[Aichi Prefecture x eiicon] Recruiting Aichi Companies! 'TECH MEETS' PoC Support Project Aims to Solve Local Challenges with Advanced Digital Tech
Aichi Prefecture and eiicon have launched the third year of 'TECH MEETS,' a program matching local companies with tech startups to solve business challenges through digital implementation. The program offers up to 4 million yen in PoC funding.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 19:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 11:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 14:10 (3h 8m after Collected)
eiicon Inc. (Headquarters: Toranomon, Minato-ku; CEO: Ayuko Nakamura; hereinafter 'eiicon'), operator of Japan's largest open innovation platform 'AUBA,' has been commissioned by Aichi Prefecture to implement the 'Aichi Digital Island Project Promotion Business (Advanced Digital Service Pilot Project).'
Today, April 28, 2026, the third year of 'TECH MEETS' has begun. We are now recruiting companies and facilities within the prefecture (hereinafter 'Needs Companies') that aim to solve their challenges or create added value using advanced digital technology.
### About Aichi Prefecture x eiicon: Aichi Digital Island Project 'TECH MEETS'
Since fiscal 2022, Aichi Prefecture has been promoting the 'Aichi Digital Island Project,' centered on the Central Japan International Airport island and surrounding areas. This project aims to pioneer the practical application of businesses and services expected to become widespread by 2030 by accelerating open innovation within the prefecture.
As part of this effort, 'TECH MEETS' matches companies and facilities in Aichi with tech companies and startups ('Seeds Companies') that possess advanced digital technologies. By providing hands-on support for proof-of-concept (PoC) experiments, the project aims to improve sales promotion, productivity, and business value.
### Recruitment Guidelines for 'TECH MEETS' Needs Companies
- **Application URL:** https://forms.gle/X5GRSNReE4p2L3EV8
- **Deadline:** May 26, 2026, at 23:59
- **Target:** Companies and facilities located in Aichi Prefecture motivated to implement advanced digital technology for problem-solving.
- **PoC Budget:** Up to 4,000,000 JPY (including tax) will be paid per project.
- **Number of Selections:** Approximately 8 companies.
- **Application Conditions:**
- Must have a business theme for collaboration with tech companies or startups.
- Must be willing to actively provide resources (tech, know-how, info, customers, facilities, etc.).
- Must be able to work with speed and share results by March 2027.
- Must conduct concrete business verification, such as prototype development or PoC.
- Must be a legal entity based in Aichi Prefecture (any size).
### Briefing Session for 'TECH MEETS' Needs Companies
- **Application URL:** https://techmeets2026-1.peatix.com
- **Registration Deadline:** Noon, May 11, 2026
- **Date & Time:** May 12, 2026, 14:00–16:00
- **Location:** Winc Aichi, 11th Floor, Meeting Room 1101 (Nagoya City)
- **Content:** Project overview, case studies from past participants, workshop on identifying challenges, and networking.
### Future Schedule
- **April 28:** Recruitment starts
- **May 12:** Briefing session
- **May 26:** Application deadline
- **Early June:** Notification of document review results
- **June 10:** Workshop (only for those who pass the review)
- **June 19:** Final selection notification
- **Mid-July:** Designing recruitment themes
- **August to Mid-September:** Recruiting 'Seeds Companies'
- **Late September:** Selection of Seeds Companies
- **November to February 2027:** Implementation of PoC experiments
- **March 2027:** Presentation of results
Today, April 28, 2026, the third year of 'TECH MEETS' has begun. We are now recruiting companies and facilities within the prefecture (hereinafter 'Needs Companies') that aim to solve their challenges or create added value using advanced digital technology.
### About Aichi Prefecture x eiicon: Aichi Digital Island Project 'TECH MEETS'
Since fiscal 2022, Aichi Prefecture has been promoting the 'Aichi Digital Island Project,' centered on the Central Japan International Airport island and surrounding areas. This project aims to pioneer the practical application of businesses and services expected to become widespread by 2030 by accelerating open innovation within the prefecture.
As part of this effort, 'TECH MEETS' matches companies and facilities in Aichi with tech companies and startups ('Seeds Companies') that possess advanced digital technologies. By providing hands-on support for proof-of-concept (PoC) experiments, the project aims to improve sales promotion, productivity, and business value.
### Recruitment Guidelines for 'TECH MEETS' Needs Companies
- **Application URL:** https://forms.gle/X5GRSNReE4p2L3EV8
- **Deadline:** May 26, 2026, at 23:59
- **Target:** Companies and facilities located in Aichi Prefecture motivated to implement advanced digital technology for problem-solving.
- **PoC Budget:** Up to 4,000,000 JPY (including tax) will be paid per project.
- **Number of Selections:** Approximately 8 companies.
- **Application Conditions:**
- Must have a business theme for collaboration with tech companies or startups.
- Must be willing to actively provide resources (tech, know-how, info, customers, facilities, etc.).
- Must be able to work with speed and share results by March 2027.
- Must conduct concrete business verification, such as prototype development or PoC.
- Must be a legal entity based in Aichi Prefecture (any size).
### Briefing Session for 'TECH MEETS' Needs Companies
- **Application URL:** https://techmeets2026-1.peatix.com
- **Registration Deadline:** Noon, May 11, 2026
- **Date & Time:** May 12, 2026, 14:00–16:00
- **Location:** Winc Aichi, 11th Floor, Meeting Room 1101 (Nagoya City)
- **Content:** Project overview, case studies from past participants, workshop on identifying challenges, and networking.
### Future Schedule
- **April 28:** Recruitment starts
- **May 12:** Briefing session
- **May 26:** Application deadline
- **Early June:** Notification of document review results
- **June 10:** Workshop (only for those who pass the review)
- **June 19:** Final selection notification
- **Mid-July:** Designing recruitment themes
- **August to Mid-September:** Recruiting 'Seeds Companies'
- **Late September:** Selection of Seeds Companies
- **November to February 2027:** Implementation of PoC experiments
- **March 2027:** Presentation of results