1. Overview

On February 1, 2024, Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) hosted " Open Innovation Day," an event promoting open innovation between large corporations and startups and aiming to expand startup businesses.
The Tokyo Consortium, which organized the event, works to accelerate startup growth and support the social implementation of innovation by forming a startup ecosystem in the Tokyo area.
At this event, the companies selected for this year's startup support programs, "Deep Ecosystem" and "Green Startup Support," were also announced.
Through the introduction of initiatives by companies practicing open innovation and promising startups supported by the Tokyo Consortium, it provided an opportunity to reconsider hints for promoting collaboration and the support startups desire from large companies.

2. Opening Remarks

At the opening, Mr. Katayama from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government addressed the attendees gathered at the venue.

Katayama: At the Tokyo Consortium and TIB, we aim to create opportunities to connect large corporations and startups in various ways to promote open innovation.
At today's event, to explore the potential for open innovation between large corporations and startups, we hope to share insights on "how large corporations are advancing collaboration with startups" and "what kind of collaboration and support startups seek from large corporations."
We hope that new connections made at TIB will lead to open innovation initiatives and become a wonderful opportunity to change society.

3. On the Promotion of Open Innovation by Large Corporations

Sony Group Corporation Startup Acceleration Division COSIA Business Unit
Ideation Service Team General Manager and Producer Masashi Miyazaki

Miyazaki: At Sony Group, we operate the " Sony Startup Acceleration Program (SSAP)" to provide our proprietary entrepreneurial know-how and development environment to anyone seeking to launch new ventures, supporting them from startup through sales and expansion.

We were introduced to diverse business realization achievements and examples of acceleration services provided externally. Additionally, the importance of the following three points essential for open innovation was highlighted:

① Clarifying the challenges to tackle
② Understanding new businesses and startups
③ New business development capabilities

Ms. Yukie Abe, Manager, New Business Development Department, BOSCH Corporation

Abe: At BOSCH, we adopt the "Venture Client Model" through "Open Bosch," a co-creation process between large corporations and startups. By discovering world-class solutions held by startups and becoming their customer to implement them, we identify and solve our own challenges, driving innovation.This initiative also benefits startups by leveraging BOSCH's global network to scale their operations, creating a win-win relationship. Collaboration with startups is expanding across various fields, including not only manufacturing and logistics but also engineering, human resources, and sales.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Growth Business Development Department Planning and Development Group
Senior Promotion Officer Hiroharu Namikawa

Namekawa: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation introduced "mirai cross," a platform promoting collaboration and business creation. Leveraging the bank's unique strength of having a broad customer base across industries and sectors, it connects numerous companies to generate new ventures. The "X Innovation Sheet," used to identify business content and target markets for value enhancement, is utilized at pitch events and similar occasions to foster collaboration.

4. FY2022 Deep Ecosystem Selected Companies Business Expansion Pitch

We provide carefully selected target companies with the roadmap to becoming unicorns, delivering intensive, deep, and diverse support to help them achieve this goal.

Innofis Co., Ltd. President and CEO: Mr. Naotaka Otokawa

Otokawa: Developed a wearable assistive suit. To "enable independent living for as long as one lives," we have commercialized a muscle suit that assists bodily movement. This contributes to reducing job resignations and leaves of absence caused by back pain, as well as expanding opportunities for women and the elderly to thrive.

TechMagic Inc. Representative Director and CEO Yuji Shiraki

Shiraki: We develop robots to address challenges facing the food industry, such as the shrinking workforce and rising costs due to inflation, while building sustainable future operations. By enhancing efficiency and automation in restaurants and factories, we contribute to increased productivity.

Human Life Code Co., Ltd.
President and CEO Masamitsu Harada

Harada: We are focusing on the potential of the umbilical cord—the tissue connecting the placenta and fetus—as a source for cell therapy. We have obtained regulatory approval for mesenchymal cells extracted from the umbilical cord as a regenerative medicine product and are commercializing it. As the first step in our U.S. expansion, we signed a basic agreement with the New York Blood Center in July 2023 regarding the international harmonization of cell manufacturing platform technologies.

RevComm Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takeshi Aida

Aida: We provide MiiTel, an AI solution that solves the black-boxing problem in voice communication while turning voice data into an asset. By analyzing and visualizing all voice interactions—whether phone calls, web conferences, or face-to-face meetings—with AI, we enable self-coaching. This drives corporate productivity improvements like increased sales and cost reduction, while also contributing to the assetization of voice data.

5. FY2022 Green Startup Support Project Introduction

We select promising green startups with growth potential and provide intensive support with an eye toward overseas expansion.

