Plug and Play Japan Smart Cities Batch3 EXPO Report ~Online Streaming will be available from July 13 JST~

TOKYO, JAPAN July 6, 2022 -- Plug and Play Japan KK (Based in Shibuya, Tokyo, CEO: Philip Vincent, hereinafter “Plug and Play Japan”) held a Smart Cities Batch3 EXPO, a Demo Day to present the results on the accelerator program. From Smart Cities Batch3 Program, 25 startups and 18 corporate partners presented on stage to introduce their business progress.

About the Plug and Play Japan Smart Cities Program

Since the launch of the Smart Cities program in December 2020, Plug and Play Japan has been working to support co-creation between startups and corporate partners through a wide range of collaborative themes.
From the Batch 3 program, the program expanded to operate at two locations, Tokyo and Osaka, with 18 corporate partners. 25 startups from Japan and other countries were selected for 5 focus areas; Sustainability, Smart Life & Hospitality, Digitalization & Data Solutions, Travel & Experience, and Industrial IoT & Robotics.
Startup booths were set up at the venue to allow visitors to try out some of the startups' products, and networking was held to encourage interaction among the participants and speakers. 

Pitch at the event venue

Smart Cities Batch 3 Selected Startups

At the end of the event, EXPO startup awards were given to the international and Japanese startups that received the most votes from the audience and Executive Observers. Also, some corporate partners were awarded for their energetic support and contribution throughout the program. Please see below for more details. 

【EXPO Startup Award】

Plug and Play calls a demo day in each vertical “EXPO,” and startups in each EXPO that earn the largest number of votes from the audience receive an award. Award winners acquire the opportunity to give their pitches in front of venture capitalists and international corporations at Plug and Play global offices.
*The schedule and destination of EXPO Winners are under discussion.

International Startup
Carbon Reform, Inc.
Modular direct air capture, energy savings, and improved indoor air quality for buildings
https://www.carbonreform.com/

Japan Startup
DroNext, Inc
An end-to-end developer and operator of modular, air mobility facilities to support operations of the growing air taxi and drone industry
https://dronextglobal.com/

【Startup Friendly Award】

Startup Friendly Award was given to the partner in honor of being friendly to startups in the process of their meetings/collaborative projects. The award goes to the corporate partner based on the largest number of votes from startups selected in the Smart Cities Batch 3 Program. 

KAJIMA CORPORATION

【Corporate Innovation Award】

Corporate Innovation Award was given to the corporate partner who has passionately engaged with the accelerator program from designing the program to operating itself.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

【Ecosystem Builder Award】

Ecosystem Builder Award was given to the person in charge of the corporate partner who contributed to the formation of the Plug and Play innovation ecosystem during the program.

Hiroyuki Aizawa (Toshiba Corporation)

About Online Streaming 

The online streaming will be available from July 13 through July 31 JST for those who have pre-registered or those who attended the event on the day of the event.

■ Registration Link: https://japan.plugandplaytechcenter.com/events/scb3_expo/
■ Registration Due: July 29, JST
■ For Inquiry: press-japan@pnptc.com

About the Accelerator Program of Plug and Play Japan

The program is aimed at creating new innovations in eight areas (Fintech, Insurtech, Mobility, Food & Beverage, Health, Smart Cities, New Materials, Energy) by connecting Plug and Play Japan's corporate partners with domestic and overseas startup companies. Through this program, corporate partners will be able to match with domestic and overseas startups that can add value and accelerate their internal innovation. Also, startups have the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of major companies. At the end of the program, the "Summit" will be held to announce the results. In addition to being able to obtain the latest information on innovation that cannot be obtained in Japan alone, this program provides unique opportunities that transcend industry boundaries.

About the accelerator program in Plug and Play Japan

Plug and Play Japan provides accelerator programs to accelerate innovation by connecting Plug and Play Japan's corporate partners with Japanese and international startups. Through these programs, corporate partners are able to connect with participating startups with technologies and services that could accelerate their innovation activities. For startups, they have the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of major corporations.
EXPO (Demo Day) is the final step of the accelerator program where startups give pitches outlining their results from the program. It is a great opportunity to get the latest updates on innovative technologies, meet cutting-edge startups, and develop new business partnerships.

About Plug and Play Japan

Plug and Play Japan was established in 2017 as a subsidiary of Plug and Play, which is a global innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley. Our major strength is to provide "consortium-type programs with our extensive global network" and support startups through "Venture Capital Investment."
By working closely with 45+ official corporate partners, Plug and Play Japan supports Japanese and international startups to scale their businesses and to enhance collaboration with industry-leading corporations.
Plug and Play Website: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/about/

Company Overview

Company：Plug and Play Japan KK
Founded: 2017/7/14
Address：Shibuya Center Place 3F 1-16-3, Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Representative：Phillip Vicent
URL：http://japan.plugandplaytechcenter.com/

Inquiry regarding this Press Release

Plug and Play Japan KK
The person in charge: Haruka Ichikawa
Email: press-japan@pnptc.com