The Yokohama Future Institute, together with Relic Co., Ltd., is conducting a program to support demonstration experiments in the Minato Mirai area, targeting buildings such as the Yokohama Landmark Tower and public spaces such as Grand Mall Park."MM21 Innovation Challenge"and open entries.
MM21 Innovation Challenge
■ Background and purpose of the program
As the domestic market in Japan continues to shrink, the importance of proof-of-concept experiments to develop new markets is increasing. In particular, technology startups are expected to develop new markets with innovative approaches and contribute to economic growth.
For startups, conducting proof-of-concept experiments to confirm the effectiveness of technology and its market adaptability is an important step to success. Therefore, we aim to build a future city through proof-of-concept experiments and social implementation, and to create innovation that is open to the world.Yokohama Future Organizationis a business co-creation company that supports new business development and innovation creation for Japanese companies.Relic Co., Ltd.The program will be held in the Minato Mirai area, targeting buildings such as Yokohama Landmark Tower and public spaces such as Grand Mall Park.
Minato Mirai offers a variety of fields for demonstration, with a diverse range of demonstration environments spanning the waterfront and suburban areas, R&D bases for global companies with potential for business collaboration, and a concentration of manufacturing industries boasting high technological capabilities.
This program is calling for startups that wish to conduct demonstration experiments at Yokohama Landmark Tower and Minato Mirai. Selected companies will be provided with a place to conduct demonstration experiments through mentoring, with the aim of developing the startup ecosystem and promoting innovation.
Program overview
The "MM21 Innovation Challenge" is a program that supports the process of startups conducting demonstration experiments in the Minato Mirai area, targeting buildings such as Yokohama Landmark Tower and public spaces such as Grand Mall Park.
◾️Recruitment requirements
Target: Domestic and international early stage startups
Target technologies and industries:
・A solution that can be widely provided to workers, residents, and visitors in the Minato Mirai 21 district
(For example, solutions that improve the added value of means of transportation and commercial facilities, solutions that contribute to creating new value and improving the efficiency of live events such as music events, solutions that contribute to disaster prevention and BCP, etc.)
・Solutions that contribute to improving the value of office buildings and commercial facilities, as well as facility maintenance and management and operational efficiency
(Examples include service robots for cleaning, security, delivery, automatic cooking, etc., smart building solutions using AI, etc.)
Eligibility: Applicants must be a startup with legal status.
The project must be carried out within the trial period.
Have a plan to effectively utilize the resources provided
Agree to share and report the results of the pilot project.
Application process: Enter the required information on the special website and upload the documents to be submitted.
Special site:https://growth.creww.me/39681b86-3cf6-11ef-bbf6-e11d08dc8e7c.html
Screening: Document screening, interview screening
Number of companies selected: Approximately 10
Support period: October 2024 to February 10
◾️Program Schedule
July 2024, 7 Startup Recruitment
Recruitment information session held on August 2024, 8
Application deadline: August 2024, 8
September 2024nd - September 9th, 2 Document screening
September 2024, 9 Interview screening
October 2024 - January 10 Mentoring / Demonstration experiment
February 2025: Results presentation
■ Contact Information
Contact: MM21 Innovation Challenge Secretariat
Email: mmic@relic.co.jp
■ Organizer
Sponsor: Yokohama Future Organization
Operator: Relic Inc.
Cooperation: Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.
*This project is being carried out using the Minato Mirai 21 Urban Development Trust, a grant system that provides grants to groups or corporations that use originality and innovation to carry out independent activities such as creating a lively atmosphere, generating business opportunities, and creating a safe and secure town with the aim of improving the attractiveness of the Minato Mirai XNUMX district.
Recruitment Information Session
In addition to explaining the program, we will welcome three startups that conducted pilot projects in Minato Mirai last year as guests to talk about how they proceeded with the pilot projects, how they built relationships with related parties, the challenges they faced, and more, exploring why Minato Mirai is an attractive field for pilot projects for startups.
The Value and Potential of Minato Mirai as a Field for Demonstration Experiments ~MM21 Innovation Challenge Recruitment Briefing~
開催時期：2024年8月7日（水）18:00〜19:30（19:00〜19:30 交流会）
Form: Hybrid of offline (NANA Lv.) and online (Zoom webinar)
Venue address: 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama Landmark Tower 7F NANA Lv. (Nana Level) Yokohama City University Minatomirai Satellite Campus
Participants: Domestic startups considering conducting demonstration experiments
The guests:
Yuki Tsuji, CEO of Actual Inc./Director of ART360°
Erika Hashimoto, COO, Streamo Inc.
DATTARUJIN Inc. CEO Akira Yamamoto
timetable:
18:00 start
18:02 Program Introduction
18:15 Q & A
18:20 Panel discussion
18:55 Q & A
19:00 Exchange meeting
19: 30 Finish
Application URL (Peatix):https://mmic20240807.peatix.com