Saitama City SOIP: The Small Things Launches Call for Business Partners in FY2026 Saitama City SOIP Initiative

The Small Things Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: YOSHIFUMI TAGAMI, hereinafter "The Small Things") is serving as the advisory body (supervision and operational support) for the Saitama City-hosted "Saitama City SOIP Project" (operated by the Saitama Sports Commission, a general incorporated association headquartered in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture; Representative Director: HIDEHIKO SANO, hereinafter "SSC"). The project has officially launched its recruitment of "Business Partners" and "Co-Creation Plans" starting Friday, July 3, 2026.

The Saitama City SOIP is a project designed to realize the vision of "Saitama, a City of Sports" through business innovation. As part of the Saitama Sports Schule initiative, it aims to commercialize new sports-related businesses and solve social issues through sports by facilitating business matching, co-creation, and business development support among companies, organizations, universities, and other entities. In FY2026, the initiative will focus on developing new sports businesses that address social challenges through co-creation between Sports Partners and Business Partners.

In conjunction with the Business Partner recruitment, the project website has been updated to publish application guidelines and simultaneously unveil the list of "Sports Partners" and their "Co-Creation Themes." The Small Things, in its role as advisor, will support the design of recruitment and selection processes, provide hands-on support for forming co-creation projects, and continue to assist in advancing the overall initiative.

FY2026 Saitama City SOIP Project Website

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

Business Partner Recruitment Overview

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 carefully review the guidelines, select one Sports Partner and one of their proposed 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: Submission via the dedicated entry form (Google Form) below

https://forms.gle/YXyuvdi1EowoiwTaA

About Sports Partners and Co-Creation Themes

For full details, please visit the project website.

◇ Sports Partner A: Saitama Seibu Lions

Co-Creation Theme ①: Creating safe spaces for children and local communities in collaboration with a top-tier professional 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 the city’s appeal and promote cycling culture as the "City of Cycling, Saitama"

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 community 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 entry points

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

Co-Creation Theme ①: Multi-generational co-creation project: "Exercise × Disaster Prevention Community Lab"

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

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

Key Upcoming Schedule (Tentative)

・Document Screening: Late July 2026

・Co-Creation Partner Meetup: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (afternoon)

・Co-Creation Project Selection Session: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (morning)

・Kickoff Camp: Tuesday, September 8, 2026

・Results Reporting Session: Wednesday, March 17, 2027

※ The above schedule is subject to change based on future developments.

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, as part of the Saitama Sports Schule initiative, aims to realize "Saitama, a City of Sports" through business innovation by supporting business matching, co-creation, and business development among companies, organizations, universities, and other entities, thereby commercializing new sports businesses and solving social issues through sports.

Role and Contribution of The Small Things Co., Ltd.

This initiative centers on co-creation between sports and other industries to commercialize new sports businesses and solve social issues through collaboration among diverse stakeholders such as companies, organizations, and universities. The Small Things is participating as the "Saitama City SOIP Advisor," leveraging its expertise in driving open innovation in sports, planning and managing co-creation projects, and project management to support the overall advancement of the program.

In the current phase, The Small Things is supporting recruitment and selection of Business Partners, providing hands-on support and mentoring for forming co-creation projects between Sports Partners and Business Partners. During the business development phase, it will support smooth progress of business model development, testing, and validation by co-creation teams, including progress tracking, issue identification, and planning next steps.

The Small Things has previously engaged in co-creation with sports teams, local governments, companies, and community organizations to develop new businesses and solve regional challenges through sports. Leveraging this experience, the company will help connect diverse sports assets with private-sector technologies, services, and ideas to realize Saitama City’s vision of becoming "a City of Sports" and drive impactful co-creation projects.

Company Overview: The Small Things Co., Ltd.

The Small Things Co., Ltd. is named after the song "small things" by the experimental soul band WONK. Guided by the philosophy that "small actions can change the world," the company redefines traditional fixed models by emphasizing dialogue and experimental approaches. It collaborates with communities, fans, and sponsors to create innovative sports experiences, enhance fan engagement, and launch community-linked projects. Anchored in the spirit of "We talk slow Tomorrow, how would it be?", the company pursues new values in sports through small, meaningful steps.

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

Reference

[Saitama City SOIP]