#Japan #Tokyo #Minato Center #TEDxInnovationU #Dr. Joe Hüg

Minato City Takes a Bold Step in Supporting Innovation

The Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, located in Tokyo, has recently declared its sponsorship of the much-anticipated TEDxInnovationU event, set to take place in March 2026. This collaboration aims to harness diverse perspectives and knowledge to generate new innovations at a local scale, staying true to the TED philosophy of spreading ideas worth sharing.

What is TEDxInnovationU?

TEDxInnovationU is a nonprofit event rooted in the spirit of TED, guided by the local community. Like other TEDx events held around the globe, this unique occasion will bring together speakers from various fields to share innovative ideas that will shape the future of our society. The event will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, each contributing unique insights and thought-provoking concepts.

The Role of the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center

The Minato City Industrial Promotion Center is dedicated to fostering growth for small and medium-sized enterprises within the district, bolstering entrepreneurship, and promoting the local industry. By sponsoring TEDxInnovationU, the Center aims to create an environment conducive to 'learning', 'encounters', and 'creativity', thereby enhancing regional innovation.

Voices Behind the Initiative

Professor Dr. Joe Hüg, the licensee and lead organizer of TEDxInnovationU, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to host TEDx in Minato, where diverse values and cultures intersect. With the support of the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, we aim to realize a ‘circulation of ideas’ connecting our community with the world.”

Dr. Hüg also highlighted the university's remarkable achievements, noting that it has the highest startup rate in Japan according to their internal research, showcasing the drive for entrepreneurship among students. With courses focusing on ICT, business, and global perspectives, the university aims to cultivate individuals ready to lead in the new era. The curriculum also incorporates a mandatory four-month fieldwork program, guiding students in visualizing their career paths while preparing them for future entrepreneurial ventures.

Insights from the Minato Center

Atsushi Nishioka, Deputy Director of the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, expressed strong support for the initiative, stating, “We hope that entrepreneurs, social activists, and creators gathered in Minato can connect with the world through TEDx. This endeavor will be a crucial gateway for fostering international ties.”

What’s Next?

Details regarding speakers and themes will be announced gradually through the official website. Additionally, the event is currently welcoming sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out via email to [email protected].

Event Overview

Contact for Inquiries

For more information regarding this event, please contact:
Minato City Industrial Promotion Center at [email protected].

About Minato City Industrial Promotion Center

Established in April 2022, the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center serves as a forward-thinking industrial advancement hub, consolidating the power of companies, people, and the local area. The center focuses on generating new values and promoting sustainable growth in the Minato industry.

Co-Working Space

The Center provides a co-working space that supports startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and telecommuters in their activities. It aims to promote open innovation through collaboration across different organizations, generations, and genders while offering the latest business support information to foster success.

Business Support Factory

The center also includes a Business Support Factory equipped with various facilities to assist creators, designers, and engineers of all skill levels. With access to cutting-edge equipment like full-color 3D printers, the facility promotes business support and creative community development through diverse events.

Rental Facilities

The Center features various rental spaces, including a hall and conference rooms. For example, the large hall accommodating 280 people is available for non-profit purposes, costing 8,500 yen (tax included) for specific time slots.

Company Overview

Campus Create Inc. is the designated management body for the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, receiving recognition and approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry as well as the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The company is dedicated to facilitating university-industry partnerships and providing innovation solutions. Established in September 1999 and located within the University of Electro-Communications in Chofu City, Tokyo, it continues to support local industrial development through various initiatives.