Innovative Challenge Pitch Event to Foster Open Collaboration in Agriculture and Food Industries

Transforming the Future Through Innovation

The upcoming “Open Innovation Challenge Pitch” scheduled for January 20, 2026, is set to take place at the Tokyo Innovation Base, aiming to bridge the gap between large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture and food sectors. This event, co-organized by the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, focuses on fostering open innovation to create new business ventures.

Background and Purpose

Building on the success of last year's event, this year's challenge seeks to facilitate the collaborative efforts of SMEs and startups with the requirements of larger enterprises. By creating a platform where major companies can present their development needs while inviting proposals from smaller players, the event hopes to spark new partnerships and innovative solutions in the agriculture and food industries.

The importance of this initiative cannot be understated. It is not only a means to showcase the innovative potential of SMEs but also a vital opportunity for larger companies to engage in co-creation and tap into fresh ideas that drive the industry forward. Last year's event saw overwhelming participation, with six companies sharing 21 collaboration needs, which resulted in 185 proposals and 32 commercial discussions.

Event Details

Date: January 20, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (JST)
Format: Both in-person and online (via Microsoft Teams)
Venue: Tokyo Innovation Base 1F SQUARE-1, 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Access Here
Co-Organizers: Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Participation: Open to all (including businesses, local governments, support organizations, financial institutions, and research organizations)
Registration Link: Register Here
Deadline: January 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM

Program Outline

1. Opening Remarks
2. Introduction to the Open Innovation Matching Square
3. Presentations from Major Companies
4. Networking Session (In-person only)

Participating Companies and Their Presentation Themes

1. Kewpie Corporation
Theme: Non-destructive inspection of cut vegetables and quality assurance through data integration
Keywords: Freshness detection, automatic pest detection, near-infrared spectroscopy, smart agriculture

2. Toppan Inc.
Theme: Expanding local distribution models for agricultural products via collaborative partnerships
Keywords: Direct delivery, logistics efficiency, waste reduction

3. Nisshin Oil Mills, Ltd.
Theme: Partnering for innovative food materials using by-products of domestic crops
Keywords: Upcycling, health food materials, food modification

4. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Theme: Seeking partners in food safety and quality retention through coating technology
Keywords: Food waste reduction, shelf-life extension, edible coatings

5. Yoshinoya Holdings Co., Ltd.
Theme: Exploring and collaborating on innovations in food through traditional practices
Keywords: Ostrich farming, keratin

6. Rengo Co., Ltd.
Theme: Partnering in agriculture and aquaculture using spherical cellulose particles
Keywords: Cellulose, biostimulants, sustainable resources

Open Innovation Matching Square (OIMS)

The Open Innovation Matching Square is managed by the Kanto Bureau and aims to foster new value creation through open collaboration. With a staggering 7,606 proposals responding to 717 needs announced, and 1,431 commercial meetings successfully conducted till November 2025, this platform plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of regional businesses.

Learn More about OIMS

J-GoodTech

This is a business matching site designed to connect SMEs with large and international companies, facilitating over 12,000 matches annually for joint development and market expansion. Discover More

Conclusion

The Open Innovation Challenge Pitch is not just an event; it is a vital step in the evolving landscape of the agriculture and food sectors. By bringing different players together, it promises to unlock new avenues of innovation and prosperity for all participants. Entrepreneurs, businesses, and researchers are highly encouraged to join and contribute to this inspiring initiative.