Program Fukuoka - Open Network Lab (オープンネットワークラボ)

Vision

Designing our New Normal

Open Network Lab FUKUOKA is a program supported by Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Growth Next, Fukuoka Directive Council, Kyushu Economic Federation, and a variety of companies including those based in Fukuoka, with the aim of creating businesses with startups to realize the smart city and smart life demanded in the New Normal.

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Value

OPEN INNOVATION

Opportunities for business creation in the New Normal with Digital Garage and partner companies from various industries.

FUNDING

Providing financing opportunities for program participants.
*Funding is not guaranteed

GLOBAL NETWORK

Access to a support system that utilizes DG’s Internet business, expertise supporting startups, and vast network in Japan and overseas.

LOCALIZATION

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.

START UP ECOSYSTEM

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.

Theme

Priority themes for Open Network Lab FUKUOKA 3rd Batch

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.

Virtual Fukuoka

Metaverse
Digital Twin
web3 NFT
xR

Embedded Finance

Payment
Lending
Insurance
Baas
Investment

Digital Health

Contribution to wellness
Smart devices

Green Energy

Rechargeable batteries
EV power stations
Virtual power plants
Renewable energy
Energy conservation

Smart Construction

DX in construction
Contribution to life cycle CO2 reduction

ESG

Scoring models
Climate Change Adaptation
Work System Reform
Work Efficiency
Side Business
Diversity

*The above is an example. Other ideas to collaborate with partner companies are welcome.

PROGRAM

A program that aims to create businesses in New Normal in collaboration with partner companies

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.

MENTORING

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.

COMMUNITY

Through the program, we will provide connections with startups that challenge at the same stage and partner companies including ones in Fukuoka.

SUPPORT

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.

BENEFITS

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

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.

INCUBATION SPACE

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.

SCHEDULE

*Schedules may change due to social conditions such as the epidemic of COVID-19 and natural disasters.

Partners

PARTNER

And more…

COSPONSORS

Global Incubation Stream

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.

Main Office

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.

※photo by ikunori yamamoto

Coworking space – hot desking / Conference room
*Office facilities may not be provided due to social conditions such as the epidemic of COVID-19 and natural disasters.

Application

Would you like to challenge Open Network Lab FUKUOKA?

Program	Open Network Lab FUKUOKA 3rd Batch
Deadline	Noon on 2022/5/31 (Tue) JST
Participation Requirements	The applicant (the “Applicant”) should be a corporation. If research results, patents or other intellectual property rights (the “IPs”) are to be used in the business of the Applicant, the Applicant shall have the rights to use the IPs in its business and shall not infringe the rights of any third party by such use of the IPs. The Applicant of the Open Network Lab FUKUOKA (the “Program”) shall have skills to plan the validation of the marketability for the creation of new value and/or the exploitation of new market through co-creation with sponsors of the Program during the period of the Program which is approximately four months and to demonstrate the results of such co-creation. If the Applicant has received investment by third party(ies), the Applicant shall have obtained prior consent from such investor(s) to the Applicant’s participation in the Program. The Applicant’s business shall not violate public policy. The Applicant, or any of its directors, officers, employees or stakeholders shall not be a part of anti-social forces, and shall not have any relationship with anti-social forces. Although participants may apply to the Program regardless of nationality, age or gender, the Applicant who have nationality other than that of Japan and live in Japan need to be legally qualified to stay in Japan during the period designated by Digital Garage, Inc.(“DG”) and any of their group companies (collectively “DG Group”) in the Program period. The Applicant who is minor shall have the written consent of their parent or legal guardian.
Terms of Participation	During the period of the Program (the “Program Period”), the Applicant shall attend events including online relating to the Program held by DG. The Applicant shall agree that the result of the coordination for use the assets of the sponsors of the Program with DG Group and the sponsors of the Program will be taken into consideration through the process of screening. If the Applicant cannot conduct the final report of the result of the proof of concept or the co-creation of the Program during the Program Period, the Applicant shall agree that the Applicant should conduct such final report in a manner specified by DG even after the Program Period upon DG’s request. The Applicant shall agree that its activities may be posted on the websites or other media designated by DG and DG Group in addition to the official website of Open Network Lab. The Applicant shall appoint the project manager (the “PM”) for participating the Program. During the Program Period, the Applicant shall ensure that the PM shall concentrate on the business that they have undertaken to conduct in the application for the Program. During the Program Period, if the Applicant are considering a business alliance with or receive investments from a third party, the information shall be shared in advance with DG to enable appropriate support under the Program, and if DG deems necessary, the Applicant shall have discussions with DG. The Applicant shall submit additional documents for screening or investing by DG and/or DG Group, if requested by DG and/or DG Group. When DG Group would like to invest in the Applicant, the Applicant shall agree to have a discussion with DG Group. In addition, the Applicant shall comply with other obligations including those regarding the application procedures. Furthermore, the Applicant shall agree to the terms and conditions of participation to be separately designated by DG.
Application Steps	Apply via entry form Review submitted documents: Application is evaluated based on product (idea), market and team Matchmaking interview: Presentation is conducted to the enterprise partners. Program starts: The Program starts after matching with the enterprise partners.

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FAQ

Application-Related Questions

I am a minor or a student; can I still apply?: Yes, however you need to establish your own company. Also, in the case of minors, we require parental or legal guardian consent.

Are teams with multiple services eligible to apply for the program?: Yes, however due to the limited time we can provide for each team during the interview process, it will be necessary to talk about each service within a fixed amount of time. Therefore, the time to promote and appeal each service will be shortened.

Can I submit application documents in English?: Please submit applications either in English or Japanese.

I don’t speak Japanese; can I still apply?: You may apply as long as you speak English.

I don’t speak English; can I still apply?: No worries! Open Network Lab staff will translate if necessary.

Is it possible to apply for the same business idea multiple times during the period?: Yes, you can apply multiple times during the period.

I have applied for the program before. Is it possible to apply again this time?: Yes, you can.

Is it possible to apply even if I receive investment from another company?: Yes, but you must have the consent of the investor.

Are there any restrictions on participation due to funding situation?: We welcome all companies, whether or not they have raised money.

Are there any stage restrictions on the startups eligible for the program?: No. If you have a proposal that fits the theme, we look forward to your application regardless of stage.

About the Interview Process

Is there a language designation for the interview?: Interviews are available in Japanese and English.

Is it required for all team members to be present during the interview?: No, any number of team members may participate provided that they are able to describe the service and answer any questions that may be asked.

Can we receive feedback on the application results?: Due to the large quantity of applications, we do not give out feedback on application results.

How will the interview be conducted?: Interviews will generally be conducted online.

About Program

Do I need to stay in Fukuoka during the program?: Not necessary, if you can participate online.

What is the fee to join the program?: The program is free of cost. However, the cost of PoC to be implement in the program will need to be discussed.

Is it mandatory to undertake investment to participate in the program?: No, it is not mandatory. We may make an investment in the case when agreement is obtained based on the wishes of our company or a group company and you.

Can I definitely implement PoC if I am accepted to the program?: We will support for the implementation of PoC by adjusting the assets of us and partner companies, but it may not be possible if there is no consensus.

For other enquiries please contact us through the Contact Form

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