[Mie Prefecture x AlphaDrive] Launch of "MIE StartUp FIELD," a Program to Support Proof-of-Concept Experiments for Out-of-Prefecture Startups with an "All-Mie" Approach

AlphaDrive Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO/CAXO: Yoichi Aso; hereinafter "AlphaDrive") has been commissioned by Mie Prefecture to operate the "FY2026 Mie Startup Proof-of-Concept Support Project." To accelerate startup support initiatives in Mie Prefecture, this fiscal year we are launching the "MIE StartUp FIELD," a proof-of-concept support program targeting out-of-prefecture startups developing products and services that contribute to solving regional issues. In this program, we will provide the testing fields that startups seek under an "All-Mie" framework involving participating organizations of the "Mie Startup Support Platform" (*), as well as local governments, companies, financial institutions, and higher education institutions within the prefecture. In addition to hands-on support during the experiments, we will provide support with an eye toward business expansion in the following fiscal years so that startups can continue and expand their businesses in Mie Prefecture after the experiments. Furthermore, the Mie Entrepreneurship and Business Consultation Desk will reopen on June 2, 2026. * What is the "Mie Startup Support Platform"? Launched in Mie Prefecture on August 28, 2023, the "Mie Startup Support Platform" has 89 participating support organizations as of the end of May 2026. This is a unified support system comprising related organizations inside and outside the prefecture, such as financial institutions, higher education institutions, economic organizations, and support organizations, with the aim of accelerating startup support initiatives in Mie Prefecture and creating startups originating from Mie. The target audience includes not only entrepreneurs but also intrapreneurs and those in charge of new businesses, as well as students and those aiming for second-stage entrepreneurship. For details, click here: https://tokowaka-startup.pref.mie.lg.jp/ * About "MIE StartUp FIELD" ◆ Overview Application Period: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Proof-of-Concept Period: October 2026 - February 2027 Expected Number of Selected Companies: 3 or more Participation Fee: Free Subsidies: Subsidies are available for use For details, please refer to the press release below: https://www.pref.mie.lg.jp/TOPICS/m0360800137.htm ◆ Target Startups Startups that meet all of the following criteria ① to ③ are eligible. (Meeting criterion ④ is desirable) ① Must not be based in this prefecture. ② Must be developing products/services aimed at solving regional issues. ③ Must have completed verification of whether the developed product/service can solve regional issues, built a minimum viable product/service, and be at the stage of verifying whether it can be realistically provided. ④ Must have achieved fundraising (including subsidies, business contest prize money, etc.). * For startups within the prefecture, consultations are accepted at the one-stop desk, so please apply from the link below. ■ How to Apply for Consultation Please fill out and submit the inquiry form below. https://forms.gle/5vLPmbaYgQ1cWt5G7 The person in charge will contact you later with the consultation date and time. ◆ Features of this Program 1. Proof-of-Concept Field Matching in "All-Mie" In collaboration with participating organizations of the "Mie Startup Support Platform" and local governments, companies, financial institutions, and higher education institutions within the prefecture, we will search across the entire prefecture for local governments and companies that match the startups' desired conditions. 2. Hands-on Support Emphasizing the Alignment of Expectations From the kick-off before the experiment to the reporting of results, a dedicated representative will provide hands-on support as a bridge between the startup and the field provider. This prevents situations where "perceptions were misaligned after trying it out" and realizes an experiment where both parties feel "glad we did it." 3. Connection to the Next Fiscal Year and Beyond Even after the proof-of-concept experiment, we will support business development and the search for continuing partners in Mie Prefecture through platform participating organizations and the one-stop desk. We aim for co-creation with startups that take root in the region, rather than being transient. ◆ Schedule (Planned) - Application Period: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - Startup Individual Consultation Session (STATION Ai): Thursday, June 25, 2026, 15:00-18:00 - Startup Individual Consultation Session (SHIBUYA QWS): Monday, July 13, 2026, 15:00-18:00 - Screening Committee - February 2027: Results Reporting Session (Planned to be held in Mie Prefecture) ◆ Information Sessions Information sessions detailing this program will be held at SHIBUYA QWS and STATION Ai. They will be conducted in an individual consultation format, and walk-ins are welcome. Online individual consultations are also available. [STATION Ai Venue] Thursday, June 25, 2026, 15:00-18:00 [SHIBUYA QWS Venue] Monday, July 13, 2026, 15:00-18:00 [Online Individual Consultation] Accepted at any time Application and details here: https://forms.gle/mbdBgrWLHtJxDQkr8 About the Mie Entrepreneurship and Business Consultation Desk Mie Prefecture will establish a consultation desk to provide hands-on support for those planning to start a business and for businesses. The Mie Entrepreneurship and Business Consultation Desk will broadly handle consultations regarding entrepreneurship. It can be used by those who just want