SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) “STATION Ai,” a startup support hub based in the city of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, Japan’s industrial heartland, officially opened its doors on October 1, 2024. Since then new member companies have been successively launching their business activities, and a ceremony was held on October 31 to celebrate the occasion.
From “barren land for startups” to global launchpad
The ceremony welcomed around 700 attendees, including partners and member companies, to commemorate the official launch of STATION Ai.
On stage Aichi Prefecture Governor Hideaki Omura proudly announced, “We now have over 500 startups and 200 partner companies affiliated with STATION Ai. Every day, they’ll collaborate and help foster the growth of startups here.”
Hideaki Omura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture
STATION Ai has alliances with 21 universities and research institutions in nine countries. One partner is France’s Station F, a hub of European innovation located in the heart of Paris. “Leveraging this collective expertise, we’re aiming to become the largest innovation hub in Asia and make our mark globally,” Omura declared.
SoftBank Corp. President & CEO Junichi Miyakawa was also present at the ceremony. “I grew up in Inuyama City of Aichi Prefecture, and I founded a business in the region here when I was 26 and ran it for a decade. However, at the time I felt Aichi was a difficult place for startups,” he said.
Junichi Miyakawa, President & CEO of SoftBank Corp.
“Drawing from these experiences, we’re committed to creating an ecosystem at STATION Ai that involves local businesses, financial institutions, and government agencies to support startups. My hope is that the startups emerging from STATION Ai will become leaders of Japan in the next 10 to 20 years,” he added.
Hirotaka Sahashi, President and CEO of STATION Ai, commented, “Aichi Prefecture was once called a ‘barren land for startups,’ but now 30% of the 500 startups affiliated with STATION Ai are from Aichi, about 40% are from Tokyo, and the rest come from other parts of Japan and abroad. The technological prowess and expertise of Aichi’s large companies and small-to-medium-sized enterprises, rooted in the region’s manufacturing heritage, will play a crucial role in the growth phase of these startups.”
Hirotaka Sahashi, President and CEO of STATION Ai
Sahashi added, “While the facility itself officially opened on October 31, the community within STATION Ai will be built collaboratively with everyone involved. Let’s work together to elevate the Aichi region and transform it into a focal point for open innovation in Asia.”
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(Posted on November 12, 2024, Original Article Posted on November 8, 2024)
by SoftBank News Editors
STATION Ai: Japan’s Largest Incubation Facility
Scheduled to open in October 2024 on the south side of Tsuruma Park in Nagoya City, STATION Ai will be Japan's largest incubation facility. Its site area spans approximately 7,300 square meters and its floor space is 23,600 square meters, with seven above-ground floors. In addition to offices for startups and partner companies, the facility will feature a tech lab, event spaces, accommodation facilities, childcare services, cafes, restaurants, and the “Aichi Founders’ Hall,” which will showcase the achievements of entrepreneurs and business leaders with links to Aichi Prefecture.
