Saitama Prefecture x eiicon: Recruitment Begins for 2026 Participants in "Shibusawa MIX Open Innovation Program 'Canvas'"!

eiicon Inc. (Headquarters: Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ayuko Nakamura; hereinafter "eiicon"), which operates "AUBA," Japan's largest open innovation platform, has begun recruiting companies for the 2026 "Canvas" Open Innovation Program (hereinafter "this Program") at "Shibusawa MIX," an open innovation hub promoted by Saitama Prefecture. https://shibusawamix-canvas.eiicon.net/ In last year's program, 15 co-creation projects were created through collaboration between companies in Saitama Prefecture and companies nationwide. Efforts toward demonstration and commercialization are progressing, and multiple commercialization検討 cases have emerged at the results presentation, accelerating the creation of new businesses originating from Saitama. eiicon's operation of the Saitama Prefecture "Open Innovation Creation and Promotion Project (hereinafter "this Project")" last year, including this Program, was highly evaluated, and we will continue to be entrusted with its operation this year. In its second year, 2026, we will leverage the knowledge and achievements of the previous year to strengthen a more practical and business-oriented support system. As a leading company in open innovation support, we will be responsible for the design, operation, and accompanying support of this Program, assisting companies in creating new businesses and fostering and promoting co-creation projects. Saitama Prefecture x eiicon Shibusawa MIX Open Innovation Program "Canvas" We aim for co-creation through matching companies in Saitama Prefecture with companies nationwide! ■ Saitama Prefecture x eiicon "Shibusawa MIX Open Innovation Program 'Canvas'" We will form co-creation projects between companies in Saitama Prefecture and companies nationwide and provide support for commercialization. Organization of internal issues, matching support (Open Matching Program: applications now open) Support for organizing internal strengths and issues, and refining co-creation themes when implementing projects. