Regional Innovation Nexus Launched to Propel Community-Based Innovation

Introduction

The newly established Regional Innovation Nexus, known as REINNO, aims to invigorate community-driven innovation and strengthen partnerships across sectors. Launched on March 8, 2026, in Tokyo's Suginami Ward, the company builds on the legacy of the regional strategy division of Iidah, which had been active since 2020. With a focus on enhancing "regional x innovation" initiatives, REINNO is poised to amplify its efforts in supporting local districts.

Background of Establishment

REINNO formed as a result of the restructuring of a division within Iidah that had successfully operated for five years from the innovation hub NINNO, located in Niigata City. NINNO has been the heart of various collaborations, fostering support for entrepreneurship, digital transformation (DX), and open innovation while working closely with local governments, financial institutions, universities, and community enterprises.

The new structure allows REINNO to operate as an independent entity dedicated to the evolution of community-focused innovations. The move comes at a significant time, coinciding with Iidah's entrance into a public company group, providing an opportunity to further expand their impact in the field.

Vision and Direction

REINNO envisions a future where community-driven innovation requires new infrastructures. The company's approach aims to stand alongside local stakeholders who support regional sustainability. The goal is not only to enhance current collaborative frameworks but also to reinvent them for the modern era.

To achieve this, REINNO has identified three key strategies:
1. Building Sustainable Structures: REINNO seeks to establish a framework capable of lasting for 100 years, enabling long-term co-creation with the people who support the local economy.
2. Promoting Authentic Regional Voices: By creating decision-making strategies led by local authorities, the company aims to establish a model for regionally driven outcomes across Japan.
3. Quantifying and Measuring Innovation: REINNO intends to develop systems that allow for the measurable expansion of local innovations, fostering the ability to replicate successful case studies nationwide and internationally.

Business Areas

REINNO has set up four main divisions designed to bolster support for businesses in the region, including:

- Entrepreneurship Division: Focusing on programs like NEDO MPM and support for female entrepreneurs.
- Digital Transformation Division: Engaging in creating DX models and operating the Niigata Prefecture DX Promotion Platform (NDXP).
- HR Innovation Division: Provide HR consultancy services to bolster the human resource capacities of regional businesses.
- Open Innovation Division: Offering collaborative innovation efforts targeted at both public and private sectors.

In addition, REINNO continues to provide tailored business support services to various local companies.

Partnerships

From its inception, REINNO has established strategic partnerships with several institutions and enterprises. The continuity of these collaborations remains a priority under the new structure, including:

- Collaboration with Kiyama Sangyo Co., Ltd. for co-managing NINNO.
- Agreements with Sanjo Shinkin Bank to promote DX initiatives.
- Partnerships with academic institutions such as Niigata University and Nagaoka University of Technology.

Furthermore, the CEO of REINNO, Shota Ishikawa, holds multiple prestigious roles as an entrepreneur ambassador for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and as an ambassador for Iidah in the Niigata Prefecture technology sector.

Achievements

Prior to its establishment, REINNO has achieved notable milestones, including:

- Development and operation of the NINNO innovation facility since 2021.
- Support for the acceptance of the startup ecosystem city initiative in the Nagano-Niigata region as part of the 'Regional Nexus Hub'.
- Recognition in the Economic and Industry Ministry's initiatives supporting regional economic growth.
- Inclusion of the NDXP platform in the Ministry's white paper on SMEs, alongside features in major media outlets such as NHK, Nikkei, and Forbes Japan.

Company Overview

Company Name: Regional Innovation Nexus, inc. (REINNO)
Establishment Date: March 8, 2026
Capital: JPY 5,000,000
Location: Head office in Suginami, Tokyo, and main operations in Niigata City.
Business Focus: Management support for regional innovation, DX promotion, and entrepreneurship assistance.