#Japan #AlphaDrive #Toyota City #L-Partners

Toyota City and AlphaDrive Showcase Innovation at TAKEOFF Demo Day 2026

On February 14, 2026, Toyota City teamed up with AlphaDrive to host the long-awaited TAKEOFF Demo Day, showcasing budding entrepreneurs who participated in a six-month accelerator program aimed at accelerating startup development. The event was held at the SENTAN, a center for manufacturing innovation in Toyota, creating a lively atmosphere as industry leaders, financial institutions, and local supporters gathered to witness the entrepreneurial spirit at its finest.

Highlights of the Event

The Demo Day began with an enlightening seminar led by Yuta Kamibayashi from Matsuo Laboratory, focusing on the latest trends in generative AI and the business opportunities arising from new technologies. This served as a perfect prelude to the main event where six passionate entrepreneurs presented their refined business ideas and strategies developed under the rigorous guidance of experienced mentors.

Each presentation was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the participants who aimed to turn their innovative concepts into tangible business plans. Alongside Tatsuya Tsuji of L-Partners, who emerged as the grand prize winner, the other finalists made impressive pitches that captured the attention of the audience and judges alike.

Recognition and Awards

After all the presentations, it was announced that Tatsuya Tsuji won the prestigious TAKEOFF Award for his project about unlocking the potential of Toyota. His business focused on creating products that highlight the city’s attractions while providing supporting services for local businesses, putting his plan into real-world application swiftly and successfully generating revenue.

In Tsuji's award acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude to the community and the program organizers for their unwavering support. He stated, “With 20 years of experience, I founded L-Partners to transform Toyota’s resources into power. I aim to bridge the city’s industrial strength with local abundance, serving as a reliable presence in the region.” He emphasized his commitment to gradually opening up new possibilities for Toyota one step at a time.

Tsuji's initiative includes the “Reviving Japan's Three Major Lacquers Project”, focused on rejuvenating the Asuke lacquer industry, currently featured on CAMPFIRE, a crowdfunding platform.

Other notable awards were presented, such as the Money Forward Award, which went to Tomoko Ogasawara from Wom-tech for her project “STEM GATE”, aimed at connecting female engineering students with valuable career opportunities. Ryugen Shimada from Nagoya Institute of Technology also impressed the judges with his “Mother Beef Project”, which seeks to innovate the distribution of cattle farming.

The Road Ahead

Toyota City aims to encourage development through the TAKEOFF program, supporting entrepreneurs as they bring their innovative ideas to life. The city is committed to nurturing an ecosystem of challenges and opportunities, with SENTAN at the heart of this development.

The event concluded with high hopes for future collaborations and the continued prosperity of Toyota’s entrepreneurial environment. As these emerging entrepreneurs move forward, they are not only shaping their destinies but also unlocking new pathways for innovation and collaboration in the region.

Event Details

• - Date: February 14, 2026
• - Location: SENTAN, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
• - Website: TAKEOFF Toyota
• - Hosted by: Toyota City
• - Operated by: AlphaDrive

About AlphaDrive

Founded on February 23, 2018, AlphaDrive is dedicated to fostering startups and innovation in various regions, led by CEO Yoshiaki Aso. The organization remains at the forefront of cultivating growth and business development through rigorous accelerator programs, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.
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