WAVE Program 2026: Empowering Open Innovation for Businesses in Wakayama

WAVE Program 2026: Open Innovation for Wakayama Businesses

The WAVE (Wakayama Open Innovation Program) initiated by AlphaDrive, is set to kick off for the 2026 fiscal year, aimed at enhancing the capability of local businesses in Wakayama to tackle swift environmental changes and promote new business ventures. The program is endorsed by Wakayama Prefecture and aims to nurture innovation through various seminars and hands-on programs.

Beginning with pre-seminars scheduled from June to August 2026, the program will offer three seminars and a workshop led by experts who have guided over 300 businesses, both large and small, in new venture creation. Participants will gain practical insights on initiating business innovation that can lead them toward effective strategies for growth.

The significance of the WAVE program was evident during its inaugural year, where over 80 local businesses took part in pre-seminars, leading to 20 companies engaging in the practical program. Notably, these businesses formed strategic connections with major companies outside the prefecture and explored collaborations among themselves, securing notable outcomes in a short period.

This year’s WAVE program will build on the success of its predecessor by refining its structure to further enhance collaboration with regional support organizations, thereby extending the reach of open innovation across Wakayama. This iteration will consist of:

Pre-Seminars (June - August 2026)

The pre-seminars will address key challenges faced by businesses. Topics will cover:

- The importance and method of pursuing open innovation
- Identifying customers and challenges effectively
- Understanding the essence of entrepreneurship and startups
- Engaging in hands-on workshops to develop business ideas

Local companies are encouraged to participate if they have a business presence in Wakayama Prefecture. With a limited capacity of 60 participants for in-person attendance, early registration is advised to secure a spot. Additionally, online participation will be available for broader accessibility.

Session Information:

- 1st Seminar: June 29, 2026 - Engaging with Open Innovation Principles (Led by Yusuke Doi, Principal at AlphaDrive)
- 2nd Seminar: July 6, 2026 - Exploring Methods to Uncover Customers and Their Issues (Led by Ryuuji Utsunomiya, President of AlphaDrive Kochi)
- 3rd Seminar: July 27, 2026 - Understanding Entrepreneurs and Startups (Led by Takeyuki Ochi, CEO of GranStory)
- 4th Seminar: August 3, 2026 - Business Idea Generation Workshop (Led by Masayuki Ishikawa, Project Manager at AlphaDrive)

Practical Program (September 2026 - March 2027)

The practical program aims to enroll up to 20 companies seeking to embed open innovation practices. It includes:
1. DIVE Course: Tailored for companies looking for personalized mentoring from AlphaDrive experts who will assist in developing and refining business proposals, exploring partnerships, and crafting collaborative plans.
- Monthly meetings and workshops.
- Support in identifying potential business partners.
- Maximum 5 companies.

2. TRY Course: Designed for collaborative learning, participants will work on their unique business ideas during workshops while the AlphaDrive team monitors progress.
- Maximum 15 companies.

Participants must pass a selection process to enroll in the practical program.

Through WAVE, AlphaDrive provides a platform for businesses to innovate and thrive in the rapidly changing marketplace, thereby contributing to the economic growth of Wakayama. Interested companies can learn more and register for both the pre-seminars and the practical program using the links:

For further inquiries regarding the program, please contact the organizing office at AlphaDrive, or visit their official site for more resources and details about their initiatives.

Contact:

- Wakayama WAVE Team
- Email: [email protected]

About AlphaDrive:

Founded in February 2018, AlphaDrive operates from Chiyoda, Tokyo, and specializes in supporting business innovation. They leverage extensive case studies to improve project success, enabling companies to enhance their innovation initiatives effectively.

Official Website: AlphaDrive