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NGAS-Accelerator Program 2025: A Platform for Innovation

The Japan Sea Lab, headquartered in Toyama and led by CEO Yotarou Nitta, in collaboration with the Japan Sea Gas Kizuna Holdings, is putting a significant focus on the energy and lifestyle sectors through its "NGAS-Accelerator Program". The third batch of this program is set to commence recruitment for startups and entrepreneurs from May 19, 2025.

The initiative stems from the identified need for corporate venture capital in the region, aiming to harness the expertise developed within the energy business to foster new business opportunities and establish a co-creation platform in the Hokuriku region. With changing global dynamics towards decarbonization in light of pressing environmental issues, startups nationwide are encouraged to participate, bringing diverse solutions and innovative ideas.

Program Overview

The NGAS-Accelerator Program, organized by Japan Sea Gas Kizuna Holdings and implemented by Japan Sea Lab in partnership with 01Booster, is a business creation program spanning approximately six months. Throughout this period, employees from Japan Sea Gas Kizuna Holdings will work closely with selected startups or entrepreneurs, providing varied forms of support tailored to their developmental stages.

Prospective applicants can submit their business plans from May 19 to June 27, 2025. From these submissions, approximately 4 to 6 teams will be selected to join the accelerator program where they will receive support based on the assets available from Japan Sea Gas Kizuna Holdings.

Areas of Interest:

1. Energy
2. Lifestyle
3. Regional Issue Resolution
4. Others

Assets that Japan Sea Gas Kizuna Holdings offers include:

• - Access to approximately 100,000 gas utility users
• - Sustainable technologies and services
• - Knowledge regarding home construction
• - Extensive networks in the Hokuriku area
• - Collaborations with local governments
• - Showrooms and incubation facilities

Schedule

• - May 19: Start of business plan submissions
• - June 4: Public informational session (online)
• - June 27: End of application period
• - July: Selection period (first phase: document review, second phase: interviews)
• - August 28: Final selection pitch day
• - September to March: Accelerator program duration
• - Late March: Demo Day for result presentations.

Informational Session

The "NGAS-Accelerator Program 2025 Informational Session" will take place online on June 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM. CEO Yotarou Nitta will discuss the importance of open innovation in relation to this program, its concept, focus areas, and the resources that can be provided to startups. Prevailing startups from the second phase will participate in a panel discussion to share their experiences.

Past Initiatives and Outcomes

The previous year saw five startups being selected for support starting in August, culminating in a Demo Day held in December, where results centered around renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and regional issue resolutions were showcased.

Collaborative projects included successful field trials with Yellow Duck Inc., where their products were co-installed at Toyama Port, facilitated by support from the Japan Sea Gas Kizuna Holdings group in regulatory permissions and local partnerships.

In addition to collaboration opportunities during the program, some entities have established continuous relationships extending beyond the program's duration, including business alliances for senior care services and vacant housing revitalization projects.

Finally, investment options were explored, leading to an investment in Sharing Energy Co., highlighting the potential for financial collaboration and further input of resources in any promising project.

The NGAS-Accelerator Program is an exceptional opportunity for innovators looking to contribute towards a sustainable future in the energy and lifestyle sectors. We are eager to welcome applications and foster groundbreaking initiatives that respond to global challenges!