UTSUNOMIYA INNOVATION DAY 2026 Set to Inspire Startups on February 10

The Utsunomiya Innovation Consortium, the administrative body of Utsunomiya City, is excited to announce the upcoming UTSUNOMIYA INNOVATION DAY 2026 (UID2026). Scheduled for February 10, 2026, this event will serve as a collaborative demo day for the Utsunomiya Accelerator 2025 and the Utsunomiya Open Innovation 2025 programs.

The event will be jointly operated by Four Startups Co., Ltd., led by President Yuichiro Shimizu, and AlphaDrive Co., Ltd., under CEO Koichi Aso. This partnership emphasizes a collective commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within Utsunomiya City.

Event Objectives

The primary goal of this event is to share the results of participants from the Utsunomiya Accelerator 2025 and Utsunomiya Open Innovation 2025 programs. UID2026 aims to cultivate enthusiasm for new business ventures in the region. On that day, a total of 10 teams will showcase their projects through pitches, representing the hard work and creativity nurtured in Utsunomiya.

Special Guest Seminar

One of the highlights of UID2026 is the special seminar featuring Yoichi Ito, Dean of the Department of Entrepreneurship at Musashino University. He will present a lecture titled 'Now is the Time to Embrace New Business Challenges: Pioneering the Future with Entrepreneurship'. His insights are geared toward empowering participants to explore innovative pathways in their business ventures.

The event encourages participation from a diverse audience, including startups, companies, local government officials, and university representatives—all interested in creating new business opportunities and promoting innovation.

To register for this event, please visit the registration form. Applications will be accepted until February 9, 2026.

Event Overview

- Event Name: UTSUNOMIYA INNOVATION DAY (UID2026)
- Date: February 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Time: 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Registration opens at 1:00 PM)
- Venue: Light Cube Utsunomiya, Main Hall
- Address: 1-20 Miyamirai, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture
- Organizer: Utsunomiya Innovation Consortium
- Operators: Four Startups Co., Ltd., AlphaDrive Co., Ltd.

Schedule

- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Registration
- 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM: Opening Ceremony
- 1:45 PM - 2:35 PM: Open Innovation Program Outcome Presentations
- 2:45 PM - 3:35 PM: Acceleration Program Outcome Presentations
- 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Special Seminar with Yoichi Ito
- 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Closing Ceremony
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Networking Session (optional participation)

(Please note that the program schedule may be subject to change.)

Key Highlights

1. Diverse Pitch Presentations: This year will feature pitches from 10 teams across the Utsunomiya Open Innovation 2025 and Utsunomiya Accelerator 2025 programs. Participants will share insights about collaborative results between local companies and startups, showcasing their growth journeys through funding and support.

2. Inspiring Special Seminar: Esteemed guest Yoichi Ito will discuss 'Now is the Time to Embrace New Business Challenges', providing vital insights on the entrepreneurial mindset and effective strategies for emerging ventures.

3. Networking Opportunities: Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with presenters post-event. A round-table format will facilitate relationships and possibly fruitful business connections.

Participation Details

- Target Audience: Open to startups, SMEs, large corporations, local governments, universities, financial institutions, investors, media, and more—everyone interested in innovation is welcome.
- Participation Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)
- Registration: Please register using the provided registration form.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the UID2026 Operations Office at AlphaDrive Co., Ltd.. For further inquiries, feel free to reach out to: Kazu Masuda at [email protected].