Join the Excitement at the So-i Business Plan Contest 2025 in Kobe!

So-i Business Plan Contest 2025 in Kobe

AlphaDrive, in collaboration with the city of Kobe, is excited to announce the opening of applications for audiences to attend the So-i Business Plan Contest 2025. This event, part of the So-i New Business Development Course, offers participants an invaluable platform to showcase the business plans they've developed throughout the program. Scheduled for December 1, 2025, the contest will serve not only as a stage for ambitious entrepreneurs but also as an interactive arena for feedback and networking.

The So-i Business Plan Contest invites various stakeholders, including business professionals, university students, young talent, and local supporters, making it an inclusive event aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration. With the goal of supporting the further commercialization of business ideas, this contest encourages participants to absorb insights from judges and mentors who are experienced in their fields.

Event Details

- Date: December 1, 2025 (Monday)
- Time: 14:00 - 17:00 (Local Time)
- Venue: ANCHOR KOBE (with online streaming available)
- Address: 4-2-1 Kanoucho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo, 650-0001, Japan
- Target Audience: Business innovation executives, university students, young professionals, local supporters, etc.
- Capacity: Approx. 80 participants in-person (via lottery), with online attendance also available
- Participation Fee: Free
- Registration: Apply here

Agenda (Tentative)

- 14:00 - Opening Remarks & Introduction of Judges
- 14:20 - Presentations from 5 Participants (Part 1)
- 15:20 - Presentations from 5 Participants (Part 2)
- 16:30 - Announcement of Results
- 17:00 - Networking Event

Mentorship Team

A dedicated team of mentors will assist participants in refining their business ideas leading up to the event, including:

- Tadaji Ishimoto (Outside Director at Mentor Capital Holdings Inc.)
- Eiji Odagaki (Chairman, Novita Co., Ltd.)
- Kazuhiro Tamura (CEO, K.S. Rogers Inc.)
- Shoyo Ide (CEO, Zen LLC)
- Kazuma Iwakata (Manager, AlphaDrive)

This competition presents a unique opportunity to witness the challenges faced by innovative businesses originating from Kobe. Attendees will also have the chance to network with participants after the contest, enhancing collaboration and sharing insights from diverse backgrounds.

Come and be a part of this exciting initiative to encourage new business development and innovation in Kobe! Don't miss out on a chance to engage with aspiring entrepreneurs and learn about the latest trends in business.