GIVE-FORWARD CEO Keio Suzuki Selected for Next Innovator 2026 Program

GIVE-FORWARD, led by CEO Keio Suzuki, has announced his acceptance into the 12th term of the "Next Innovator 2026" program. This initiative is not just about the accolade of being selected; it's about challenging existing business inquiries in a nurturing environment and refining perspectives on both the business and oneself.

About the Next Innovator Program

The "Next Innovator" program seeks to foster individuals equipped with the resolve to shape the future, encouraging them to grow into innovators who significantly impact society and industries. Launched in 2015 as part of the "Bridge Project between Silicon Valley and Japan," the program has evolved and is now well into its twelfth iteration, set to conclude in 2026. Participants engage in lectures from Japan's leading entrepreneurs and business leaders while also having dialogues with diverse participants and mentors to refine their business plans. From the domestic program, a select group of ten is chosen to proceed to the Silicon Valley program, where they interact with local entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and mentors through discussions and pitches, addressing their businesses from a global perspective.

Real-time Marketplace Initiative: SpotIn

Currently, GIVE-FORWARD is working on realizing "SpotIn," a platform designed to connect people's immediate desires with the instant availability of the local market. This initiative goes beyond merely facilitating bookings; it addresses a gap where certain services, which could be provided at a specific moment, often go unused. There exists a demand for immediate activities from individuals wanting to seize the moment. However, there remains a disconnect in effectively circulating these opportunities in real-time.

SpotIn aims to bridge this gap by transforming immediacy into a new form of marketplace. It links real-time demand and supply, turning the concept of “Last Minute” into a new economic landscape. By expanding its offerings from beauty to wellness, fitness, tourism, and experiences, SpotIn aims to economically capitalize on unused time, enhancing productivity and value in Japan's service industry, which accounts for approximately 70% of the nation's GDP. Moreover, the increase in inbound tourism creates diverse opportunities for individuals to maximize their experiences within local contexts, thereby expanding the initiative beyond national borders.

Engaging With Global Perspectives

Through this participation, GIVE-FORWARD not only strives to refine its current operations but also aims to confront critical questions: What defines a product that can compete globally? How far does the market's potential extend? What is necessary to generate a greater social and economic impact? These inquiries will be posed to entrepreneurs, mentors, and fellow participants who have accumulated various experiences both domestically and internationally. While steadily validating current business practices, the company aspires to maintain an expansive outlook and continue envisioning significant possibilities. With acceptance into the program seen as just the beginning, the goal is to advance toward the Silicon Valley program and complete the journey with resolve.

Company Overview

- Company Name: GIVE-FORWARD Inc.
- Established: April 1, 2025
- CEO: Keio Suzuki
- Location: 1-1-4 Haneda Airport, Ota City, Tokyo, at HANEDA INNOVATION CITY ZONE K201
- Business Focus: Real-time marketplace 'SpotIn', AI and DX-related services.