#Japan #Sendai #Zero One Booster #DATERISE #NTT East Japan

DATERISE! 2025: A Spotlight on Innovation and Co-Creation

The countdown to DATERISE! 2025 has begun, a global startup event hosted in Sendai. Spearheaded by Zero One Booster, this platform aims to cultivate innovation by supporting startup ecosystems across Sendai and Tohoku. The event will run on August 23, 2025, at the Westin Sendai Hotel and Urban Net Sendai Central Building - YUI NOS.

In a groundbreaking move, NTT East Japan, a PLATINUM SPONSOR of the event, has announced a new session titled “NTT East Japan’s Vision for Regional Co-Creation: Co-Creation Case Studies with Storyline Inc.” This discussion will highlight the collaborative ventures between NTT East and local startups, specifically the partnership with Storyline Inc., which originated from Tohoku University. Their focus is on tangible business co-creation methodologies and the driving forces behind regional innovation.

The Event’s Theme: SENDAI to Global!

The theme for DATERISE! 2025 is centered around “SENDAI to Global!”, aiming to fuel growth for local startups, student entrepreneurs, and innovators pushing for change on a global level. Key components include:

• - Pitch Contests featuring startups from Tohoku aiming for international expansion.
• - Talk Sessions that bring together industry leaders and innovators for engaging discussions.
• - The ENNICHI (縁日) festival, where attendees can experience products created by startups.
• - Workshops for students that promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

Introducing the New Session: A Focus on Regional Collaboration

NTT East Japan’s session will detail the initiatives taken within the Smart Innovation Lab Sendai, a regional co-creation hub. This lab works closely with startups to stimulate new business creations. During the session, they will detail their proof of concept (PoC) conducted in collaboration with Storyline Inc., illustrating how they addressed challenges associated with decaffeinated coffee production using unique techniques. This initiative emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and developing robust supply chains.

Meet the Speakers

Notably, the team will feature presentations from influential figures in both NTT East Japan and Storyline Inc.:

Yuka Takahashi from NTT East Japan will discuss her journey from promoting advertisement services to leading the regional hub in Sendai, fostering collaborations with startups. Meanwhile, Junko Iwai, CEO of Storyline Inc., brings her expertise in service design and innovation, showcasing how her company aims to revolutionize the coffee industry by solving production challenges through design thinking.

Shohei Oba, a manager at Zero One Booster, will also play a role in encouraging discussions about innovation and supporting local industries, tying back to their goal of driving significant developments within the regional startup ecosystem.

Expanded Booth Area and Festival Activities

In addition to the session, the BOOTH AREA featured in DATERISE! will showcase 51 organizations, expanding the network of startups, educational institutions, and governmental partners. Attendees will have opportunities for interaction and negotiation.

Families will enjoy the ENNICHI festival, where children can engage in interactive experiences with products and ideas brought forth by local startups. Characters like Musubi Maru and Jackie from Kumano Gakko, the local mascots, will grace the event, further enriching the experience for young innovators.

The festival will also feature activities such as making original helmets inspired by Samurai leader Date Masamune, with 200 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. This interactive approach seeks to immerse families in the startup culture, engaging the public in meaningful ways.

A Calendar of Spin-Off Events

DATERISE! will coincide with additional side events designed to further engage the community in innovation. Events range from business discussions to networking BBQ sessions, all geared towards fostering entrepreneurship within the region. Information about these side events will be updated regularly on the DATERISE! website.

Join the Movement

This ambitious event is not merely a conference; it’s a movement to redefine innovation and cooperative growth in the Tohoku region. DATERISE! is a pivotal occasion for challenging the status quo and fostering connections that transcend geographical barriers. Whether you're a startup, stakeholder, or enthusiast, your participation could ignite the next wave of entrepreneurial success!

You can learn more and register for the event at the official DATERISE! site: DATERISE! Official Page.

Conclusion

DATERISE! 2025 promises to be a transformative event with opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and community building. Mark your calendars and prepare to be part of this exciting journey from Sendai to global frontiers!