Applications open for Open Network Lab FUKUOKA 2nd Batch!
Deadline: Thursday, November 12th, Program Term: Late December 2020 to Late March 2021
The New Normal is expected to bring changes to how we organize cities, as we move from a world where people gathered in close proximity—to a one that is more distanced. Open Network Lab FUKUOKA is a program that facilitates business co-creation between international startups, and Japanese corporations to design innovative solutions for the New Normal. Open Network Lab FUKUOKA, is co-sponsored by Digital Garage, Fukuoka D.C. and Fukuoka Growth Next, and other incumbents in Fukuoka and the rest of Japan.
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Opportunities for business creation in the New Normal with Digital Garage and partner companies from various industries.
Providing financing opportunities for program participants.
*Funding is not guaranteed
Access to a support system that utilizes DG’s Internet business, expertise supporting startups, and vast network in Japan and overseas.
Providing support for various PoC implementation and opportunities for network construction that will trigger domestic expansion in Fukuoka.
*We may suggest other cities (such as Tokyo), depending on the resources of Fukuoka city and partner companies.
With the help of Fukuoka Growth Next, located at the heart of the city, Fukuoka is well equipped to support startups looking to expand—with various initiatives to support startups and plenty of partner resources for PoCs.
At Open Network Lab FUKUOKA, we aim to create the necessary societal change for the New Normal, including the utilization of technologies such as 5G, xR, and digital twins. Through, collaboration with cutting edge startups, we aim to co-create a better city and quality of life for city residents.
*The above is an example. Other ideas to collaborate with partner companies are welcome.
During the program period, we will verify the business idea that combines the service/products you applied for and the resources of our partner, and verify the hypothesis through PoC, aiming for joint commercialization, business alliance, investment, etc.
Experienced professionals in open innovation management will work closely with participating teams to support open innovation management, hypothesis validation, product brush-ups, and pitch practice.
Through the program, we will provide connections with startups that challenge at the same stage and partner companies including ones in Fukuoka.
This program supports the business by forming a business ecosystem with large enterprises, which is difficult for startups to reach. In addition, we will cooperate in various aspects such as PoC and business alliances to create businesses.
Many partner companies are cooperating to provide an environment where startups can speed up their business. We offer various benefits such as infrastructure, back office, analysis and recruiting tools.
Funding for participating startups will be considered in certain cases.
*Funding is not guaranteed. It will only be provided in cases with agreement from both parties.
Participating teams will be provided with a free coworking space at Fukuoka Growth Next, the Fukuoka City startup support facility, to concentrate on the program.
*Office facilities may not be provided due to social conditions such as the epidemic of COVID-19 and natural disasters.
*Schedules may change due to social conditions such as the epidemic of COVID-19 and natural disasters.
And more…
Director General
Shuhei Ishimaru
FDC has formulated a new regional strategy this year. The new strategy aims to create innovation and accelerate regional growth by achieving diversity. In order to achieve diversity, it is necessary for a variety of players, including startups, to participate and form an ecosystem together with local companies. Through this program, by creating business solutions for the New Normal together with the startups, companies and businesses that will lead the growth strategy of the region would be born, and regional transformation would progress. Then, we hope we can disseminate social images of beyond COVID-19 from Fukuoka to the world.
Director General
Yuichiro Uchida
Fukuoka Growth Next is a public-private cooperative facility that contributes to the creation of employment and the development of the local economy in Fukuoka City, and supports the second establishment of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises with the goal of creating unicorn companies in the future. The facility has been holding a Digital Garage program since 2019.
For startups, we think it is a very meaningful program that leads to “creating new value” and “challenge to the global market.” We will continue to collaborate with Digital Garage to become a representative incubation facility in Asia.
We will make the best use of the global network that Digital Garage has built so far to discover and incubate startups that can compete on the global stage from Fukuoka.
Fukuoka Growth Next is a public-private joint facility in Fukuoka City that supports startups with ideas to create a prosperous future.
We aim to develop the world into something more hopeful and promising by exchanging various ideas and implement it in an environment specializing in founding support.
Open Network Lab FUKUOKA Room / Coworking space – hot desking / Conference room / Locker
*Office facilities may not be provided due to social conditions such as the epidemic of COVID-19 and natural disasters.
| Program | Open Network Lab FUKUOKA 2nd Batch |
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| Deadline | 2020/11/12 |
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| Terms of Participation |
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For other enquiries please contact us through the Contact Form
