Open Network Lab HOKKAIDO 5th Batch – Application Closed
Thank you for your applications.
※A framework, resembling an ecosystem, in which companies, universities, and others work together to generate many innovations
Open Network Lab HOKKAIDO focuses on primary industry, space industry, and bio-healthcare, which are all part of the vision of Sapporo and Hokkaido to act as a hub city for promoting the startup ecosystem, and this year as well will be actively recruiting startups committed to solving these problems.
In the 5th Batch we are once again collaborating with Open Network Lab, our sister program. Open Network Lab HOKKAIDO is being held fully online. We look forward to applications from Hokkaido, as well as those from outside the prefecture and outside of Japan.
Open Network Lab was launched in 2010 by Digital Garage. We brought this expertise and community to Hokkaido in 2018 to start Open Network Lab HOKKAIDO (Onlab HOKKAIDO) with the mission of “incubating startups from Hokkaido that can compete on the global stage.”
Based in Sapporo, this roughly three-month accelerator program is for developing startups. It supports your business through activity funding, office spaces, and help for polishing your business, as well as mentoring by specialists in various fields.
All sorts of support is offered, from hypothesis testing to presentations. Opportunities are also provided to receive advice from specialists, investors, and established entrepreneurs in various fields from Japan and abroad.
Onlab HOKKAIDO collaborates with our partners, as well as Sapporo City and numerous local governments in Hokkaido, to provide proof of concept sites. This program is unique thanks to its environment in which participants can dynamically take on challenges in Hokkaido.
Through the Onlab network, we hold many seminars for sharing entrepreneurial expertise and provide numerous opportunities to communicate with graduates and other startups.
All teams are given up to 10 million yen in equity investment to fund their activities during the program. They also have opportunities to present their businesses to investors, business companies, and members of the media at the Demo Day.
Participating teams can use coworking spaces including Inter x cross Creative Center (Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo City) and SAPPORO Incubation Hub DRIVE (Chuo-ku, Sapporo City).
Gain access to numerous tools and resources from our partner companies. Our partners serve fundamental needs for every startup, ranging from infrastructure, development tools, hiring, and back-office tools—all at discounted or free prices.
We offer the same program as Open Network Lab, our sister program. A structure is in place to help manage your business progress, including online mentoring and idea sharing.
Resources are provided to promptly test your hypothesis, including mentoring by specialists in various fields through industry-government-academic collaboration in Hokkaido.
Support is given to verify issues and conduct proofs of concept in collaboration with Hokkaido local governments, including STARTUP CITY SAPPORO, Sapporo City’s startup support project, and the Sapporo-Hokkaido Startup Ecosystem Promotion Council.
In addition to utilizing The Hokkaido Shimbun Press’ media network, participants can explore all sorts of business potential, including the Digital Garage Group’s global community, finance, PR, marketing, and business collaboration.
I had a vague business idea when I joined the program, but I had no clue whether there would be any user demand. During the program I repeatedly formed hypotheses about user issues and tested them, which brought previously unseen user issues to my attention and allowed me to polish my business idea. It was also great to be able to consult online with mentors in Tokyo from where I live in Hokkaido.
When we are too focused on our business, we often lose our cool and stop thinking properly. At such times, it is important to have a friend or someone on your side who is in the same situation. This program has given entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet such people and to overcome barriers that were difficult to overcome. And these connections will continue to support moving ahead with their businesses in the future. We believe that this will be a lifelong asset in the life of an entrepreneur. We hope you’ll jump on board with this potentially life-changing opportunity!
You can also apply for the Open Network Lab Program at the same time. Multiple interviews will be held with applicants who pass document screening between the application deadline and the start of the program.
Open Network Lab HOKKAIDO Program is held once per year.
For the latest information regarding application, please refer to our website, Facebook, Twitter and email newsletter.
* Please note that the content of our support may change due to the effects of COVID-19.
Program | Open Network Lab HOKKAIDO 5th Batch |
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Organizer | Open Network Lab HOKKAIDO:D2 Garage, Inc. |
Deadline | Deadline Noon on 2022/5/6 (Fri) |
Participation Requirements |
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Terms of participation |
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Application Process |
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