New Companies Join the Side Project Program Revolutionizing Employee Development

New Ventures in Employee Development: Side Project Gains Momentum

The innovative program known as the "Side Project," offered by Loan Deal, has successfully launched its 8th term, bringing together eight major companies with 34 participating employees. This initiative allows employees to utilize approximately 20% of their work hours to engage in external venture projects, thereby enhancing their skills and adaptability in the ever-evolving workplace landscape.

In this latest installment, two remarkable companies, NTT Media Supply and Aisin, have opted to participate, joining the ranks of established firms like KDDI, TV Asahi, and others who are continuing in the program. This collaboration speaks volumes about the importance these corporations place on fostering innovative mindsets among their workforce.

Objectives of New Participants

NTT Media Supply

Based in Osaka, NTT Media Supply aims to invigorate its organization by encouraging employees to partake in diverse perspectives and work styles. The company anticipates that this engagement will transform their often insular corporate environment into one that thrives on new ideas and approaches.

Aisin

Aisin, headquartered in Aichi, recognizes a gap in effectively communicating the practical learnings from cross-border training within their workplace. With the goal of translating these experiences: Side Project offers a reflective program that helps participants articulate their growth before and after their venture initiatives.

In addition to the newcomers, five firms—KDDI, TV Asahi, Morinaga, Hankyu Hanshin, and Japan Post—continue their involvement, showcasing the program's growing impact and reliability.

The Appeal of the Side Project

Since its inception, a total of 26 companies and 257 employees have participated in venture projects through the Side Project initiative. High-ranking corporations like KDDI and Panasonic Connect have adopted this strategy, which emphasizes cross-boundary learning. Remarkably, 80% of participants report a positive shift in their approach to careers and work-life dynamics. This program allows employees to engage in real-world endeavors without stepping away from their existing responsibilities, offering a unique opportunity for those hesitant to take significant leaps, such as women and managerial staff.

Moreover, participants are encouraged to reflect and articulate their learning experiences as they progress, enabling them to effectively share gained insights with their teams. This feedback loop reinforces the program's value and solidifies its success as a significant corporate learning framework.

Participant Companies Overview

Numerous prominent companies have partaken in the initiative to date, including:

- IHI
- Asahi Kasei
- Kao Group Customer Marketing
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries
- Kyocera Communication Systems
- Sapporo Breweries
- Hitachi Industrial Solutions
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- And more.

Upcoming Program Developments

With 34 participants from eight companies set to engage in the current round, the program will kick off after a pre-training period that includes career development workshops. In November, participants will initiate discussions with venture companies to establish collaboration terms. Those who successfully align will harness 20% of their work hours to devote to venture work from January to March 2026.

Loan Deal continues its mission to enhance mobility across talent spectrums, anticipating that increased participation will promote self-directed career growth and further stimulate industrial dynamism.

Call for Future Participants

Currently, Loan Deal is seeking companies interested in the 9th term, running from May to July of 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out for inquiries about engagement.

For further details regarding Side Project, visit: Side Project Official Site.

For press inquiries, contact: [email protected].

About Loan Deal

Loan Deal has been at the forefront of bridging talent development and innovative solutions across various corporate challenges. Since launching its flagship service, "Rental Transfer," in September 2015, it has garnered partnerships with significant corporations, enhancing their workforce's capabilities. Their innovative model has been recognized with numerous accolades, solidifying their reputation within Japan's open innovation landscape.

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