KDDI Employees Participate in Investee Projects Through Side Job-Style Cross-Organizational Program. Towards Co-creation of Business Support and Human Resource Development that "Doesn't End with Investment." [side project 9th Term Starts in May 2026]

The 9th term of "side project," an external concurrent cross-organizational program provided by LoanDEAL Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representatives: Koki Goto, Yosuke Okawa), commenced in May 2026.
This term, four employees from KDDI Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President, CEO: Koji Matsuda; hereinafter KDDI), which widely supports startup companies with its corporate venture fund "KDDI Open Innovation Fund (KOIF)*," are participating with the aim of creating new business co-creation with promising startup companies. "Side project" allows participating employees to be involved in a startup's business for 20% of their working hours over three months, thereby contributing not only to supporting the investee's business but also to fostering talent that promotes open innovation.

■ Challenges of CVCs that tend to "end with investment"
In recent years, while CVC investments by large corporations have expanded, there have also been challenges noted such as "investments made, but no subsequent collaboration." To generate business synergy, mutual understanding and practical application at the operational level are essential, not just capital relationships. However, human resources who understand both large corporations and startups and can bridge them are limited.

■ Participate in startups without leaving current work using "side project"
"Side project" has now enabled four KDDI employees to participate in four KOIF-invested startups. KDDI employees can participate in the startup's project for 20% of their working hours for three months. This mechanism allows them to be involved in supporting the investee's business without completely leaving their current duties. Through actual projects, they can also deepen their understanding of startups.

"Side project" incorporates a human resource development program designed to embed cross-organizational experience as learning. Before project participation, an introspection program is conducted to organize one's WILL (intent) and CAN (abilities) and clarify growth themes. During the project period, weekly reports, reflections, and monthly group work are used to articulate experiences, and mutual feedback is exchanged with participants from other companies to expand insights.
By iterating between practice and introspection, the cross-organizational experience gained through the project is not merely an event but is firmly established as learning.

■ As a mechanism that simultaneously achieves "human resource development x business co-creation"
This initiative aims to deepen mutual understanding and lead to business co-creation by involving "human resources" in addition to "capital" in CVC. Furthermore, by combining introspection and reflection before and after the cross-organizational experience, it aims to foster human resources who understand both large corporations and startups and can continue to deliver value even after the program.
Notably, in 2023, JR East Start-up Co., Ltd. introduced rental secondment with the expectation of developing talent capable of strengthening business co-creation and providing accompaniment to startups.
As a means to simultaneously achieve the business growth of investees and the human resource development of the company itself, further attention is expected.

⚫︎ What is side project?
It is an external concurrent cross-organizational training program for venture companies, utilizing approximately 20% of working hours over three months.
In the 9th term, two large corporations, including KDDI Corporation, are participating. Six employees will participate in six startups, working on projects for 20% of their working hours for three months starting in May 2026.

Mechanism of side project

■ Introduction of KOIF investee projects that accept talent from KDDI
10X Inc.: Provides the DX platform "Stailer" for retail chains, with the mission of "Pioneering the future of retail."
SPeak Inc.: Operates "JPort," Japan's largest career platform for young foreign talent, with the vision of "Global People Make Global Companies and Society."
SkyFarm Inc.: Develops the mobile order platform "NEW PORT" specialized for commercial facilities, stations, and offices, with the mission of "GOOD TIME, GOOD PLACE."
DataMesh Inc.: Supports the digital transformation of industrial sites such as manufacturing, construction, and energy by providing the physical AI platform "FactVerse," which combines digital twin, XR, and AI.

＜Past adopting companies of side project (as of May 2026, total 30 companies / in alphabetical order)＞
IHI Corporation, Aisin Corporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp., Kao Group Customer Marketing Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kyocera Communication Systems