JR East Startup Program 2023 opens for application

East Japan Railway Company and JR East Startup Co., Ltd. have announced the “JR East Startup Program 2023,” an initiative designed to foster collaborative business ventures and innovative ideas. Since its inception in 2017, the program has approved a total of 104 proposals, resulting in various successful demonstrations across sectors, including railway business, lifestyle services, IT, and Suica business. Some of these projects have even made it to implementation.

For its 8th edition, the program aims to further open innovation by holding two application rounds, in spring and autumn. Additionally, this year’s program will emphasize three themes: “Regional Co-creation”, “Digital Co-creation”, and “Global Co-creation (SDGs)”. The goal is to work closely with venture companies to cultivate forward-thinking collaborations.

The JR East Startup Program seeks proposals from venture companies and creative individuals that make use of the management resources and information assets of stations, railways, and group businesses. Once these proposals are refined, the program strives to bring them to life. The program looks for proposals that can jointly address social challenges and contribute to a more prosperous and fulfilling future.

Targeting companies generally within 10 years of establishment, the program aims to conduct demonstration experiments within one year, with a spring recruitment deadline in March and an autumn recruitment deadline the following September.

The program solicits ideas within the following themes:

• Regional Co-creation:  Creating new value in local life assets, such as stations, by utilizing tourism resources, innovative travel and work styles through MaaS, and fostering new business through collaboration with local industries.
• Digital Co-creation: Enhancing productivity using AI, robotics, drones, and other technologies, and crafting lifestyles that incorporate both real and digital data assets, including Suica.
• Global Co-creation (SDGs): Addressing challenges to achieve a sustainable society, focusing on carbon neutrality, energy, and circular economy.

Interested parties can apply through the dedicated website, which also provides information on JR East Group’s co-creation activities. The spring application period runs from April 13, 2023, to June 2, 2023, while the autumn application period is scheduled for mid-October 2023. Visit JR East Startup website for more information and application.