CIC Institute's Smart Service Implementation Project 'Be Smart Tokyo' Announced for 2025

CIC Institute's Groundbreaking 'Be Smart Tokyo' Project

The CIC Institute, led by founder and CEO Tim Row, has been awarded a contract by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for the 'Smart Service Implementation Promotion Project – Be Smart Tokyo.' This ambitious project aims to identify startups with cutting-edge technologies and services, matching them with local partners to enhance the quality of life for Tokyo's residents.

As part of the initiative, the CIC Institute has selected eight innovative startups and nine implementation partners, setting the stage for advancements across various sectors, including tourism, energy, mobility, and more. Each selected startup will receive multifaceted support, including implementation funding, business growth assistance, and promotional opportunities through CIC Tokyo's resources to ensure successful integration into the city's landscape by 2025.

Overview of Selected Startups and Implementation Partners

Tourism Sector

1. eftax (Visit Website)
- Project Theme: Providing information services tailored to diverse dietary needs for international visitors in the Mori Building-managed commercial facilities. The aim is to create an international city that respects food diversity in Tokyo.
- Implementation Partner: Mori Building Co., Ltd.

2. RelyonTrip (Visit Website)
- Project Theme: 'HANEDALL' focuses on assisting foreign travelers with their transit time at Haneda Airport, showcasing alluring spots in Ota Ward through the 'Sassy' app to promote local tourism and cultural experiences.
- Implementation Partner: Keihin Electric Express Railway Co., Ltd.

Next Generation Office and Commercial Solutions

3. GeoCreates (Visit Website)
- Project Theme: Utilizing the 'GISTA' spatial evaluation system to enhance well-being through bio-philic design, applying findings from previous projects for sustainable building material verification.
- Implementation Partner: Fujita Corporation

4. Nefron (Visit Website)
- Project Theme: Developing AR applications to provide unparalleled solutions, including an NHIN AR Cloud service connecting indoor spaces with vital information for enhanced user experiences.
- Implementation Partner: Shimizu Corporation

Environmental and Energy Sector

5. GOYOH (Visit Website)
- Project Theme: 'EaSyGo Value Driver' aims to simplify the sharing of ESG requirements among owners and tenants in real estate, speeding up processes to achieve social goals and economic value.
- Implementation Partner: Nomura Real Estate Asset Management Co., Ltd.

6. comvey (Visit Website)
- Project Theme: Implementing re-use packaging 'Share Bag®️' for the leading aromatherapy brand 'Seikatsu no Ki' to reduce carbon footprints in e-commerce logistics and improve customer packaging experiences.
- Implementation Partner: Seikatsu no Ki Co., Ltd.

Spatial Data Applications

7. xMap (Visit Website)
- Project Theme: 'Optimal Placement AI Project' leverages generative AI to enhance asset placement efficiency, optimizing retail operations across Tokyo and reducing time and costs.
- Implementation Partner: Rakuten Symphony, Inc.

8. xMap (2) (Visit Website)
- Project Theme: Utilizing location data and sentiment analysis to improve smart signage advertising relevance and content personalization based on AI-driven emotional insights.
- Implementation Partner: INFORICH Co., Ltd.

Mobility Sector

9. Limot (Visit Website)
- Project Theme: Hosting a self-guided tour that enables users to explore diverse art pieces in Tennoz using next-gen mobility, enhanced by a multilingual GPS-guided system for an independent exploration experience.
- Implementation Partner: Tennoz Canal Side Activation Association

Project Vision and Goals

The 'Be Smart Tokyo' project envisions Tokyo as a smart city, leveraging advanced technologies to improve urban living standards. It seeks to collaborate with dynamic startups to create practical services enhancing residents' quality of life.

For more information on the project, visit the official site of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's initiative here.

The CIC Institute plays a vital role in constructing a cooperation framework to ensure these startups can successfully implement their solutions within the commercial and office environments of Tokyo. The project will span three years, with a commitment to supporting the startups through technical, financial, and networking opportunities to create effective implementations within the city.

For continued updates on their initiatives, you can check CIC Institute’s project page here.

About CIC Institute

CIC Institute collaborates with government entities, local municipalities, universities, and other stakeholders to foster an innovation ecosystem that supports startups, particularly in deep-tech. They engage in various projects aimed at contributing to economic growth and advancing the ecosystem, responding to growing demands from public and private sectors for innovative solutions.