Eight Link Co., Ltd. Director / CFO Mr. Naofumi Shiramizu

Hakusu: With the vision of "Realizing a 'Digital' World Without Wires," we develop, manufacture, and sell microwave wireless power transfer (WPT) equipment. We contribute to improvements in implant devices based on medical needs.

SENSIN Robotics Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takuya Kitamura

Kitamura: We are developing services and products that automate equipment inspections and worksite management in power transmission facilities, plant facilities, construction sites, and other areas. Our goal is to fundamentally resolve Japan's social challenges, such as the shrinking workforce, aging infrastructure, and increasingly severe disasters.

Mr. Fukashi Yamada, Director of Corporate Planning, Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd.

Yamada: We are developing and commercializing an ammonia synthesis process at low temperatures and low pressures. By promoting the distributed production of green ammonia using small-scale ammonia production models, we aim to hedge supply chain risks, including improving food security, and achieve decarbonization.

Helical Fusion Co., Ltd. Head of Business Development Yosuke Kubo

Kubo: Development of fusion reactors, development and provision of core technologies. Fusion reactors are seen as game changers because they can generate enormous amounts of energy without emitting any CO2. Based on insights from the National Research Institute (National Institute for Fusion Science), we are conducting demonstrations of new superconducting technologies essential for fusion reactors, aiming for full-scale commercialization after 2040.

6. FY2023 Deep Ecosystem/Green Startup Support Selected Companies Introduction

Algal Bio Co., Ltd. Business Development Group
Overseas Business Development Team Leader Masahiro Kita

Kita: Through algae research and development, we aim to solve global challenges such as wellness, food crises, and global warming. We are building an algae biofoundry and conducting joint development in various fields including food, materials, and CO2 capture.

Idein Inc. Representative Director / CEO Koichi Nakamura

Nakamura: Aiming to enable software to handle all real-world information, we developed the edge AI platform "Actcast" to collect and utilize real-world data using analysis technologies for images, audio, and more.

IntegriCulture Co., Ltd. Representative Director Mr. Yuki Hanyu

Hanyu: We conduct research and development to produce edible meat and other products using cell culture technology, realizing a sustainable world. Utilizing the "Food Great Package" for cell agriculture, we provide technology transfer programs to customers ranging from large-scale to small-scale operations.

Aerosen Co., Ltd. President and CEO Kotaro Sabe

Sabe: Development, manufacturing, and sales of domestically produced drones and systems. We contribute to society by driving transformation through drone technology and automating various tasks. We leverage our technical capabilities—spanning hardware to applications—to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Global Mobility Service Co., Ltd.
Director and Executive Officer / CFO Head of Corporate Division Kazumasa Nakajima

Nakajima: We are expanding our financial inclusion-focused fintech services for the world's underserved populations through our proprietary IoT device for remote vehicle ignition control and our mobility service platform that connects any device.

Mr. Yoshiyasu Ando, President and CEO, I Robotics Co., Ltd.

Ando: We provide resource-saving solutions through robotics in plant and infrastructure construction, maintenance, and operations. Our goal is to address societal challenges such as a shrinking workforce and aging facilities through mechanization, remote operation, and automation.

AC Biode Co., Ltd. President and CEO: Naotsugu Kubo

Kubo: With the mission "To contribute to reducing global warming gases and solving global waste problems, including marine plastic, while improving recycling rates through chemical technology," we aim to solve waste issues by generating glass through the adsorption and solidification of CO₂.

Green Carbon Inc. Representative Director Jun Ohkita

Daikita: We operate a carbon credit creation and sales business aimed at decarbonization. We developed "Agreen," a one-stop platform service that provides end-to-end support for credit creation, registration, application, and sales. We plan to create approximately 100,000 tons of credits domestically in fiscal year 2024.

SOINN Corporation Representative Director and CEO Mr. Osamu Hasegawa

Hasegawa: We are advancing the intelligent transformation of various equipment, devices, and information systems through proprietary AI. We present proven results in reducing plant electricity consumption using industry-leading proprietary AI. Our energy-saving AI solutions can be deployed in diverse settings, including production lines, commercial facilities, and factories.

Ms. Nana Hori, Representative Director, Tensor Energy Co., Ltd.

Hori: Developed a cloud AI platform for integrated management of finances and power at renewable energy power plants. We provide user-centric services to solve various challenges arising from the large-scale introduction of renewable energy.

Closing Remarks

・It was enjoyable to hear about industries I rarely encounter in my daily life.
・Solving major challenges truly requires collaboration between startups and large corporations.
・The results of university research were being utilized far more extensively than I had imagined.

The Tokyo Consortium will continue to fully support entrepreneurs to produce startups from Tokyo that will be the pride of the world. We sincerely appreciate your continued support.