#Open Innovation #Japan #Tokyo #startups #Tokyo Innovation Base

Tokyo Innovation Base's Open Innovation Program

Tokyo Metropolitan Government is set to launch a new initiative aimed at fostering open innovation through its prominent startup support hub, known as the Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB). The program, scheduled to kick off in FY2024, seeks participation from major corporations, aiming to boost collaboration with startups and create a significant number of early customers for these emerging businesses. TIB’s Open Innovation Introduction and Promotion Program aims to facilitate effective partnerships between established companies and startups, encouraging a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Program Overview

The Open Innovation Program will feature three distinct courses, each designed to address different aspects of collaboration between large companies and startups. The program will facilitate workshops, co-creation planning support, and business matching opportunities that align with the themes of each course. Companies that are genuinely interested in exploring open innovation and collaborating with startups can apply for these programs, thus enhancing the potential for entrepreneurial ventures in Tokyo.

1. Core Business Synergy Course

Theme: This course focuses on solving challenges that are relevant to the main businesses of participating companies by collaborating strategically with startups.

Support Provider: Creww Inc.
URL: Creww

2. Innovative New Business Development Course

Theme: Aimed at companies looking to venture into innovative areas, this course encourages collaboration with startups to foster new business opportunities.

Support Provider: Sourcing Brothers Inc.
URL: Sourcing Brothers

3. Strengths and Weaknesses-Based Collaboration Course

Theme: This course encourages companies to analyze their strengths and weaknesses in order to engage in open innovation through strategic collaborations with startups.

Support Provider: Four Ideal Japan Inc.
URL: Four Ideal Japan

All participating companies will have the opportunity to showcase their achievements through presentations at TIB and SusHi Tech Tokyo by the end of the program.

Application Process

Each course will accept around five participants, with the application period running from October 24, 2024, to November 14, 2024.

Main Requirements

1. Companies must demonstrate a genuine commitment to commence collaborations with startups and recognize the need for support from the program.
2. Active participation in open innovation-related events hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, including presentations, is essential.

How to Apply

Interested companies can submit their applications via the websites of the designated support providers listed above. For further details regarding the content and requirements of each program, please refer to the respective websites.

Reference

For more information about the Tokyo Innovation Base, visit Tokyo Innovation Base. For details on the program from FY2023, you may refer to the archives as well.

This initiative is a part of the broader “2050 Tokyo Strategy,” specifically focusing on promoting the development of startups that can thrive globally.

Through such programs, Tokyo aims to cultivate a vibrant startup ecosystem that not only supports local entrepreneurs but also positions itself as a leading hub for innovation in the global market.