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NGAS-Accelerator Program: Innovating the Future Together

The NGAS-Accelerator Program, organized by Nihonkai Gas Kizuna Holdings and run in collaboration with 01Booster, is set to kick off its 3rd Batch of applications starting May 19, 2025. This comprehensive business creation initiative aims to bring together startups and entrepreneurs to co-create innovative solutions for energy and living challenges in today's rapidly changing world.

With an increasing focus on carbon neutrality and diverse lifestyle values driven by global environmental considerations, there is an urgent need for transformational changes. The NGAS-Accelerator Program serves as a platform for national-level collaboration, where participants can leverage the expertise and resources provided by the Nihonkai Gas Group.

Program Overview

The NGAS-Accelerator Program focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and startups by facilitating collaboration with Nihonkai Gas group employees throughout the six-month program. Participants will benefit from a variety of resources tailored to different business stages, helping them to harness their potential and turn their ideas into impactful solutions.

Application Details

• - Application Period: May 19, 2025 - June 27, 2025
• - Number of Teams Selected: 4-6
• - Support Areas:

1. Energy
2. Everyday Living
3. Solving Regional Issues
4. Other Relevant Areas

Available Resources from Nihonkai Gas Kizuna Holdings

• - A network of approximately 100,000 gas-utilizing households
• - Sustainable technologies and services
• - Expertise in home construction
• - A vast network across the Hokuriku area
• - Collaboration opportunities with local governments
• - Access to showrooms and incubation facilities

Timeline of Key Events

• - May 19: Application Starts
• - June 4: Online Information Session
• - June 27: Final Application Deadline
• - July: Selection Process (Document Screening and Interviews)
• - August 28: Pitch Selection (Final Review)
• - September to March: Accelerator Program Duration
• - Late March: Demo Day Presentations

The online information session will be hosted on June 4, 2025, where President Nitta from Nihonkai Gas will discuss the motivations behind their open innovation efforts, outline program concepts, introduce the areas of interest, and showcase assets available for collaboration. Participants will also benefit from a panel discussion featuring previous batch startups sharing their experiences.

Previous Success Stories

The inaugural batch in 2024 included five selected teams that collaborated with Nihonkai Gas employees to present their innovative solutions during the Demo Day, focusing on renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and regional issue solutions.

In addition to current projects, there is potential for ongoing partnerships beyond the program. For instance, Yamori Co., Ltd. has engaged in a business alliance concerning services for monitoring elderly individuals living alone and townhouse rental projects for abandoned properties. Furthermore, investment opportunities have emerged from the program, exemplified by Sharing Energy Co., Ltd. securing funding through collaboration.

01Booster continues to champion entrepreneurship, fostering synergistic relationships between large enterprises and startups. With a mission to