#Japan #Tokyo #Soil #ICHI COMMONS #Social Entrepreneurship

Collaboration between ICHI COMMONS and Soil for Student Entrepreneurs

In a notable initiative to foster social entrepreneurship among students, ICHI COMMONS, a company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has announced its collaboration with the non-profit organization, Soil, which is based in Shibuya, Tokyo. Together, they will execute the 'Soil x University Alliance' program under the umbrella of a university consortium dedicated to realizing collaborative capitalism.

Background of the Initiative

ICHI COMMONS, whose mission is to support collaborative creation in tackling social challenges, aims to partner with students interested in social entrepreneurship and researchers involved in problem-solving studies. This joint effort with Soil is crucial for enhancing the involvement and assessment of initiatives focused on societal issues and firmly establishes the groundwork for this consortium's establishment.

Overview of 'Soil x University Alliance'

The 'Soil x University Alliance' program offers students a unique opportunity to connect and collaborate beyond university boundaries. It consists of a two-day workshop that provides aspiring social entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to make a difference.

The workshop is designed for participants aiming to continuously develop their initiatives, featuring mentorship sessions from experienced social entrepreneurs. For participants who continue their engagement post-workshop, a competitive selection process will lead to a mentorship program named 'Soil 100', which includes a financial grant of 1 million yen and three months of focused mentorship.

Workshop Details

• - Participants: The program is targeting full-time undergraduate and graduate students from consortium member universities who are interested in social contribution and entrepreneurship.
• - Date and Venue: The workshop will take place on June 28-29, 2025, at the Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day. An informal networking event will also be held on the first evening.
• - Capacity: Approximately 80 participants will be accepted, and there is no participation fee.
• - Travel Support: Participants from outside the Kanto area will receive reimbursement for travel expenses.

Workshop Programming

During the two days, participants will experience a range of engaging activities, including:

• - Guest Lectures: Significant social entrepreneurs will share their insights and successful project examples.
• - Business Plan Development: Guidance will be provided on how to formulate a business plan aimed at addressing social issues.
• - Mentorship: Students will define their topics and receive support from professional mentors throughout the program.
• - Feedback and Refinement: Participants will share their ideas with mentors and peers, allowing for constructive feedback to refine their projects.

Networking and Mentorship Opportunities

During this program, notable speakers and mentors will include established social entrepreneurs such as Tetsushi Kuda from Learning for All and Yusuke Mizuno from Life is Tech, among others. Their insights will be instrumental in guiding participants through the complexities of launching social initiatives.

After the workshop, additional mentorship opportunities will help participants deepen their understanding and further enhance their business ideas. A select group of individuals or teams from the workshop will be considered for additional support through the 'Soil 100' grant, which includes 1 million yen in funding and continued mentorship aimed at making their proposals a reality.

Conclusion

The 'Soil x University Alliance' represents an extraordinary commitment to empowering the next generation of social entrepreneurs through comprehensive support and collaboration with established entities in the field. This initiative not only seeks to provide resources but also aims to cultivate a community among ambitious students who are eager to tackle social challenges head-on. With the combined expertise of ICHI COMMONS and Soil, it is poised to inspire actionable change and foster sustainable solutions in society.

For further information and applications to the workshop, interested parties can visit the official websites of ICHI COMMONS and Soil, where they will find guidelines on participation and upcoming initiatives.