#Japan #Tokyo #Digital Services #Tokyo Consortium #Smart Tokyo

Tokyo's Initiative for Smart Services

In an effort to leverage digital technology to unlock Tokyo's potential, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the 'Smart Tokyo' initiative. This program aims to promote advanced smart services and technologies in the Nishishinjuku area, which has been chosen as a pilot region. The Nishishinjuku Consortium, comprising industry, government, and academia, has been established to facilitate collaboration and drive the implementation of smart services in this urban area.

Expanding Outcomes Beyond Nishishinjuku

To amplify the results of this initiative, the Tokyo Government has initiated the 'Smart Service Deployment Support Project', which began in the fiscal year 2023. This program seeks to support the development and expansion of smart services created by consortium member companies, with a view to broadening their application to other areas across Tokyo.

Recently, the city announced a call for proposals for the fiscal year 2024 for this support project. This opportunity is open to businesses that can address the challenges faced by different areas in Tokyo, thereby contributing towards resolving social issues and expectations for scaling solutions citywide.

Call for Proposals

The proposals will fundamentally align with the existing eight subcommittees under the Nishishinjuku Consortium. However, submissions are also welcomed from new fields, provided they align with the broader goals of Tokyo’s smart city initiatives. Each applicant is allowed to submit one proposal, and it is expected that approximately four projects will be selected for support.

Eligibility and Areas of Implementation

The initiative targets small and medium-sized enterprises that are members of the Nishishinjuku Consortium. While the primary area of implementation will remain Nishishinjuku, there is also a focus on other locations across the city, beyond Nishishinjuku.

Funding Support Details

The selected projects will receive financial aid covering half of the necessary expenses, with a cap of 25 million yen. The implementation period for these projects will begin from the date of subsidy approval and run until March 31, 2025.

Key Responsibilities for Participants

Successful applicants will be required to:

• - Implement their proposed projects and provide progress reports.
• - Prepare and submit a report detailing the project's outcomes.
• - Assist the Tokyo Government in promoting smart city initiatives both domestically and internationally.

Important Dates

• - Application Submission Period: From June 12 to July 8, 2024.
• - Intent to Apply: Open from June 12 to June 23, 2024.
• - Document Screening: Scheduled for July 9 to July 13, 2024.
• - Presentation Evaluations: Occurring from July 14 to July 17, 2024.
• - Notification of Results: Mid-July 2024.

Further Information

For additional details, including specific application requirements and methods, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Nishishinjuku Consortium's website. Insights into prior projects, such as the universally communicative XR technology initiative and tourism-oriented smart services, can also be found there.

This initiative contributes to the 'Tokyo 2050 Strategy', specifically focusing on enhancing the quality of life of residents through the realization of smart city development.

Contact Information

For inquiries about this initiative, please contact the Tokyo Metropolitan Digital Services Bureau, Digital Services Promotion Department. Call: 03-5320-7622 or email: S1100301(at)section.metro.tokyo.jp (replace (at) with @ for correspondence).