Six Startups Take the Stage under the Theme of Health × Future: 3rd Kansai Kyoso-no-Mori DAY-3 feat. NEDO Dream Pitch Held at Shimadzu’s Co-Creation Space
On February 10, the 3rd Kansai Kyoso-no-Mori DAY-3 feat. NEDO Dream Pitch event was held under the theme “Health × Future” at KYOLABS, Shimadzu’s co-creation and collaboration space located within the Head Office Sanjo Works, as part of the Kansai Kyoso-no-Mori initiative. About 60 people attended, including startup executives and representatives from corporations, local governments, financial institutions, and venture capital firms.
What is Kansai Kyoso-no-Mori DAYS?
Kansai Kyoso-no-Mori DAYS is an open innovation event hosted as part of the Kansai Kyoso-no-Mori initiative of the Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI-KANSAI). Held in co-creation spaces, these events feature pitches by mid-sized companies, small businesses, and startups. They aim to generate new partnerships and joint initiatives through interaction among a diverse range of participants.
This 3rd DAY-3 session was held in cooperation with NEDO Dream Pitch, organized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Dream Pitch aims to accelerate the growth of startups by improving business matching through interactions with regional talent and companies across different industries and sectors. At the event, six NEDO-supported startups took the stage.
Held at KYOLABS, a Forum for Asking and Answering Questions
The event opened with remarks by Takeyoshi Hayashi, Director-General, General Coordination and Policy Planning Department at METI-KANSAI, and Toshiyuki Kawano, Corporate Officer of Shimadzu Corporation and General Manager of Shimadzu’s Technology Research Laboratory. Hiroomi Goto, General Manager of the Future Strategy Department at Shimadzu’s Technology Research Laboratory, then presented an overview of Shimadzu’s business and open innovation initiatives.
Takeyoshi Hayashi, Director-General, METI-KANSAI
Toshiyuki Kawano, Corporate Officer, Shimadzu Corporation
Hiroomi Goto, Shimadzu Corporation (Technology Research Laboratory) introducing Shimadzu’s open innovation facilities
Participants then toured KYOLABS and the Science Plaza showroom to learn more about Shimadzu’s research and collaboration laboratoriess environment.
Hover over exhibits to view details
Startups’ Passionate Pitches
The six startup companies that took the stage and officials from the organizing and co-organizing secretariats
The startups then took the stage, enthusiastically delivering pitches that brimmed with original ideas, under the theme “Health × Future.” The companies were: MaRI Co., Ltd. and E-ThermoGentek Co., Ltd. (Kyoto); AlzMed, Inc. (Tokyo); Green Chemical Inc. and IntegriCulture Inc. (Kanagawa); and Friend Microbe Inc. (Aichi). Participants listened intently as the startups introduced their products and services. These were centered on advanced technologies that contribute to both human health and environmental sustainability. After the pitches, eight organizations delivered one-minute presentations, outlining their impressions and expectations for the networking session.
One-minute presentations by the eight organizations
Mid-event remarks by Daisuke Baba of NEDO
In his remarks before the break, Daisuke Baba, Director of the Ecosystem Igniters Section/Caravan Section in NEDO’s Startup Support Department, explained that while NEDO has traditionally focused on supporting startups, it is now starting to support large companies in their collaboration efforts with startups. He also outlined NEDO’s latest initiatives.
Lively Networking Session
At the networking session, exhibition booths were set up by the six presenting companies, allowing for lively discussions that went beyond affiliations, roles, and industry sectors.
The networking session. Shimadzu employees also took part actively in the discussions
In the post-event survey, many respondents noted that they were motivated by the passion of the presenters at the 3rd Kansai Kyoso-no-Mori DAY-3 feat. NEDO Dream Pitch, and that the event sparked new connections among the participants.
It was my first time attending this type of event. The startup pitches were extremely clear and informative, and the experience was very worthwhile. The speakers’ passion and willingness to take on challenges were especially motivating.
It was a valuable opportunity to learn about the initiatives of a wide range of companies and startups in a single event. In particular, listening to several of the presentations I felt there was potential for investment or business collaboration, which provided a useful hint for future steps. There was also information useful from a product improvement standpoint, and I am glad I participated.
Shimadzu Corporation’s examples of open innovation initiatives were particularly valuable. The startup pitches allowed us to sense each company's passion and direction, which was quite inspiring.
Comment from the Person in Charge at Shimadzu Corporation
It was inspiring to see so many people dedicated to the theme of “Health × Future” gathered at KYOLABS and engaging in such dynamic discussions. We want to build on this energy and work with startups and various stakeholders to promote collaboration, support, and co-creation, and make Kansai a leader in Japan’s startup ecosystem.
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