AlphaDrive Launches Call for Startups in Kumamoto City to Collaborate and Expand Businesses

AlphaDrive Invites Startups for Collaboration in Kumamoto

In a bid to encourage innovation and foster local economies, AlphaDrive has initiated a call for startup companies based in Kumamoto City to participate in the HIGO LINK Open Innovation Program. This program aims to facilitate collaboration between startups and established businesses, ultimately leading to expansion and growth opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.

Program Overview

The HIGO LINK program, which will span from September 2025 to February 2026, includes a series of structured initiatives designed to guide startups through the collaborative process. The program will kick off with a seminar on August 6, 2025, at XOSS POINT in Kumamoto City. The event will feature insights from successful startup founders who have navigated similar partnerships with established corporations.

Key Activities:

1. Seminar Sessions (September): Participants will engage in comprehensive training to understand open innovation and collaborative business requirements.
2. Matching & Online Pitch (October-November): Startups will be matched with potential corporate partners based on collaboration needs, followed by an online pitching event.
3. Collaborative Activities (December-February): Matched startups will conduct hypothesis testing and pilot projects with their corporate partners, assessing the feasibility of their collaboration.
4. 成果報告会 (February): A concluding event where participants will report on their collaborative efforts and learning experiences.

HIGO LINK’s Significance

The initiative is a part of Kumamoto City's strategy to nurture and spotlight promising startups, facilitating the creation of an active startup ecosystem. By focusing on 'open innovation'—where startups can create new value by working with existing businesses—the program aims to invigorate the local economy and encourage entrepreneurial growth.

This supportive approach is vital as it provides not only mentorship but also the chance for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from successful role models. Additionally, it connects passionate startups with interested companies from across Japan who are keen on co-creating value.

Calling for Participants

Eligible startups are those that meet specific criteria: they must be based in Kumamoto, not fall under certain legal restrictions, actively promote the program on their platforms, and diligently participate up to the report event in February 2026. The startups selected will be decided based on submitted application forms, and in case of a high volume of entries, further evaluations through document and interview assessments will be conducted.

Interested parties are encouraged to apply through the designated forms available online:

With a deadline for application submissions set for August 19, 2025, potential participants are urged to seize this opportunity. The famous speaker, Kōno Gōshin, CEO of Vacan, will elaborate on the merits of collaborations within the program and share insights on how startups can benefit from government programs.

Event Details

- Date: August 6, 2025
- Time: 9:30 - 11:30 AM
- Location: XOSS POINT, 2F, 1-14-1 Kasuga, Kumamoto City, Japan
- Cost: Free
- Registration Deadline: August 5, 2025, by 11:59 PM

The program is organized by Kumamoto City, with all inquiries directed to the HIGO LINK operations team at AlphaDrive. This initiative marks a significant step toward the successful growth of startups in Kumamoto and their engagement with larger corporate entities in a collaborative environment.

Enhancing your networks and pioneering your startup journey has never been more promising and accessible. Don't miss out on the valuable opportunities that await in the HIGO LINK program!