AlphaDrive Launches Toyota City's 'TAKEOFF Camp 2026' – A 4-Day Program Where University Students, Tech College Students, and Professionals Shape Their 'What I Want to Do' Using Generative AI

AlphaDrive Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President, CEO/CAXO: Yōichi Asō, hereinafter 'AlphaDrive') is managing the summer program 'TAKEOFF Camp 2026' hosted by Toyota City for university students, technical college students, and working professionals. Today, the company announces the opening of applications for the program, which begins on August 8, 2026.

TAKEOFF Camp 2026 is a four-day hands-on program where participants use generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude as partners, visit real sites in Toyota City, meet local entrepreneurs, and discover and materialize their own 'what I want to do.' During the program, participants will be granted free access to premium generative AI accounts. Even without programming knowledge, participants will develop the practical skills to turn their ideas into working prototypes. The program targets 20 participants selected from across Japan, including university students, technical college students, and professionals. Participation is free of charge.

Applications require only a statement explaining 'why you want to participate.' Applications are open to individuals nationwide, and in the event of oversubscription, selection will be conducted by lottery. The application deadline is Friday, July 31, 2026.

▼ Apply here (Application Form)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHvfZiwpdKhZPZJ4ii1vcMEx4CvLQuI3p7ZWoozG-zqSalDg/viewform

Background – In an Era Where AI Can Create Finished Products, the Key Question Is 'What to Create'

The widespread adoption of generative AI has ushered in an era where 'anyone can create a finished product as long as they have an idea.' In this context, the source of value is no longer the skill in using tools, but rather each individual's introspective question: 'What do I truly want to do, and what do I see in the real world?'

AlphaDrive has supported over 23,800 ventures across 26 prefectures and 260 companies. From these experiences, we have repeatedly realized the existence of young people whose passions 'have not yet taken shape in words' and the immense value of primary information hidden within local communities.

TAKEOFF Camp 2026 is designed as a space where, after placing the universally accessible tool of generative AI into everyone's hands, participants dive into the 'real field' of Toyota City and, together with peers across generations, uncover and fully realize their 'what I want to do.' Experiences of hearing directly from Toyota's entrepreneurs—from the roots of the automotive industry to manufacturing in mountainous regions and the frontlines of urban development—will draw out participants' inner passions.

Program Overview

・Name: TAKEOFF Camp 2026

・Host: Toyota City

・Operator: AlphaDrive Inc.

・Venue: SENTAN Manufacturing Innovation Hub (Toyota City) and various field sites

・Target Audience: University students, technical college students, working professionals, etc.

・Capacity: 20 selected participants (organized into teams of three)

・Duration: August 8 (Sat), 2026 – September 5 (Sat), 2026 / 4 sessions total

・Participation Fee: Free (participants may be responsible for actual expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals)

・Application Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026

・Application Method: Online application form (open to applicants nationwide; lottery in case of oversubscription)

For full program details, please visit:

https://takeoffcamp-sentan.com/

Four-Day Program Schedule

【Day 1】August 8 (Sat) | Building the Foundation for 'What I Want to Do' and AI

Premium generative AI accounts will be distributed, enabling immediate use. Participants will learn ideation, field validation, and product development methods from professional venture developers based in Toyota City.

Instructor: Masayuki Ishikawa, Head of Regional Co-Creation, AlphaDrive Tokai, and Manager, Toyota Branch

【Day 2】August 22 (Sat) | The Day You Discover Your 'What I Want to Do'

Field visits to experience the reality and history of Toyota. Entrepreneurs from each site will serve as guides, sharing their visions and real-world challenges (transportation provided).

・Yukishiro Yokota (President & CEO, Toyotake Kogyo Co., Ltd.)

・Toshiaki Oni (Representative Director, eight Inc.)

【Day 3】August 23 (Sun) | Ideas Gather People and Take Shape

Form teams and launch projects. With guidance from supporters, use AI as a partner to turn ideas into tangible outputs.

【Day 4】September 5 (Sat) | Present and Take the Next Step Forward

Final presentations after two weeks of refinement. Receive feedback to guide your next challenge.

Guide Comments

▼ Masayuki Ishikawa / AlphaDrive Inc., Head of Regional Co-Creation, AlphaDrive Tokai, and Manager, Toyota Branch

Masayuki Ishikawa / AlphaDrive Inc., Head of Regional Co-Creation, AlphaDrive Tokai, and Manager, Toyota Branch

'Now that anyone can create finished products with AI, the real question is 'What will you create with AI?' The answer isn’t found in textbooks, but in the real field. TAKEOFF Camp is a four-day journey into the field of Toyota, meeting entrepreneurs who are taking on challenges, and uncovering the 'what I want to do' within yourself. It doesn’t matter whether you’re familiar with AI. What matters is simply the desire to try. As a resident of Toyota City, I will personally guide and support each participant. I look forward to witnessing the moment when new challenges begin here, transcending generations and titles.'

▼ Naonori Hatanaka, Section Chief, Next-Generation Industry Division, Industry Department, Toyota City

We are entering an era where entrepreneurship has become a viable life choice. Rapid social changes have been accelerated by the evolution of AI. What we want to convey through this TAKEOFF program is not simply 'please start a business,' but rather to learn how to use AI as a cutting-edge tool and entrepreneurship as a life option, so you can find your own authentic way of living in an uncertain era. Make your life as interesting as possible—with your own hands. Take off toward an unknown future!'

About TAKEOFF

'TAKEOFF' is an acceleration program hosted by Toyota City for individuals and teams aiming to launch startups or new ventures. Experts provide hands-on support from concept development through validation and commercialization.

'TAKEOFF Camp 2026,' now open for applications, serves as the introductory program. Participants who discover and materialize their 'what I want to do' during the camp can, if they wish, advance to the main 'TAKEOFF' program (a four-month intensive accelerator) starting in October 2026. Toyota City has established a seamless pathway to nurture the challenges born at the camp into full-fledged ventures during the main program.

TAKEOFF Official Website: https://takeoff-toyota.jp/

Company Overview

About AlphaDrive REGION

AlphaDrive REGION focuses on regional revitalization and regional economic policy, collaborating with local governments, mayors, politicians, and regional enterprises to promote business attraction, industrial development, and local talent cultivation. Beyond consulting, AlphaDrive acts as an implementing entity operating businesses within regions, with activities spanning 30 prefectures. Through the 'AlphaDrive Regional Economic Research Institute,' which functions as a think tank, the company conducts research and policy recommendations on regional economic strategies, redefining regional economic policy for the AI era as 'Regional AX.' It also works to cultivate 'AX Architects' within regions, supporting the ambitious vision of regional economies in the era of Regional Revitalization 2.0.

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