DNP Takes Lead in 'XR Innovation Lab' Under Tokyo's TIB CATAPULT Program

DNP Takes Lead in 'XR Innovation Lab'

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) has recently been appointed as the lead company for the 'XR Innovation Lab' as part of Tokyo's startup support initiative known as 'TIB CATAPULT'. This program aims to foster numerous startups within the realm of cross-reality (XR) technology. Under TIB CATAPULT, six new clusters have been approved for the fiscal year 2025, with the XR Innovation Lab being a significant addition to this initiative.

DNP's selection highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration among large corporations, investors, and emerging startups. Their innovative cluster focuses on integrating various strengths in business and technology to support global startups effectively.

Vision of the XR Innovation Lab

The primary goal of the XR Innovation Lab is to leverage technologies such as XR and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a society where everyone can connect across boundaries like location and language. By merging imaginative startup ideas with the resources and content from cluster members, the lab aims to inject a sense of 'fun' and 'play' into both business and learning experiences. This novel approach is expected to lead to the development of new economic activities.

Overview of the Cluster Members (as of August 2025)

1. Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (Lead Company)
2. Imagica Robot Holdings, Inc.
3. Small Planet Co., Ltd.
4. Sekai Co., Ltd.
5. SoftBank Group Corp.
6. Digital Manufacturing Association (NPO)
7. monoAI Technology, Inc.
8. Mori Building Co., Ltd.

Conceptualizing Collaborative Value Creation

1. Immersive Shopping Stores Using XR Technology
Since 2021, DNP has been working on the XR Communication® project that aims to create new experiences and economic realms where individuals of all ages, genders, and languages can engage freely. By utilizing XR technology, they plan to create immersive stores that link virtual spaces with physical retail environments. Shoppers will navigate a virtual marketplace as characters, allowing them to enjoy shopping in a game-like manner. This innovative shopping experience aims to enhance customer motivation and boost purchase intent.

2. Interactive Seminar Programs Merging the Metaverse and Reality
This unique seminar program will seamlessly blend real-life events with the metaverse, enabling participation from students who are unable to attend in person, elderly individuals, and organizations from diverse regions without location constraints. Game-based learning materials are being developed to lower the psychological barriers to participation, making education enjoyable and interactive.

3. Blending Generative AI and Creativity for Enhanced Experiences
Using generative AI technology, the lab will provide consumers with interactive experiences involving anime and AI agents. Through personalized communication, AI will create tailored stories and characters for individuals, delivering a new form of content experience. Furthermore, the initiative aims to address issues related to resource shortages in video production by providing services to municipalities and companies, enhancing engagement in sectors like entertainment and education.

4. Global Expansion of Co-created Services and Content
Services and content developed collaboratively will be promoted globally using the overseas bases of consortium companies. A notable example includes the 'Tokyo Anime Center in San Francisco', which facilitates the dissemination of Japanese technology and culture worldwide, aiming to enhance international recognition and expand market presence.

Future Prospects

DNP aims to achieve over 20 value creation results by March 2028, collaborating with component firms and startups in the XR domain. By leveraging the XR technologies of startups and the diverse assets and networks of consortium partners, DNP is committed to supporting startups not just in Tokyo but also across Japan and globally. The lab is actively seeking other companies to participate and collaborate in this initiative, particularly those aspiring to innovate and support startups.

Whether it's leveraging their own unique assets on a global scale or joining the XR Innovation Lab as a new member, organizations looking to contribute to innovation in Tokyo are encouraged to engage and partake in this transformative journey.

For more details on Tokyo's TIB CATAPULT initiative, visit TIB CATAPULT.
For further information about DNP's XR initiatives, check DNP XR.

Disclaimer: The names of companies and products mentioned are registered trademarks of their respective owners. The information included herein reflects the situation as of the release date and may be subject to change without notice.