Opening Session

The Future of Startup Support from Global and Local Perspectives

In this session, Plug and Play Japan and Stripe will discuss how to support startups from both global and local perspectives. Emphasizing the utilization of a global network and local specialization, we will explore the potential of cross-border collaboration, the essential support required for Japanese startups, and the significance of contributing to the startup ecosystem.
*The session will be conducted with simultaneous translation between Japanese and English.

• • 

  • Daniel Heffernan

    Stripe Japan, Inc.
    Representative Director

• • 

  • Alex Odajima

    EDGEof INNOVATION, LLC

• • 

  • Phillip Vincent

    Plug and Play Japan
    CEO

Networking

What's Next for the Start-Up Ecosystem

In this session, the panelists will share their insights on the next generation startup ecosystem, including driving digital transformation, collaborating with startups across industry boundaries, and creating new business models. Through cooperation and exchange between various ecosystem players, the two experts will discuss how innovation will be transformed.

• • 

  • Ayuko Nakamura

    eiicon co., ltd.

• • 

  • Shigeru Sekinada

    A.T. KEARNEY Kabushiki Kaisha

Networking

New Possibilities for Collaboration between Large Corporations and Startups

In March 2023, KDDI, KDDI Digital Divergence Holdings, and Flywheel, a developer and provider of the data utilization platform "Conata," announced a capital and business alliance. In this report, we focus on how technological innovation and startup collaboration will shape the future of business, and the possibilities for co-creation, from the perspectives of both major companies and startups.

• • 

  • Akihito Fujii

    KDDI Digital Divergence Holdings

• • 

  • Naoto Yokoyama

    FLYWHEEL, Inc.

Transformation and Evolution in Local Startup Ecosystems

This session will focus on how local communities are changing and evolving in the startup ecosystem. It will discuss ways to address the unique challenges of the region and drive innovation, secrets to the growth and competitiveness of local startups, and new visions for working with local resources. We will invite players who are contributing to the revitalization of the ecosystem and discuss how the local startup ecosystem is creating a new wave of innovation.

• • 

  • Makoto Aou

    LEO Co., Ltd.

• • 

  • Tomoyuki Mizuno

    Creww inc.

• • 

  • Yuki Kanayama

    Kyoto Wisdom Industry Creation Center

Networking

The Future of Osaka's Startup Ecosystem

This session will focus on the startup ecosystem in Osaka and discuss approaches to develop the startup ecosystem from the perspective of both the local government and startups. We will share current challenges and best practices, to discuss ways to support startups' creativity in cooperation with local resources. We will explore how Osaka can leverage its unique strengths in the future and how Osaka can develop as a center of innovation and business growth.

• • 

  • Masao Nagakawa

    OSAKA BUSINESS DEVEROPMENT AGENCY

• • 

  • Mitsutoshi Sugioka

    Goodnews inc.

Networking

The Future of the Startup Ecosystem from an Academia Perspective

In this session the panelists will discuss the prospects for the startup ecosystem from the insights of the academic sector. We will hear their perspectives on the collaboration between innovation and education, new business models, international expansion of the ecosystem, and cooperation between research and industry. Through discussions based on the current state of academia, we will explore the role and value of the startup ecosystem in the new era from both domestic and international points of view.

• • 

  • Masatoshi Kato

    Kwansei Gakuin University School of Economics

• • 

  • Michiko Ashizawa

    Keio University Keio Business School

Startup Pitch #1-A1

• Emosta Inc.

  Health

  https://emosta.com/

  Building AI engine that enable quantify results of emotion (e.g. facial expression)

• RECIKA Co.,Ltd

  Smart Cities

  https://www.recika.jp/

  Regional vitalizing solutions to convert idle assets into active assets using NFT, Metaverse and DAO

• Bareways GmbH

  Mobility

  https://www.bareways.com/

  Developing AI-driven navigation for mobility innovation in rural areas

• SandBox Inc.

  B & R

  https://www.sandbox-inc.com/

  EEG-based emotion analysis service to effectively verify ads and products and improved results

Networking

Startup Pitch #1-A2

• Epoch BioDesign Ltd.

  New Materials

  https://www.epochbiodesign.com/

  Developing enzyme recycling technology for polyethylene using a proprietary enzyme design algorithm

• INCAPTEK Sàrl

  New Materials

  https://incaptek.com/

  Manufaturing unique polyimide and various applications such as composite materials using polyimide

• TOWING Inc.

