#Japan #Aichi #Innovation Program #The Small Things #Aichi Sports

Aichi Prefecture's Innovative Sports Initiatives

Aichi Prefecture is committed to enhancing the sports sector's growth and regional revitalization through the 2026 Aichi Sports Innovation Project. This initiative promotes collaboration among various sectors, including industry, academia, and government, aiming to drive innovation and create new services in sports. Recently, three standout companies were chosen to participate in this initiative, working alongside local professional sports clubs to tackle regional challenges.

Selected Companies and Their Projects

In response to a call for innovative ideas to address local issues, a total of 22 proposals were received. After careful consideration, three projects were selected:

1. Smile Japan, Inc. (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Partner Club: San-en NeoPhoenix
Theme: Senior Health and Community Activation
Project Name: PHOENIX ACTIVE CIRCLE
Overview: This project aims to integrate health promotion, community exchange, and connections with the sports club to create a new local community that fosters interaction across generations and living areas.

2. Manabiya Mom, Inc. (Nagoya City)
Partner Club: Nagoya Wolfdogs
Theme: Multicultural Coexistence and Community Building
Project Name: Creating a Third Place through Sports
Overview: By fostering continuous engagement through encounters and sports viewing within the community, this initiative seeks to establish a third space for residents.

3. SyncLocal, Inc. (Tokyo)
Partner Club: Jaytech STINGS Aichi
Theme: Okazaki BEE ONE Community and City Circulation Digital Transformation
Project Name: Okazaki Community DX
Overview: Utilizing digital technology, this project aims to connect citizens, businesses, and spectators, creating a system that promotes movement and consumption throughout the city.

Upcoming Schedule

The selected participants will commence joint activities starting with an Innovation Camp from late September to mid-October 2026, where they will establish collaborative relationships with their respective clubs. Subsequently, an open session will take place in late November 2026 to present their proposals, welcoming participants from all backgrounds. Based on evaluations in this session, the approved businesses will advance to the full prototyping phase, which runs from December 2026 to March 2027, focusing on validation and improvement towards actual service implementation.

About The Small Things, Inc.

The Small Things, Inc. is a consulting and production company specializing in collaborative projects within the sports sector. The firm designs dialogue and co-creation environments that gather diverse stakeholders, from municipalities and corporations to sports teams and NGOs. They provide comprehensive project management, as well as support for the implementation of innovative strategies and initiatives that enhance fan engagement, regional partnerships, and sports-based business development.

Conclusion

Through this innovative effort, Aichi Prefecture aspires to tackle social challenges and pioneer new services that will not only invigorate the community but also contribute to the broader sports industry. As the program unfolds, it promises exciting developments in the relationship between sports, technology, and community engagement.

For further inquiries about the project or to learn more, please visit The Small Things' official website or contact them through their inquiry form.