#Open Innovation #Japan #Tokushima #Awa Bank #Creww

Awa Gin Accelerator 2025 Launch Announcement

On August 12, 2025, Awa Bank and Creww will kick off an open innovation program titled Awa Gin Accelerator 2025. This initiative is designed to foster collaboration between regional businesses and startups, contributing to sustainable economic development in local communities. Founded by Sora Ijichi, Creww aims to create a vibrant ecosystem by partnering with various startups across Japan.

Objectives of the Accelerator

Awa Bank has been actively working to invigorate the local economy and promote industrial development through various support activities. The Awa Gin Accelerator 2025 continues this effort, intending to leverage the innovative technologies and services offered by startups to create new business opportunities and transform existing operations. This program seeks to drive regional revitalization alongside participating startups from Tokushima Prefecture.

To facilitate this collaboration, a dedicated website will be launched on Creww's official platform, enabling startups from across the nation to present their collaboration proposals. The selection process for these proposals, along with matching and commercialization efforts, will be conducted online, utilizing Creww's extensive platform.

The program will span approximately six months, culminating in a presentation of its outcomes in April 2026.

Program Details

1. Application Period: From August 12, 2025, to August 29, 2025. Interested parties can enter through this link.

2. Eligibility: All startups, both domestic and international, are welcome, regardless of industry.

3. Participating Local Companies: The program includes two regional firms:
- Azuma Shikoku: Established for 45 years, Azuma Shikoku aims to provide services that enhance the quality of everyday life and engage in local revitalization projects in Naka Town, Tokushima. They seek innovative solutions that transform the natural beauty of the region into valuable experiences, manage vacant properties, and promote community vibrancy for new residents.
- Kita Kikai Sangyo: Operating from Tokushima City with 18 branches, Kita Kikai Sangyo specializes in sales, rental, and repair of construction and agricultural machinery. They propose to utilize their training center for disaster innovation and address abandoned farmland issues within Tokushima Prefecture.

The startups participating in the program can enter multiple projects. Further details about program requirements can be found on the application page.

Organizers

The program is jointly organized by Awa Bank and Creww.
Creww

• - Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Established: August 13, 2012
• - Capital: Approximately ¥1.08 billion

Creww operates one of Japan's largest open innovation platforms, supporting startups and entrepreneurs with tailored services that meet diverse needs. Since its inception, it has successfully hosted over 550 programs, facilitating around 1,500 collaborations. With a network of approximately 9,000 registered startups, Creww is committed to enhancing the startup ecosystem not only in Japan but also across Asia and globally.

For more information on this exciting initiative, please visit the official websites of Awa Bank and Creww.