#Japan #Scrum Ventures #Hokkaido #Innovation Program #Hokkaido F Village

Hokkaido F Village X Accelerates Global Startup Collaboration

Hokkaido F Village X (HFX) has officially embarked on its journey of innovation by selecting 11 dynamic startups to join its inaugural cohort for 2025. These startups, chosen from a competitive pool of over 300 applications across 29 countries, reflect HFX’s commitment to fostering collaboration among international startups, major Japanese corporations, and local municipalities in Hokkaido, Japan.

HFX is not merely an acceleration program; it is a transformative initiative aimed at leveraging innovative technologies to address local challenges while enhancing the appeal of the Hokkaido region. Central to the initiative is the F Village, a pioneering mixed-use urban development that serves as the home for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, a professional baseball team. This development provides a unique backdrop for the startups to implant their solutions while contributing to the area’s economic and social fabric.

Selected Startups and Their Innovations

The selected startups encompass a diversity of innovations that promise to make impactful contributions:

• - Apptronik (U.S.): Creator of Apollo, an AI-powered humanoid robot designed to collaborate effectively with humans, aiming to redefine workplace interactions.
• - Eztia (U.S.): Offers HydraVolt, an advanced material that cools user skin passively by up to 10°C for extended periods, revolutionizing wearable technology and comfort.
• - Fainders.ai (South Korea): Specializes in retail AI automation, aiming to streamline operations and improve efficiency for retailers.
• - Mori (U.S.): Develops resilient food solutions utilizing an edible protein derived from silk, addressing food sustainability concerns.
• - Nature Coatings (U.S.): Innovators of bio-based black pigments that are carbon negative and free from toxic chemicals, aligning with sustainable practices in manufacturing.
• - Pontosense (Canada): Focuses on AI-based wireless sensing technologies promoting safety, health, and overall wellness across various sectors.
• - Seoul Dynamics (South Korea): Pioneers in deploying autonomous robots designed for heavy-duty tasks, enhancing productivity in industrial settings.
• - STREAMING HOUSE (THE HYUIL) (South Korea): Offers a workation platform that fosters regional development by linking companies and communities.
• - Trip to Japan (Iceland): A convenient platform to create personalized trips to Japan, streamlining travel itineraries for tourists.
• - TechMagic (Japan): Provides AI and robotics solutions specifically designed for food production facilities, enhancing efficiency in commercial kitchens.
• - Waymap (U.K.): Develops navigation technologies that allow for independent and accessible movement in various environments without external signals.

Kickoff Week in Hokkaido

On August 25, 2025, HFX hosted its Kickoff Week where all selected startups convened in Hokkaido. The week was packed with engaging activities designed to integrate the startups with local ecosystems. Participants engaged in working sessions to devise effective go-to-market strategies, exchanged best practices for implementing their innovative technologies, and conducted site visits to various enterprises and local organizations.

The collaboration among these pioneering startups and HFX partners—including notable companies like Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd., JTB Corp., Tokyu Land Corp., and The Hokkaido Bank—identifies a path toward co-creating solutions that cater specifically to the needs of Hokkaido's communities.

About Hokkaido F Village X

Launched in March 2025, Hokkaido F Village X is structured as a three-year global acceleration program, set to run until 2028. It is co-managed by Scrum Ventures and Scrum Studio in partnership with Fighters Sports & Entertainment Co., Ltd. Key partners from the business realm include prominent entities and government institutions that support innovation and entrepreneurship within Hokkaido.

Scrum Ventures itself is a U.S.-Japan venture capital firm with a portfolio spanning diverse sectors, providing startups with the capital and connections needed for growth. Scrum Studio complements this by assisting Japanese corporations in co-creating new business opportunities alongside these global startups.

As Hokkaido F Village X propels into its first year, the anticipation for collaborative success and impactful innovations remains high. As diverse backgrounds meet innovative ideas, Hokkaido stands poised to become a vibrant hub of technological advancement and collaboration.

For further information about Hokkaido F Village X, you can visit their official website at Hokkaido F Village X.

To learn more about Scrum Ventures and its mission, visit Scrum Ventures.