Okayama City Launches Startup Recruitment for 'GovTech Challenge OKAYAMA 2026'

Okayama City is implementing the 'GovTech Challenge OKAYAMA' initiative, a collaborative project between the city and startups equipped with advanced technologies and innovative ideas to solve social and administrative challenges. For the 2026 fiscal year, the city is now accepting applications from startups to address four specific challenges.

1. Application Period

June 8 (Mon), Reiwa 8 – July 7 (Tue), 2026

2. Program Overview

'GovTech Challenge OKAYAMA' is a program that calls for startups to propose innovative solutions using advanced technologies and fresh ideas to address social and administrative challenges faced by Okayama City. Selected startups will collaborate with city officials to identify optimal solutions and develop and demonstrate them as actual products or services. In 2026, the city will recruit startups to tackle four challenges, including the use of drones in disaster response and improving vacant house consultation methods. For more details, please refer to the attached document.

3. Eligible Applicants

Startups (including zebra companies) aiming to solve social and administrative challenges through collaboration with city staff and to create new business models and services.

4. Information Session and Application Process

An online information session will be held on Thursday, June 25 (Thu), Reiwa 8, at 15:00 to provide detailed information about the program. For further details and the application process, please visit the following website:

URL: https://urban-innovation-japan.com/city/okayama-city/