Corporate Talent Meets Startup Innovation: The Launch of Side Project Phase 7

In an exciting move for innovation and collaboration, LoanDeal Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo, has launched Phase 7 of its external collaborative program, the Side Project. Starting this September, 34 professionals from 11 major corporations will engage in projects at 22 promising startups, utilizing approximately 20% of their working hours over the next three months. This unique initiative aims not only to nurture strengths within large organizations but also to harness corporate talent for the growth of startups.

Understanding the Side Project Program

The Side Project program allows corporate professionals to step outside their traditional roles and immerse themselves in the fast-paced environment of startups. In this seventh phase, five new companies have joined the initiative, including SOMPO Credit and House Foods Group, contributing to a total of 42 participants from various industries. With a structured framework, professionals can explore innovative projects while applying their expertise in real-world scenarios, benefiting both their home companies and the startups they collaborate with.

Key Features of This Phase:

Participants can expect a rewarding experience that provides exposure to cutting-edge projects. Here are some notable project areas:
1. Business Transformation through Next-Gen Technology and AI: Participants will delve into initiatives such as the promotion of AI traffic signals and the definition of requirements for space data analysis. They will directly engage in strategic planning and execution, gaining hands-on experience in developing business skills in advanced technology realms.
2. Creating Foundations for Management Transformation through Digital Means: This involves collaborating on projects like developing management dashboards and designing business systems. Participants will help build frameworks that support decision-making, equipping them with the methods needed for data-driven management transformations.
3. Driving New Market Development and Business Expansion: Participants will engage in practical tasks such as launching businesses in untapped markets, acquiring new customers, and negotiating contracts with partners. This experience allows for a comprehensive understanding of the business growth process in a rapid decision-making environment.

Fostering a Culture of Challenge and Innovation

Through the Side Project program, participating companies aim to promote employee autonomy and challenge-taking while creating an environment where diverse perspectives, knowledge, and skills can thrive. The ultimate goal is to cultivate talent capable of driving creativity and transformation, enhancing innovation across industries.

Previous Participants

As of September 2025, a total of 26 companies have joined the ranks of the Side Project initiative, including major names such as IHI Corporation, KDDI, and Hitachi Industrial Solutions. These corporations have increasingly recognized the importance of facilitating learning through collaborations with startups, reinforcing their understanding and responsiveness to market changes.

Looking Ahead

LoanDeal is committed to further accelerating talent fluidity through the Side Project, encouraging individual career independence while also driving industrial dynamism.

Join Phase 8!

Currently, LoanDeal is accepting new companies for the upcoming Phase 8, scheduled for January to March 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out via their website for more details.

For more information:

About LoanDeal Inc.

Founded with a focus on cross-border collaboration, LoanDeal addresses corporate challenges in human resources, innovation creation, and individual career development. Their rental transfer program, which began in September 2015, has grown dramatically, with participation from 82 major companies and 371 individuals as of September 2025. LoanDeal is recognized not only for their programs but also for their contributions to fostering open innovation, having received multiple accolades including awards for business model excellence.

Main Services:

- Rental Transfer: Engage corporate talent in startup projects for leadership development.
- Outsight: Online discussions with startup leaders for experiential learning.
- Side Project: Collaborative training allowing participation in startup projects.
- WILL-ACTION Lab: Workshops designed to cultivate self-directed talent and activate organizations.