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G-SQUARE: Empowering Startups from GLOBIS Community

In a bid to bolster the entrepreneurial spirit of its alumni and current students, GLOBIS University has expanded the accessibility of its new incubation office, "G-SQUARE". This initiative aims to provide a thriving environment for the development of startups directly tied to the GLOBIS community. The office is strategically nestled in the bustling business district of Toranomon, Tokyo, and is operated in partnership with Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., offering affordable monthly workspace solutions for aspiring entrepreneurs.

A New Beginning for Startups

Launched in October 2023, G-SQUARE provides a unique opportunity for startups founded by students and alumni of GLOBIS. With a special monthly fee of just 7,000 yen per seat, the facility significantly lowers the barriers to entry for budding entrepreneurs. This affordable pricing is designed to alleviate the financial stresses of starting a new business, making it more feasible for anyone with ideas and passion to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

In addition to cost benefits, G-SQUARE fosters a vibrant community of entrepreneurs who can share resources, insights, and support with each other. This collaborative space is where participants of the G-STARTUP accelerator program and businesses backed by the G-CHALLENGE fund converge, creating a melting pot of innovative ideas and practical knowledge.

Welcoming Startups from Diverse Backgrounds

The entry criteria for G-SQUARE cater specifically to businesses formed by GLOBIS’s students and graduates or those actively involved in startups that have received funding from GLOBIS-related ventures. This includes winners of the G-CHALLENGE, a business plan competition aimed at cultivating new ventures with a significant social impact, and potential candidates for investment from the G-GROWTH program, which supports recent alumni-led startups.

The G-CHALLENGE has, in past years, attracted around 50 applications annually, showcasing the intense entrepreneurial drive present within the GLOBIS community. Notable success stories from this program include innovative firms like MITAS Medical, which provides remote ophthalmology services, and Satoyama Energy, focusing on small-scale hydroelectric power solutions—all supported by GLOBIS’s infrastructure.

A Hub for Learning and Innovation

Positioned at the intersection of business and innovation, G-SQUARE not only provides a physical workspace but also a chance for continued learning and skill development. Entrepreneurs can engage with their peers and mentors, blending theoretical knowledge gained in classrooms with the real-world challenges of running a business. Regular networking events allow participants to meet and collaborate with industry leaders, providing invaluable opportunities for business matching and strategic alliances.

With close access to faculty members and GLOBIS’s extensive business networks, G-SQUARE serves as a springboard for startups to gain traction and grow. Entrepreneurs at G-SQUARE can also participate in workshops, discussions, and mentoring sessions to refine their business models and strategies, enhancing their chances for success.

Building an Ecosystem of Entrepreneurship

The creation of G-SQUARE is a response to the increasing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship among GLOBIS’s community members. The GLOBIS Entrepreneurs Club (GEC), with approximately 4,700 members, exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that G-SQUARE aims to cultivate. The club facilitates knowledge sharing, networking events, and lectures by successful entrepreneurs, fostering a supportive environment for current and future business leaders.

By extending G-SQUARE’s offerings to all alumni and current students, GLOBIS aims to transform entrepreneurial fervor into tangible business actions, creating an ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and societal contribution. This initiative is not just about providing physical space; it reflects GLOBIS’s commitment to being a cradle for entrepreneurs who are reshaping society through innovation and responsible business practices.

Future Vision

As GLOBIS University continues to evolve, G-SQUARE stands as a testament to its vision of cultivating a thriving environment for the intersection of human capital, financial resources, and knowledge, ultimately striving for a profound societal impact. Tomoko Kimishima, the head of GLOBIS’s graduate school, emphasizes the institution's dedication to converting students’ passion into reality, stating, "G-SQUARE serves as the infrastructure for materializing their drive for societal improvement. We are confident that this space will continually produce leaders who will define Japan’s future."

G-SQUARE embodies the essence of collaboration, learning, and innovation that GLOBIS champions, ensuring that its community fosters the next generation of successful startups.

Facility Overview

• - Name: G-SQUARE
• - Location: 2nd Floor, Sumitomo Realty Toranomon Tower, 2-2-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Access: 4 minutes from Toranomon Station, 3 minutes from Toranomon Hills Station, and 5 minutes from Tameike-sanno Station.
• - Usage Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8 AM to 11 PM, Friday to Sunday from 8 AM to 7 PM.
• - Cost: Open seating for 7,000 yen/month.

The launch of G-SQUARE is a significant leap towards nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of GLOBIS students and alumni, ensuring they have the resources, support, and community to succeed in their business ventures.