The 'Saitama City SOIP Project,' hosted by Saitama City and operated by the General Incorporated Association Saitama Sports Commission (headquartered in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture; Representative Director: Hidehiko Sano, hereinafter 'SSC'), has launched the recruitment of 'Business Partners' and 'Co-Creation Plans' starting Friday, July 3, 2026.

The Saitama City SOIP is a project aiming to realize 'Saitama, a City of Sports' from a business perspective, as part of the Saitama Sports Schule initiative. By facilitating business matching, co-creation, and business development support among companies, organizations, universities, and others, the project seeks to commercialize new sports businesses and solve social issues through sports. In the fiscal year 2026 (Reiwa 8), the initiative aims to develop new sports businesses that contribute to solving social challenges through co-creation between Sports Partners and Business Partners.

In conjunction with the Business Partner recruitment, the official website has published the application guidelines along with a full list of 'Sports Partners' and their 'Co-Creation Themes.'

Saitama City SOIP 2026 Official Website

https://saitamasc.hp.peraichi.com/saitamasoip

Overview of Business Partner Recruitment

We are seeking Business Partners (private companies, etc.) to conduct demonstration projects aimed at building new business models that solve social issues through co-creation with Sports Partners. Applicants must review the guidelines, select one Sports Partner and one of their listed co-creation themes, and submit a 'Co-Creation Plan' that contributes to solving social issues.

Application Period: July 3 (Fri) – July 22 (Wed), 2026

Application Method: Submit via the dedicated entry form (Google Form) below

https://forms.gle/YXyuvdi1EowoiwTaA

About Sports Partners and Co-Creation Themes

For details, please visit the official website.

◇ Sports Partner A: Saitama Seibu Lions

Co-Creation Theme ①: Creating safe spaces for children and strengthening local communities in collaboration with a top-tier sports club

Co-Creation Theme ②: Developing new sports spaces and environments where ball sports can be enjoyed daily

◇ Sports Partner B: Saitama D'reve

Co-Creation Theme ①: Initiatives to enhance Saitama City's appeal as a 'City of Cycling' and promote cycling culture

Co-Creation Theme ②: Promoting safe and environmentally friendly cycling lifestyles

◇ Sports Partner C: Inspirets Tennis Club

Co-Creation Theme ①: Building sustainable new models for school clubs and local sports clubs, and training local coaches

Co-Creation Theme ②: Co-creating sports initiatives that foster visible, connected communities

◇ Sports Partner D: plus N / Unit

Co-Creation Theme ①: Creating accessible environments where families can easily participate and grow through diverse sports

Co-Creation Theme ②: Developing a physical activity market that supports individual challenges through non-sports motivations

◇ Sports Partner E: Sports Club & Sauna Spa Renaissance Urawa 24 / Sports Club & Sauna Spa Renaissance Urawa Ekimae 24

Co-Creation Theme ①: Multi-generational 'Exercise × Disaster Prevention Community Lab' project

Co-Creation Theme ②: Community-integrated 'Medical × Fitness Lab' project

Co-Creation Theme ③: Urban lifestyle 'Working Generation × Sports Wellness Lab' project

Key Upcoming Schedule (Tentative)

・Document Screening: Late July 2026

・Co-Creation Partner Meetup: Afternoon, August 4, 2026 (Tue)

・Co-Creation Project Selection Meeting: Morning, August 25, 2026 (Tue)

・Kickoff Camp: September 8, 2026 (Tue)

・Results Reporting Session: March 17, 2027 (Wed)

What is the 'Saitama City SOIP'?

SOIP (Sports Open Innovation Platform) is an open innovation framework promoted by the Japan Sports Agency to encourage collaboration between the sports sector and other industries to create new services.

The Saitama City SOIP is a project aiming to realize 'Saitama, a City of Sports' from a business perspective, as part of the Saitama Sports Schule initiative. Through business matching, co-creation, and business development support among companies, organizations, universities, and others, the project seeks to commercialize new sports businesses and solve social issues through sports.

Reference

Saitama City SOIP 2026 Launches! Call for Sports Partners

We are seeking organizations to co-create new businesses by leveraging the power of sports (May 27, 2026)

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000058932.html

Host

Saitama City

https://www.city.saitama.lg.jp/

Operator

General Incorporated Association Saitama Sports Commission

http://saitamasc.jp/

Advisor (Supervision & Operational Support)

The Small Things Co., Ltd.

https://www.the-small-things.com/

Contact

General Incorporated Association Saitama Sports Commission

Business Planning Division, Tel: 048-762-8334

Inquiry Form: https://saitamasc.jp/inquiry

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: キャンペーン