#Open Innovation #Japan #Utsunomiya #AlphaDrive

Utsunomiya City Teams Up with AlphaDrive for Open Innovation

Utsunomiya City, renowned for its vibrant economy, is taking a significant step towards fostering innovation in collaboration with AlphaDrive, a company specializing in new business development support. Through the Utsunomiya Open Innovation 2025 initiative, local businesses are being invited to participate in programs designed to stimulate the development of new business ventures and promote collaboration among enterprises in the area.

Background of Utsunomiya Open Innovation 2025

The Utsunomiya Innovation Consortium recognizes the importance of sustainable economic growth and has established a framework for collaboration among academia, government, finance, and industry. Its goal is to support startups and assist local businesses in their growth journeys while building a robust foundation for independent and endogenous innovation.

This initiative follows the success of last year's open innovation program, which resulted in five key partnerships. Building on that success, the current program aims to achieve even greater results, propelling the growth of new business ventures in Utsunomiya City.

Program Overview

From June 2025 through March 2026, two primary programs will be implemented to support the development of new ventures for local businesses:
1. Open Innovation Program
2. New Business Development Program

AlphaDrive, a company known for facilitating the creation of over 21,000 new business ideas, will manage the program. Entrepreneurs and organizations eager to collaborate and innovate are encouraged to seize this opportunity.

Application deadline:

• - Open Innovation Program: July 7, 2025
• - New Business Development Program: July 31, 2025

Open Innovation Program

Eligibility

This program is targeted at companies based in Utsunomiya that want to leverage their unique strengths and are open to collaborating with other businesses. Up to two companies will be selected to participate.

Program Details

The program consists of four seminars where participants will learn about business development methodologies. Requirements will be defined, and startups from both inside and outside the city will be matched with selected companies. Ongoing support will be provided by professionals in new business development throughout the program.

Support Timeline: July 2025 - March 2026
Selection Method: Companies will be selected based on the completed application form. If the number of submissions is high, interviews may be conducted.

Benefits

• - Create new value through collaboration
• - Utilize the expertise and networks of partner companies for business development
• - Acquire enduring methodologies for new business development rather than temporary support

Application Deadline: July 7, 2025

New Business Development Program

Eligibility

This program is open to all companies located in Utsunomiya that are considering new business initiatives.

Program Details

Participating companies will attend four seminars focused on effective business development strategies.

Benefits

• - Gain enduring methodologies for new business development
• - Understand the correct approach to developing new business ventures

Selection Method: All applicants will be eligible to participate, with acceptance on a first-come, first-served basis if needed.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2025

Organizers

This initiative is hosted by the Utsunomiya Innovation Consortium in collaboration with the Utsunomiya Chamber of Commerce.

About AlphaDrive

Company Name: Alphadrive Co., Ltd.
Established: February 23, 2018
CEO: Koichi Aso
Location: 1F, Kurusu Building, 2-17-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014
AlphaDrive Official Website

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding Utsunomiya Open Innovation 2025, please contact the following:
Utsunomiya Open Innovation 2025 Office (c/o AlphaDrive)
Contact Person: Kazuma Iwakata
Email: utsunomiya.openinnovation@alphadrive.co.jp