#Japan #Chiyoda #Zero One Booster #Gunma Prefecture #EIT

Enhancing Global Innovation: EIT and Gunma Prefecture Collaboration

In an exciting development for Japan's innovation landscape, Zero One Booster (headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo) is set to facilitate a significant collaboration between Gunma Prefecture and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). This initiative, called the Global Outreach Program, aims to establish partnerships between businesses in Gunma and cutting-edge European startups.

The EIT is recognized as one of the largest startup support organizations worldwide, driving innovation through its various hubs across Silicon Valley, the UK, and Israel, as well as other important innovation centers globally, including regions in Japan, Brazil, and Canada. Inspired by the growing need for international cooperation, Zero One Booster will work as a coordinator to bolster these partnerships.

Purpose of the Program

This initiative stands as a testament to the commitment of both EIT and Gunma Prefecture to invigorate local industries and strengthen their international competitiveness. The program is designed to create an open innovation model that promotes collaborative ventures between Gunma's regional companies and advanced European startups.

Zero One Booster will collaborate closely with EIT and the prefectural government to facilitate activities aimed at fostering these partnerships. By integrating diverse innovations through collaborative efforts, they aspire to propel Gunma's industries into the global spotlight.

Key Schedule

• - April 2025: Open recruitment for companies in Gunma Prefecture begins.
• - June 2025: Workshops and discussions to select candidate companies will take place.
• - July 2025 onwards: Selection of European startups will occur.
• - August to October 2025: Online consultations and matching support for partnerships.
• - November 2025 (tentative): European startups will visit Japan for face-to-face business meetings and exchanges with Gunma companies.

About EIT

Established by the European Union in 2008 and headquartered in Budapest, Hungary, the EIT aims to foster sustainable economic growth and enhance competitiveness in Europe by linking education, research, and business. The organization features various thematic communities known as Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) that focus on pressing issues like climate change, energy, mobility, manufacturing, health, food, and digital technologies. This enables startups and established organizations to access funding, expertise, and technological validation opportunities, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for innovation.

About Zero One Booster

Guided by the philosophy of "changing the world through the power of business creation," Zero One Booster facilitates open innovation programs that enhance collaboration between large corporations and startups. They also develop new business initiatives and offer various support programs, such as the Yurakucho ‘SAAI’ Wonder Working Community for individual idea realization and the 01Booster Studio for entrepreneurs starting from scratch. Furthermore, through their group company 01Booster Capital, they engage in venture investment, fostering business creation through multifaceted support.

Established in March 2012, Zero One Booster’s head office is located at 1F, New Tokyo Building, 3-3-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Their business offerings also include share offices for entrepreneurs, corporate accelerator programs, training for corporate intrapreneurs, investment, funding support, business consulting, and M&A brokerage assistance. For more information, visit their website.

In conclusion, the strategic collaboration between Gunma Prefecture and EIT, facilitated by Zero One Booster, is poised to not only bolster local enterprises but also promote international ties and innovative partnerships, setting a promising trajectory for Japan's engagement in the global innovation landscape.