  Energy

  https://towing.co.jp/

  Crop cultivation system using "High-Performance Soil," an environment-friendly artificial soil

• Cogo

  https://www.cogo.co/

  Carbon solutions to empower bank/card customers to measure and reduce their carbon footprint

Networking

Startup Pitch #1-A3

• Emulate Energy AB

  Energy

  https://www.emulate.energy

  1 API to all Distributed energy resources and one battery inteerface for controls into markets

• Green Independence

  Energy

  https://www.greenindependence.eu

  Solar panels capable of utilizing wastewater for power generation and green hydrogen production.

• Peak Power Inc.

  Energy

  https://peakpowerenergy.com/

  Building software to optimize distributed energy resources

• Solar Foods Oy

  Food & Beverage

  https://solarfoods.com/

  Single-cell proteins by biomass fermentation after adding CO2, water, electricity and bacteria

Startup Pitch #1-A4

• Emsense Technologies AB

  Mobility

  https://www.emsensetech.com/

  Onboard radar for human health monitoring

• eatas, inc.

  Food & Beverage

  https://eatas-service.com/

  Providing data-driven apps that promote behaviour change through diet advice by a nutritionist.

• Another works, Inc

  Fintech

  https://anotherworks.co.jp/

  Provides "Fukugyo Cloud," the Japan's first side job matching platform

• scheme verge, Inc.

  Mobility

  http://www.schemeverge.com

  Developing data-driven tourism and urban development services

Networking

Startup Pitch #1-A5

• VitaNet, Inc.

  Smart Cities

  https://www.vita.net/jp

  Digital ID and authentication service for secure in-store mobile app shopping and customer analytics

• FARM 8

  B & R

  https://farm8.jp

  Sake subscription service to deliver local sake nationwide to increase sake's potential

• Trim Inc.

  Insurtech

  https://www.trim-inc.com/

  Developing and selling baby care rooms, mamaro, for comfortable child care

• Urbanbase

  https://www.urbanbase.co.jp/

  A new customer experience in the real estate and interior design industry through utilizing 3D data

Networking

Startup Pitch #1-A6

• Alitheon Inc.

  Smart Cities

  https://www.alitheon.com/

  Product serialization with a photo using optical-AI. Enables full traceability for broad industries.

• CARBON FLY,Inc.

  New Materials

  https://carbonfly.co.jp/

  Production technology for various shapes of carbon nanotubes with uniform standards and high purity

• ESTAT Actuation, Inc.

  New Materials

  https://www.estat.tech/

  Developing lightweight, low-cost actuators using electro-adsorption technology

• Traydstream

  https://traydstream.com/

  Fintech providing AI/ML Trade Doc Check SaaS platform

• Meet&Connect

  https://www.sparkup.app/

  Online, in-person or hybrid, we provide everything you need to create engaging event experiences

Startup Pitch #1-B1

• Helte Co., Ltd.

  Insurtech

  https://helte.jp/

  Global communication service connecting young people overseas and seniors in Japan

• THE PHAGE, Inc.

  Insurtech

  https://thephage.life/

  Diabetes treatment application with AI-based automatic blood glucose level prediction

• INOPASE Inc

  Health

  https://inopase.com/

  Developing implantable neurostimulator by utilizing wireless power and closed loop

Networking

Startup Pitch #1-B2

• Logos Science Co., Ltd.

  Health

  https://logossjp.com/

  Psychotherapy-based programm application with cognitive behavioral therapy forPsychogenic ED

• nanoni inc.

  Fintech

  https://xxnanoni.com/

  Platform for comprehensive Femtech services for all ages and life stages

• Cosolab Inc.

  Insurtech

  http://cosolab.com

  Ease the challenges of dual income parenting via data-based predictiion and parenting aid by experts

• Aktivolabs Pte. Ltd

  Insurtech

  http://www.aktivolabs.com

  Creating happier and healthier populations through scalable B2B2C digital health science solutions

Networking

Startup Pitch #1-B3

• Easy technology inc

  Fintech

  https://easy-tech.co.jp/

  Developing "Easy," a SaaS for optimizing debt and credit collection process

• PLEN Robotics Inc.

  Smart Cities

  http://www.plenrobotics.com/

  AI Assistant PLEN Cube with Face Recognition to reduce labor shortage

• REASE Inc.

