Hyogo's Innovative Business Collaboration Program Launches in 2025

Hyogo Prefecture and Creww Launch 'HYOGO Open Innovation Matching 2025'

Hyogo Prefecture, in collaboration with Creww, is excited to announce the launch of its open innovation program titled 'HYOGO Open Innovation Matching 2025', commencing on August 1, 2025. This initiative aims to foster cooperation between local businesses and startups across the nation, encouraging the creation of new ventures and solving various issues through open innovation.

Overview of the Program

The 'HYOGO Open Innovation Matching 2025' program focuses on establishing new business creation and problem-solving through collaboration between businesses in Hyogo Prefecture and startups from across Japan. The program includes designing collaborative themes, recruiting and selecting matching companies, and providing concentrated support for company partnerships.

The structured collaboration period is set for approximately six months, culminating in a成果発表会 (results presentation) scheduled for March 2026. This critical event will showcase the outcomes of the cooperative efforts undertaken during the program.

How to Participate

The recruitment period for participation is from August 1, 2025, to September 19, 2025. All startups, irrespective of their size, industry, or whether they are domestic or international entities, are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants can register through the program's dedicated recruitment page. The deadline for entries is September 19, 2025, at 23:00.

- Program URL: HYOGO Open Innovation Matching 2025

Collaborative Opportunities

Participating Companies (in alphabetical order):

1. Kobe Shimbun
- Ideas for collaboration:
- Together create 'Newspaper Tech' combining newspapers and AI technology.
- Utilize the 'Hyogo Prefectural Citizen's Memory' through the Kobe Shimbun database to create new business opportunities.
- Develop community services aimed at children and seniors by leveraging local information.
- Establish a platform and community for 'oshi-katsu' (supporting favorites).
- Website: Kobe Shimbun

2. Kobe Electric Railway
- Ideas for collaboration:
- Create services and spaces to enhance traveler experiences at stations.
- Transform the surrounding areas into more convenient and attractive locations.
- Propose systems and technologies to improve rail services and operations.
- Website: Kobe Electric Railway

3. Sun Television
- Ideas for collaboration:
- Visualize viewer feedback and latent needs.
- Implement automation in stores selling 'O! Sun' merchandise.
- Develop learning support tools utilizing archived footages.
- Provide new informative experiences using the latest technologies including AI.
- Website: Sun Television

4. TOA Corporation
- Ideas for collaboration:
- Realize experiential learning embedded in society utilizing sensory experiences.
- Create supportive sensory environments for children's healthcare and developmental assistance.
- Website: TOA Corporation

5. Musashi Corporation
- Ideas for collaboration:
- Explore new areas that can become the third and fourth pillars of our business.
- Challenge into the management of a soccer team.
- Venture into running restaurants and cafes.
- Website: Musashi Corporation

Financial Support for Collaboration

Hyogo Prefecture encourages collaborative innovation by recognizing that solitary efforts can fall short. They are offering subsidies to support two or more businesses engaging in open innovation collaborations, assisting with costs incurred during these engagements. More information can be found on their official page.

- Subsidy URL: Hyogo Subsidy Information

About Creww

Founded in 2012, Creww has established itself as a frontrunner in nurturing startups and fostering partnerships between various entities. With a vision of enabling a 'Great Era of Challenge,' Creww supports all aspiring innovators, providing a range of services tailored to their unique needs. Currently, Creww boasts over 9,000 registered startups and has hosted more than 550 open innovation programs in collaboration with businesses and local authorities, making it one of Japan's largest platforms for open innovation.