#Japan #Innovation #Tokyo #GEMStartup TOKYO #Unicorn Farm

GEMStartup TOKYO: Empowering Future Business Ventures

On August 26, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is set to launch a new initiative aimed at fueling entrepreneurial innovation through the "GEMStartup TOKYO" project. This program is designed to connect valuable insights and resources from established private enterprises to budding entrepreneurs and startups. The kickoff event will gather industry leaders and entrepreneurs to share expertise and real-world experiences, paving the way for innovative startups and new business endeavors.

Overview of the Project

GEMStartup TOKYO is a forward-thinking project initiated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Its primary objective is to excavate and nurture exceptional ideas, talents, and technological seeds that lie within major corporations and private enterprises. This initiative will adopt a multi-faceted approach, comprising three key programs: the New Business Creation Platform, the Business Development Program, and Collaborative Models, all aimed at enabling significant entrepreneurship and venture growth.

The program is currently open for participant applications, encouraging entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and professionals across various sectors to engage in activities that foster innovation. Those interested should apply via the official GEMStartup TOKYO website until August 25.

Kickoff Event Features

The kickoff event on August 26 will run from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM and will be available for both in-person and online attendance at the Tokyo Innovation Base. It will feature:

• - Keynote Speech: "Why Corporate Employees Should Start Businesses Now" by Masayuki Takedo, CEO of Unicorn Farm. Mr. Takedo, a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in startup ecosystems including Silicon Valley, will discuss the compelling reasons for corporate professionals to leverage their expertise in entrepreneurial ventures.
• - Panel Discussion: Featuring distinguished speakers such as Shun Kobayashi, CEO of KAMAMESHI; Yuichi Ito, CEO of DigKnow; and Hino Kubo from Tokyu Real Estate Holdings. This discussion will focus on the demands and responsibilities of challengers and instigators in business creation.

This engaging event is not only about learning but also about establishing connections. A networking session will follow the program for in-person participants to connect with each other, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing among aspiring entrepreneurs and industry veterans.

The Speakers

Masayuki Takedo

Masayuki Takedo, born in 1978 and a graduate of Kwansei Gakuin University, later pursued scientific philosophy at Arizona State University. His career included roles in consultancy before he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding multiple startups, including those in the edtech sector. He now leads Unicorn Farm and has authored the best-selling book "The Science of Entrepreneurship."

Shun Kobayashi

CEO of KAMAMESHI, Shun Kobayashi has extensive experience in metallurgy and global business in various capacities. He founded KAMAMESHI as an in-house startup, winning multiple accolades for his innovative work in manufacturing and fostering a digital transformation in the industry.

Yuichi Ito

After his tenure at DNP where he worked on AI technology and entrepreneurial ventures, Yuichi Ito established DigKnow, focusing on automated document generation services for diverse sectors, including healthcare and education.

Hino Kubo

Hino Kubo has been instrumental in backing startups through her position at Tokyu Real Estate Holdings, focusing on strategic innovations and fostering collaboration between startups and her corporation.

Join Us

The GEMStartup TOKYO project not only aims to stimulate corporate innovation but also to create a robust ecosystem for budding entrepreneurs. Applications are open until late August for the business development programs. Interested parties can find more information, including contact details and application links, on the official website.

For further inquiries, reach out to the GEMStartup TOKYO Secretariat during business hours.

Contact Information:
Phone: 050-8892-3569 (Weekdays 10:00-17:00)
Email: [email protected]
Website: GEMStartup TOKYO Official