  Fintech

  http://www.rease.co.jp

  Development of credit services for leasing and SaaS / AI-based credit evaluation engine

• Clarity K.K.

  Insurtech

  https://www.clarity.tokyo/

  "ROLMO" , a role-model matching cloud & program for large corporates to develop diverse leaders.

Networking

Startup Pitch #1-B4

• Albo Climate

  Energy

  https://www.albosys.com/

  AI-based evaluation technology for carbon sequestration through spatial and temporal monitoring

• Rebasian Technologies AB

  Energy

  https://www.rebase.energy/

  The open energy modelling platform, to plan and optimise distributed energy resources

• Alterpacks Pte. Ltd.

  Food & Beverage

  https://alterpacks.com/

  Manufacturing food containers made from used grain, a byproduct of beer and other food production

• Sweet Balance Ltd.

  Food & Beverage

  https://www.sweet-balance.com/

  Natural sugar substitute to reduce amount of sugar in food and beverage with minimum impact on taste

• Revive Eco Ltd

  Food & Beverage

  https://revive-eco.com/

  Upcycling coffee grounds and produce palm oil substitutes

• COMPREDICT GmbH

  Mobility

  https://compredict.ai/

  Developing virtual sensors for large-scale analysis of vehicle data

Startup Pitch #1-B5

• FansWave Limited

  Smart Cities

  https://www.fanswifi.com/

  Empower growth with social WiFi marketing by FansWiFi. Maximize engagement, drive business growth.

• LIFESION, Inc.

  Insurtech

  https://lifesion.co.jp/

  Life insurance purchase service for policyholders after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

• Kasanare, Inc.

  Smart Cities

  https://www.kasanare.co.jp/

  Providing SaaS based on customized ChatGPT. Supporting clients to implement Generative AI.

• Stroly, Inc.

  Smart Cities

  https://corp.stroly.com/

  Providing an online illustrated maps platform

Networking

Startup Pitch #1-B6

• Natural Machines Inc

  Smart Cities

  https://www.naturalmachines.com

  Offers personalized services for health products using 3D printers

• Hakobun Inc.

  Food & Beverage

  https://lp.honnepost.com/

  Honne POST is a customer communication tool that delivers honest opinions through digital letters.

• Tailor Works Inc.

  Fintech

  https://tailorworks.com/

  Creating credit economy ecosystem by providing a co-creation platform

• Idomoo ltd

  Insurtech

  https://www.idomoo.com/

  Provides data-driven, instantly customized, personalized video for a new customer experience

• AKA

  https://www.akaintelligence.com/jp/

  Developing GenAI(Muse) and providing solutions adjusted to various needs from education to business

Opening Session

CVCs's Evolution and Contribution to the Innovation Ecosystem

Corporate venture capitals contribute to the growth and development of the startup ecosystem by providing not only funding, but also business partnerships, market development support, technology collaboration, and a wide range of other support services. This session will focus on the evolution of CVCs and its role with startups, and discuss its contribution to the innovation ecosystem from a broad range of perspectives.

• • 

  • Masatoshi Takahashi

    Shimadzu Corporation

• • 

  • Tomoko Inoue

    Omron Ventures Co., Ltd.

Networking

How Will Generative AI Change Society?

Two startups at the forefront of the industry will discuss the impact of the evolution of AI - on the coexistence of humans and AI, new business models, and future possibilities, as well as the role of technology in the future society. *The session will be conducted with simultaneous translation between Japanese and English.

• • 

  • Jerry Chi

    Stability AI Japan K.K.
    Head of Japan

• • 

  • Tiago Ramalho

    Recursive INC
    Co-founder and CEO

Networking

Evolving Open Innovation: New Prospects for Large Corporations

Open innovation is a collaboration that brings together "innovative ideas” and “resources". How large corporations and startups maximize each other's value will become increasingly important in the future. In this session, panelists will discuss strategies for major companies to leverage open innovation to achieve sustainable growth, including dynamic sharing of technology and ideas, strengthening partnerships with startups, and creating new business models.

• • 

  • Yusuke Doi

    UNIDGE,Inc

• • 

  • Junichi Karasuyama

    LoanDEAL Inc.

Networking

Exploring the Dynamic Landscape of VC/CVC Investments in the Energy Sector

Esteemed representatives from the Energy & Environment Investment (EEI) and ENEOS Corporation CVC Division, we will interactively discuss recent investment trends and respective ideas in next-generation technologies, having the audiences involved.

