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Introducing the Epson Innovation Challenge 2026

Epson, in collaboration with G's Academy, is launching the Epson Innovation Challenge 2026. This acceleration program aims to support startups and corporate innovators in the development of new business models and solutions that address societal needs. Applications for this initiative open on October 23, 2025, and the program is slated to commence in January 2026.

What is the Epson Innovation Challenge?

The Epson Innovation Challenge is an acceleration program designed to leverage Epson's technological prowess, resources, and networks to co-create new services and businesses that tackle social problems. The underlying theme of this year's challenge is "Make Vision, Rebuild Meaning," which aligns with Epson's mission to enrich the lives of people and the planet through innovation. This program distinguishes itself by not merely being an idea contest. It incorporates educational programs, mentoring, and hands-on resources that support the actual implementation of business ideas.

Set to make its debut in 2026, the program's inspirational subtitle is "For Every Fun, For Every Future." This encapsulates the company’s gratitude towards its loyal customers and its vision of collaboratively creating added value for the future. The concept of "Fun" represents personal enjoyment and creativity, while "Future" signifies the new possibilities that emerge from these individual contributions.

Welcoming Challenges Across Diverse Domains

The program stands apart by embracing challenges in entertainment and consumer-focused business sectors, which are often considered daunting by other acceleration frameworks. Epson fosters a creative environment where participants are encouraged to think freely, supported by its technologies and resources.

The Evolution of G's Academy and Epson's Partnership

G's Academy has previously hosted product development events such as HackTrek and HACK SONIC in collaboration with Epson. These events have brought together a diverse array of talent, including corporate representatives, startups, and engineers, fostering an environment for knowledge-sharing and value generation. The synergy created in these settings has led to several successful implementations of ideas into society.

In light of these collaborative efforts, the 2026 program aims to evolve from merely being an ideation platform to a robust program focused on the commercialization and market launch of innovative solutions, in response to increasingly complex societal challenges.

Program Features: Two Tailored Approaches

In order to effectively support the creation of socially impactful businesses, the program offers two distinct pathways:

1. New Business Co-Creation Course: This track focuses on startups collaborating with Epson to leverage its technology and resources to develop new business initiatives and ensure societal implementation.
2. Existing Business Collaboration Course: This pathway is dedicated to established firms looking to integrate Epson's technology into their operations to produce new value.

By catering to participants across the startup and existing business landscape, the program is designed to maximize outcomes for a wide range of innovators.

Key Program Details

• - Application Period: October 23, 2025, to December 4, 2025 (subject to change).
• - Participants: Approximately 30 groups are expected to be selected, with eligibility extending to startups, engineers, designers, and students involved in new business development.
• - No Participation Fee: The program is free of charge.
• - Kickoff for Selected Teams: Scheduled for January 11, 2026, through an online session.
• - Program Structure: Includes top-tier business courses, AI workshops, mentoring from entrepreneurs and experts, and hands-on technical support, including access to various Epson products like home printers, high-quality photo printers, commercial photo printers, label printers, and more.
• - Mid-Term Review and Final Demo Day: Scheduled for February 7, 2026, with the final presentation day on February 28, 2026, at JR Shinjuku Miraina Tower.
• - Awards: Monetary prizes will be awarded for the top three projects, with the first place receiving 1 million yen, second place 100,000 yen, and third place 50,000 yen.

Application Process

Interested teams can apply through the official website (Epson Innovation Challenge), where they will undergo a document review and a preliminary selection process, leading to the final selection of approximately 30 teams of innovators.

Upcoming PR Event

A public relations event titled "Creating New Businesses in Entertainment and Fan Activities" will be held on November 13, from 15:00 to 16:30 at Tokyo Innovation Base. This event will explore global business opportunities and challenges within the entertainment sector, discussing the collaborative approach aimed at fostering innovation through the Epson Innovation Challenge 2026.

Event Details:

• - Date: November 13, 2025, from 15:00 to 16:30
• - Location: Tokyo Innovation Base, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Fee: Free of charge
• - Capacity: 50 participants (pre-registration required)

About Epson Corporation

Epson is committed to exceeding customer expectations through innovative products and services, based on a philosophy of compact, energy-efficient technology. The company is actively engaged in addressing social challenges, particularly climate change, in alignment with its long-term vision, "Epson 25 Renewed," which aims to reduce environmental impact while creating sustainable, enriching societal value.

About G's Academy

G's Academy is an educational institution dedicated to empowering individuals to harness technology and create change. The program has succeeded in nurturing a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, with 80% of graduates aspiring to start their own businesses or join startups, resulting in the formation of over 116 new companies and raising cumulative funding of over 16.1 billion yen (as of August 2025). Moreover, the incubator "D ROCKETS" supports aspiring entrepreneurs through investments and mentorship to spark the chemistry between tech enthusiasts and business creators, helping to deliver transformative services from Japan to the world.