#Japan #Manufacturing #Innovation #Tokyo #Linkers

Linkers Corporation Launches 'Linkers for Makers'

Linkers Corporation, headquartered in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, led by CEO Yoshihiro Maeda, is set to unveil its innovative service, 'Linkers for Makers,' aimed specifically at the manufacturing sector. This new offering allows small and medium-sized enterprises and universities with proprietary technologies to be explored through a SaaS platform. The service is launching its paid Proof of Concept (PoC) in September 2025, ahead of its full rollout in spring 2026.

Addressing Industry Challenges

The manufacturing landscape today is rapidly evolving, marked by fierce global competition, advanced technological complexities, and escalating demands for sustainability. Firms often find themselves confronting high-level technical challenges for which relying solely on internal resources is insufficient. In this context, identifying potential partners—particularly those possessing specialized skills or knowledge—often entails considerable time and effort. Historically, searching for such partners nationwide or globally was tedious, given the limitations of internet-based resource gathering and the issues of inaccurate information or a lack of deep industry insight.

Linkers aims to combat these challenges with 'Linkers for Makers,' leveraging a robust research network and a unique data construction methodology that it has developed over years. This initiative will enable manufacturers to efficiently and swiftly discover suitable partners possessing the needed technologies, thus expediting the process of open innovation.

Key Features of 'Linkers for Makers'

'Linkers for Makers' is designed to tackle the challenges faced by research and business development professionals in the manufacturing sector. It boasts three standout features:

1. Unique Technology Information Database
At the heart of this service is a comprehensive database that integrates publicly available patents, academic papers, and market data, alongside exclusive 'seed and need' information and matching success data amassed by Linkers over a decade. This unique combination makes it easier to uncover potential technologies and partner candidates that traditional search engines might overlook.

2. Research Algorithm and AI Chat Feature
Linkers has distilled its extensive knowledge gained from years of technical search support into an intuitive AI chat feature. Users can outline their research requirements in a conversational format, eliminating the need for complex technical knowledge to engage in the search process. This advanced algorithm rapidly extracts relevant information from the vast database within minutes, significantly reducing the typical research timeline of days or weeks.

3. Access to a Strong Corporate Network
Leveraging a decade-long network that includes universities, research institutions, small to medium enterprises, and startups, 'Linkers for Makers' facilitates direct and seamless communication with potential external partners and clients. This network promotes more efficient initial discussions about potential collaborations.

The combination of these features will transform the typically subjective and individualized search and exploration processes into a more transparent operation, minimizing redundancy in research themes and fostering the discovery of new co-creation opportunities internally and externally. Ultimately, 'Linkers for Makers' aims to accelerate innovative themes and enhance the competitive edge of companies across the board.

Paid PoC and Future Development

The paid PoC for 'Linkers for Makers' will be launched in September 2025, allowing participating manufacturing firms to experience the tangible effects and usability of the service directly. Feedback gathered during this phase is critical for further functionality improvements and service optimization, ensuring that it aligns closely with customer needs. Following the validation during the PoC period, full-fledged service offerings are projected to commence around spring 2026.

About Linkers Corporation

Founded with the mission of "Changing the World Through Matching," Linkers Corporation specializes in business matching that supports revitalization and innovation in the manufacturing sector. By combining in-depth industry expertise from professional coordinators with advanced IT systems, Linkers has achieved a new realm of creative and innovative business matching.

Linkers provides various services, including the business matching system 'Linkers for BANK' (LFB) for financial institutions, contributing to regional economic revitalization. The firm also assists the manufacturing community through services like 'Linkers Sourcing,' enabling firms to identify optimal technological partners, whether they are SMEs, universities, or research institutions, for needs ranging from joint research and development to process improvements and business collaboration. Armed with specialized knowledge and a robust network, Linkers is committed to propelling rapid solutions to these diverse needs. The company is dedicated to supporting innovation and sustainable growth across all industries by fusing its unique network with digital technology.