• • 

  • Shuichiro Kawamura

    Energy & Environment Investment, Inc.

• • 

  • Takahiro Ohmachi

    ENEOS Holdings, Inc.

Networking

UCC Holdings’ Vision for the Ideal New Business Development

In the current Food & Beverage industry, many corporates are exploring various forms of new business. However, launching these businesses to market and fostering their subsequent growth involves facing a multitude of dilemmas. In such a challenging landscape, how should we proceed with planning to achieve further success? The discussion will mainly focus on organizational development and the approach to planning and decision-making.

• • 

  • Yuki Yanagihara

    UCC HOLDINGS CO.,LTD.

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-A1

• Crezit Holdings Inc.

  Fintech

  https://crezit-holdings.com/

  Developing a SaaS business system providing Credit as a Service（CaaS）model

• AKUR8 SAS.

  Insurtech

  https://akur8.com/

  The next generation insurance pricing solution

• Trade Waltz Inc.

  IoT

  https://www.tradewaltz.com/

  Provides TradeWaltz, a cross-industry trade platform

• Kiana Analytics, Inc.

  Smart Cities

  https://kiana.io/

  Leveraging WiFi and Bluetooth data to help achieve digitalization of the workforce and workplace

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-A2

• Content Square Inc.

  Insurtech

  https://contentsquare.com/jp-jp/

  On-site customer experience analysis with strength in cause analysis of online customer behavior

• Smash Co., Ltd.

  Insurtech

  https://smash.ne.jp/

  AI chatbot to provide churn prevention and insurance quote support for all services

• CiPPo Co., Ltd.

  Smart Cities

  http://cippo.net/

  A local media application to receive comprehensive information specific to a small area

• Co-Growth Inc.

  Mobility

  https://co-growth.jp/

  DX-enabling services for sales personnel development

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-A3

• 16Lab Inc.

  Mobility

  http://16lab.net/

  Developing ring-sized IoT/wearable module

• Rei Frontier,Inc

  Mobility

  https://www.rei-frontier.jp/

  Developing an application utilizing location information acquisition and analysis technology

• H2L Inc.

  Smart Cities

  http://h2l.jp/

  Developing “BodySharing®,” experience sharing technology with characters, robots, or others’ bodies.

• AVILOO GmbH

  Energy

  https://aviloo.com/home-en.html

  Worldleading EV Battery Diagnostics, Field Data & Monitoring for Industrial Battery Storage.

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-A4

• Ani Biome

  Food & Beverage

  https://anibiome.ai/

  Personalized supplements and health tracking test apps for each individual's gut

• Posh Robotics Inc.

  Energy

  https://www.poshrobotics.com/

  Developing a system to automate the disassembling and grading of EV battery packs

• hDrop Technologies Inc.

  Food & Beverage

  http://hdroptech.com/

  Managing hydration through sweat data collected by wearable devices.

• WEAV3D Inc.

  New Materials

  https://weav3d.com

  Technology to produce moldable composite lattice by weaving thermoplastic tape

Startup Pitch #2-A5

• Laspy corp.

  Fintech

  https://laspy.net/

  Developed "Anshin Stock," a disaster prevention stockpile joint ownership platform

• UrbanChain Group Ltd.

  Mobility

  https://urbanchain.world/

  UrbanChain Group transforms a car into a credit card using AIoT technologies

• A10 Lab Inc.

  Health

  https://a10lab.com/

  "Minchalle Kin-en" combines peer support and medication for an effective smoking cessation solution

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-A6

• EAGLYS, Inc.

  Mobility

  https://eaglys.co.jp/

  EAGLYS ALCHEMISTA, a business-to-business data collaboration solution using secret calculations

• Visionaries 777

  Mobility

  http://www.vz777.com/

  Eliminate training costs & enabling remote staff management via digital twins and augmented reality

• GREEN UTILITY Co., Ltd.

  B & R

  https://mocha.jp

  Mobile battery sharing for easy rental and return anywhere

• Realwear

  https://www.realwear.com/jp/

  RealWear - the global leader in industrial wearable computers

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-A7

• Sustainable Lab Inc.

  Fintech

  https://suslab.net/

  Developed the "Sustainable Company Directory" to visualize a company's ESG and SDG contribution.

• JIKANTECHNO CORPORATION

  Mobility

  https://jikantechno.com

  The world's first production and development of biomass nanocarbons

• Persefoni AI, Inc.