to talk to someone first, or those who want hands-on support for their business. We will also introduce necessary experts and support companies. Furthermore, consultations by experts will also be conducted. Please feel free to use it. - I am thinking about starting a business, but I don't know where to start. - I want to launch a new business, but I don't know where to start. - I want to create or review a business plan. - I want to know how to raise funds. - I want to consider collaboration with other companies. - I want to support startups in Mie Prefecture, etc. ■ Target Audience - Those planning to start a business (including students such as university, technical college, and high school students) - Startups aiming for growth through business launch, fundraising, etc. - Businesses proceeding with the development of new businesses (including those planning business transformation/open innovation within existing companies, and new business launches) - Startup support organizations including platform participating organizations (including financial institutions such as VCs and accelerators) ■ Consultation Acceptance Period From Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to Friday, March 5, 2027 ■ Consultation Method (Free) In-person* or Online * For in-person: ACRO STUDY (Office Kaneko 2F, 255 Otani-cho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture) https://acrostudyco.work/ * It is a 2-minute walk from Tsu Station, so using public transportation is convenient. For those coming by car, there is no free parking available, so please use a nearby paid parking lot. ■ How to Apply for Consultation Please fill out and submit the inquiry form below. https://forms.gle/5vLPmbaYgQ1cWt5G7 The person in charge will contact you later with the consultation date and time. ■ Consultation Representative Reiko Ishida / Project Manager, Regional Co-creation Division, AlphaDrive Co., Ltd.; Representative, BASE LAUNCH MIE; Business Leader, CHINETSU; Official Commentator, Mie Television "Mie Live" Born and residing in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. Worked at Hyakugo Bank for 13 years after graduation, joined NewsPicks in June 2016, and was in charge of news and content curation. From October 2018, started supporting the promotion of work style reform for small and medium-sized enterprises in Mie Prefecture as a side job. From April 2020, has been in charge of a segment introducing business trends as an official commentator on Mie Television's news information program "Mie Live," now in her 6th year. Transferred to AlphaDrive's Regional Co-creation Division in September 2023, mainly in charge of the Tokai area. Launched and currently operating Mie's business community "BASE LAUNCH MIE" in December 2023. Launched the "CHINETSU" business in April 2025. Plans and operates local business events and supports community formation. As a Pablo official coacher and pro mentor, she also provides coaching for engagement improvement measures and organization building for large companies, and for employees and executives of small and medium-sized enterprises. BASE LAUNCH MIE https://region.alphadrive.co.jp/baselaunchmie Voice of the Representative Reiko Ishida / Project Manager, Regional Co-creation Division, AlphaDrive Co., Ltd. Mie Prefecture is a rich region blessed with nature and developed industries and culture. We seriously want to give shape to the "want to do" of startups challenging this land. In this program, local governments, companies, financial institutions, universities, etc., in Mie Prefecture will collaborate to match and support the proof-of-concept fields of startups challenging the resolution of regional issues across the entire Mie Prefecture. We have prepared a system to respond with an "All-Mie" approach to the desire to "challenge something in Mie." At the one-stop desk, we will support entrepreneurs and companies in the prefecture to develop new products and services and build business expansion. And, by joining forces with the participating organizations of the "Mie Startup Support Platform" and businesses in the prefecture, we aim to build Mie's startup ecosystem together. Let's create the future of Mie together from here. Company Name: Alphadrive Co.,Ltd. Established: February 23, 2018 Representative: President & CEO/CAXO Yoichi Aso Location: Kurusu Building 1F, 2-17-3 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014 ■ About AlphaDrive REGION AlphaDrive REGION is AlphaDrive's regional revitalization and regional economic policy domain, working on industrial promotion, regional human resource development, corporate attraction, and creation of related populations in collaboration with governments and local companies. Going beyond consulting, we have been active in over 30 prefectures, including businesses we operate in regions taking our own risks. In addition to these implementation functions in regions, we conduct research on regional economic promotion models and make policy recommendations through the "AlphaDrive Regional Economic Research Institute," which serves as a think tank function, redefining regional economic policy in the AI era as "Regional AX." We also work on fostering AX architects in regions, contributing to regional economic promotion in the era of Regional Revitalization 2.0. Details: https://region.alphadrive.co.jp/ ▼ Contact Information Management Secretariat (Commissioned Operator: AlphaDrive Co., Ltd.) Contact: Reiko Ishida reiko.ishida@alphadrive.co.jp Mie Prefecture Employment and Economy Department, Industrial Innovation Promotion Division, Technological Innovation Group Contact: Okumura, Komatsu sougyo@pref.mie.lg.jp Tel: 059-224-2227