#Japan #Osaka #Women Empowerment #KPMG #WOVEMENTS

Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future: KPMG's Innovation Contest

KPMG Consulting originally announced the finalists of their groundbreaking competition titled the 'Value Creation Innovation Contest: Women Leading a Sustainable Future.' This initiative, under the umbrella of their WOVEMENTS® program, aims to support innovative ideas from women addressing sustainability challenges, particularly in the face of climate change. With the finals slated to occur at the 'Womans Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier' at the Osaka Kansai Expo on June 30, 2025, anticipation for this event is building.

Contest Overview

The contest officially opened for submissions on January 2025. In total, 52 applications were received, where a rigorous selection process saw the finalists emerge through initial document reviews followed by online interviews and presentations. These five talented finalists will have the unique opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas to the audience present.

To encourage further growth and commercialization of the champion's concept, KPMG will provide additional support throughout the year. This includes regular meetings and networking opportunities aimed at helping bring their ideas to fruition. This initiative embodies the essence of empowerment and innovation, reinforcing the company's commitment to sustainability and women's leadership.

Meet The Finalists

Maika Kanadama: Omiisay Service

Maika proposes a service that enables Japanese SMEs to expand internationally without needing local subsidiaries. Her goal is to facilitate easier access for Japanese products and services to global markets.

Mayu Kawakita: Gamification of Japanese Culture

Mayu focuses on addressing the issue of overtourism through an application that gamifies Japanese etiquette and culture, promoting sustainable tourism and regional revitalization.

Sakurako Shioya: GLEAD

Targeted at middle and high school students, Sakurako's online English conversation platform 'GLEAD' connects Japanese youth with international peers, fostering cultural exchange and language skills that promote a sustainable future.

Yuki Nakamura: LumoMama

Yuki is developing an app aimed at pregnant women, allowing them to connect with healthcare providers remotely, enhancing birth safety and contributing to efforts in addressing declining birth rates in Japan.

Hana Yanagisawa: Deco Lab.

Hana’s innovative vending machine takes upcycled bottle caps and turns them into decorative parts, blending sustainability with the 'kawaii' culture, and addressing plastic waste issues.

The Judging Panel

An esteemed panel of judges, including executives from various sectors, will evaluate the finalists. This includes successful entrepreneurs and professionals dedicated to empowering women in various fields. Their expertise will not only assist in determining the winner but nurture potential opportunities for collaboration and mentoring.

The Significance of the Event

The 'Womans Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier' aims to foster equality and respect among all individuals, creating opportunities based on shared experiences and perspectives. This pavilion emphasizes the significant role of women in driving sustainable change in society.

Conclusion

The 'Value Creation Innovation Contest' represents a crucial platform for women innovators to bring their sustainable ideas to life. KPMG's commitment to empowering women through WOVEMENTS®, coupled with community support from events like the pavilion, marks a significant step towards a more equitable and sustainable future. Stay tuned for more updates leading up to the finals in June 2025!