Open Network Lab Fukuoka Batch 2

At Open Network Lab FUKUOKA, they aim to create the necessary societal change for the New Normal, including the utilization of technologies such as 5G, XR, and digital twins. Through, collaboration with cutting-edge startups, they aim to co-create a better city and quality of life for city residents. It is a program that aims to create businesses in New Normal in collaboration with partner companies. During the program period, Open Network Lab will verify the business idea that combines the service/products you applied for and the resources of their partner, and verify the hypothesis through PoC, aiming for joint commercialization, business alliance, investment, etc.

Eligibility

• The applicant (the “Applicant”) should be a corporation
• If research results, patents, or other intellectual property rights (the “IPs”) are to be used in the business of the Applicant, the Applicant shall have the rights to use the IPs in its business and shall not infringe the rights of any third party by such use of the IPs
• The Applicant of the Open Network Lab FUKUOKA (shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Program”) shall have skills to plan the co-creation with sponsors of the program during the period of the program which is approximately three (3) months and to demonstrate the results of such co-creation
• If the Applicant has received investment by a third party(ies), the Applicant shall have obtained prior consent from such investor(s) to the Applicant’s participation in the Program
• The Applicant’s business shall not violate public policy
• The Applicant or any of its directors, officers, employees, or stakeholders shall not be a part of anti-social forces, and shall not have any relationship with anti-social forces
• The Applicant whose foreign national and who is staying in Japan shall have the legal rights to stay in Japan for the period of the program
• The Applicant who is a minor shall have the consent of his/her guardian

Benefits

• Mentoring: Experienced professionals in open innovation management will work closely with participating teams to support open innovation management, hypothesis validation, product brush-ups, and pitch practice
• Funding: Funding for participating startups will be considered in certain cases. *Funding is not guaranteed. It will only be provided in cases with agreement from both parties
• Community: Through the program, they will provide connections with startups that challenge at the same stage and partner companies including ones in Fukuoka
• Support: This program supports the business by forming a business ecosystem with large enterprises, which is difficult for startups to reach. In addition, they will cooperate in various aspects such as PoC and business alliances to create businesses
• Benefits: Many partner companies are cooperating to provide an environment where startups can speed up their business. They offer various benefits such as infrastructure, back office, analysis, and recruiting tools
• Incubation Space: Participating teams will be provided with a free co-working space at Fukuoka Growth Next, the Fukuoka City startup support facility, to concentrate on the program. *Office facilities may not be provided due to social conditions such as the epidemic of COVID-19 and natural disasters

Application Process

• Apply via the entry form
• Review submitted documents: Application is evaluated based on the product (idea), market, and team
• Matchmaking interview: Presentation is conducted to the enterprise partners.
• The program starts: The Program starts after matching with the enterprise partners.
• 2nd batch will begin in late December 2020 Please note that your applications take up to two weeks to be processed, your result will be delivered to you then. They are looking forward to receiving your applications.
• Click here to apply