ATOMica Inc. (Headquarters: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture; Co-CEOs: Mizuki Shimada and Kazuki Minahara; hereinafter "ATOMica") has partnered with Oita Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Oita City, Oita Prefecture; CEO: Tatsuo Yoshino; hereinafter "Oita VC") to begin operating the Reiwa 8 Social Entrepreneurship Support Program "SHIFT," commissioned by Oita Prefecture, starting June 2026.
This program is part of Oita Prefecture's startup support initiatives and aims to nurture and support social entrepreneurs—individuals who leverage business to solve social issues—through a six-month intensive support program. By combining Oita VC's financial and business support with ATOMica's community-based accompaniment model, the program will help participants transform their "WISH" (wishes, concerns, consultations) into sustainable businesses, contributing to solving social issues and fostering growth within Oita Prefecture. Five participants will be selected this year.
About the Reiwa 8 Social Entrepreneurship Support Program "SHIFT"
The program aims to cultivate passionate social entrepreneurs who will use business to address the diverse social challenges facing Oita Prefecture. Over approximately six months, it will provide comprehensive support—from developing sustainable business models to scaling operations and contributing to the local community.
Leveraging its expertise in community building and accompaniment support gained through planning and operating the co-working space "Oita OPA Machi no Cowork," ATOMica will provide participants with an optimal environment and opportunities to materialize their ideas and accelerate their ventures. Meanwhile, Oita VC will offer financial support and expert advice on business planning and growth strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the entrepreneurs' ventures. By combining their strengths, both organizations will provide multidimensional support to help participants achieve both social impact and business success within Oita Prefecture.
Program Overview
【Application Period】
July 9 (Thu), 2026 – August 7 (Fri), 2026, 17:00 JST
*Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
【Eligibility】
Individuals, corporations, or organizations aiming to address social issues within Oita Prefecture.
【Application Method】
Available on the official website of "Oita OPA Machi no Cowork" (https://oitaopa-machino-cowork.com) starting July 1 (Tue).
【Number of Selected Participants】
5 participants
【Selection Process】
Document screening based on application materials.
Online or in-person interviews may be conducted if necessary.
【Schedule (Tentative)】
1. Pre-program seminars: June 29 (Mon), July 9 (Thu), and July 27 (Mon), 2026
2. Application period: July 9 (Thu) – August 7 (Fri), 2026
3. Selection announcement: Late August 2026
4. Program commencement: Early September 2026
5. Demo Day (Final Presentation): Early February 2027
*Schedule is subject to change.
【Support During the Program】
Throughout the program, participants will receive ongoing support, including financial consultation from Oita VC and community matchmaking from ATOMica, to accelerate their business growth from multiple angles.
Pre-Program Seminar Overview (3 Sessions)
Three pre-program seminars and an information session will be held for those considering participation. Entrepreneurs aiming to solve social issues are encouraged to attend.
Venue: All sessions at "Oita OPA Machi no Cowork" (3F, Oita OPA, 1-2-17 Chuo-machi, Oita City, Oita Prefecture)
Fee: Free (prior registration required)
【1st Seminar】
Date & Time: June 29, 2026 (Mon), 18:00–20:00 (Registration from 17:30)
Speakers: Shinya Matsumoto (Director, Head of Sales & Investment Division, Oita Venture Capital Co., Ltd.)
Yuta Mori (Executive Officer & Head of Startup Support, ATOMica Inc.)
Registration URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-TOiAzyXluxd7VenJXNZZjlWZWErXmxlGVx3jH1s2o67dyA/viewform
【2nd Seminar】
Date & Time: July 9, 2026 (Thu), 18:00–20:00 (Registration from 17:30)
Speaker: Taiga Koshiba (Head of Public Policy, Charichari Co., Ltd.)
*Registration URL will be announced later on the "Oita OPA Machi no Cowork" official website.
【3rd Seminar】
Date & Time: July 27, 2026 (Mon), 18:00–20:00 (Registration from 17:30)
Speaker: Naotomo Ohbayashi (CEO & President, Another works Inc.)
*Registration URL will be announced later on the "Oita OPA Machi no Cowork" official website.
Organizers and Operators
Organizer: Oita Prefecture
Co-Operator: Oita Startup Center (Oita Foundation for Industrial Creation)
Operational Secretariat: Oita Venture Capital & ATOMica
Inquiries
Oita OPA Machi no Cowork
Email: oitaopa-machino-cowork@atomica.jp
Official Website: https://oitaopa-machino-cowork.com
About ATOMica Inc.
ATOMica Inc. (pronounced "Atomica") is a seven-year-old startup with the mission of "increasing relationships where people can rely on each other." The company operates its Social Coworking® business nationwide, producing and managing co-working spaces from scratch in collaboration with diverse partners such as corporations, local governments, universities, and communities. Centered around on-site community managers, ATOMica goes beyond physical co-working spaces to continuously foster connections, exchanges, and co-creation. The company currently operates over 60 facilities nationwide and was selected for the 2025 edition of "Toyo Keizai's Amazing Ventures 100."
*As of June 2026
Company Overview
Company Name: ATOMica Inc.
Founded: April 5, 2019
Representatives: Co-CEOs Mizuki Shimada and Kazuki Minahara
Headquarters: 6F, THE E.A.S.T. Nihonbashi Tomizawa-cho Building, 9-4 Nihonbashi Tomizawa-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Tokyo Office)
Business Overview: Social Coworking® services including co-working space planning, setup, and operation support; planning and management of industry-academia collaboration projects; and talent development and matching in DX/CX fields through community engagement.
Corporate Website: https://atomica.co.jp
Community Manager Special Website: https://atomica-communitymanager.com
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Partnership