  Energy

  https://persefoni.com/

  GHG emissions calculation, visualization, and analysis platform

• Pi-xcels

  https://www.pi-xcels.com/

  Helping retailers give digital receipts without apps, email, or phones using our patented technology

Startup Pitch #2-B1

• First Screening Corp.

  Insurtech

  http://first-screening.com/

  promoting human health by providing various testing kits/health programs in the area of unwellness

• issin

  Insurtech

  https://issin.cc/

  Smart bath mat for weight-in and weight-control at various life stages

• YStory, Inc.

  Insurtech

  https://www.ystoryfemtech.com/

  Personalized and comprehensive care platform based on menopausal symptom records

• Osaka Heat Cool Inc.

  Health

  https://www.osaka-heat-cool.com/

  Developing "ThermoScratch" for skin inching issue by using temperatory technology

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-B2

• Waqua Inc.

  Smart Cities

  https://waqua.com/

  Developed patented, small sized desalination system, composed IoT platform for water infrastructure

• Friend Microbe Inc.

  Smart Cities

  https://friendmicrobe.co.jp/

  Providing industrial waste and GHG reduction technology using microorganisms and their enzymes

• SOLAR POWER PAINTERS

  Smart Cities

  https://s-p-painters.com/

  Developing "Power Generation Ink," a proprietary ink that generates solar power by putting it on

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-B3

• Smart Material Solutions, Inc.

  New Materials

  https://www.smartmaterialsolutions.com/

  Technology to add various functions by nano-sized pattern processing on the surface of resin.

• Super Polymer

  New Materials

  https://www.super-polymer.com/

  Technology to develop pure fully crystalline polymers will impact many industries

• AirGo Design Pte. Ltd

  New Materials

  https://www.airgodesign.com/

  AI-based Development of Sustainable Metal Substitutes

• Miruku Ltd

  New Materials

  https://miruku.com/

  Developing animal-free dairy products using molecular agriculture technology

Startup Pitch #2-B4

• MEC CORPORATION

  Smart Cities

  https://www.mobenecircu.com/

  Developing an ultra-compact, lightweight binary generator that converts heat into electrical energy

• AQUAM, Inc.

  Food & Beverage

  http://ecoloblue.co.jp/

  Producing water from the air by adsorbing and filtering moisture from the air

• PEEL Lab

  Food & Beverage

  https://www.peel-lab.com/

  Next-generation plant-derived leather made by upcycling pineapple leaves for B2B

• Reconnai Co., Ltd.

  AEPW

  http://www.reconnai.com

  Developed an AI-based mobile app that teaches users how to sort and dispose of trash

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-B5

• Hatarakubu -In-house corporate venture between NTT Docomo and 39works-

  Fintech

  https://hataraku-bu.jp

  Educational platform for students to learn about career opportunities through online club activities

• GATARI Inc.

  Mobility

  https://gatari.co.jp/

  Creating a future infrastructure that blends the digital and real worlds through Mixed Reality（MR）.

• iiba Inc.

  Mobility

  https://corporate.iiba.space/

  Developing "iiba", a childcare map application to find "good places" to go with children.

• famitra Inc.

  Fintech

  https://www.famitra.jp/

  Providing family-trust origination cheaply to prevent from asset freeze due to dementia

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-B6

• Lightblue Inc.

  Mobility

  http://www.lightblue-tech.com

  Providing new-age behavior analysis solutions with human sensing technology and LLM

• APTO, Inc.

  Smart Cities

  https://apto.co.jp/

  Developed a platform for high-quality, low-cost data collection and creation for AI development

• AdInte co.,ltd.

  IoT

  http://aibeacon.jp/

  Developed an O2O solution, AI Beacon, which can acquire consumer data

• ACES, Inc.

  IoT

  https://acesinc.co.jp/

  Combined large scale models and proprietary AI to develop and provide digital business

Networking

Startup Pitch #2-B7

• JSecurity

  https://www.jsecurity.co.jp/

  Plans, develops and sells security tools such as targeted attack countermeasures and email security

• Ingenta

  https://www.ingenta.ai/ja

  Uses Graph AI and advanced tech to aid clients in solving challenges and discovering opportunities

• Turing Space, Inc.

  https://certs.turingchain.tech/

  Providing blockchain digital certificate services used in 9 countries around the world

• Symphony

  https://symphony.com/

  Platform connecting financial markets enabling efficient workflows and compliant communication