin Inc.

A Waseda University alum, Uono began his career at Recruit Co., Ltd., where he undertook roles across sales, business development, and corporate planning, culminating in leadership positions in game development. He later served dual HR roles at Userbase and NewsPicks before founding Jigyojin. As an external CHRO, Uono has been deeply involved in strategy formulation, executive recruitment, PMI projects across large corporations, growing startups, and educational institutions. He aims to nurture the next generation of organizational leaders, referred to as "Future Enablers," by providing comprehensive support through both management and grassroots levels. Uono is also a board member of the Japan HR Business Partner Association and hosts the podcast "Delicious Organizations."

Jigyojin Inc. focuses on forming external CHRO teams, training for future enablers, and conducting organizational health assessments.

For inquiries regarding this announcement:
Contact: Iwashaku at Jigyojin Inc.
Email: [email protected]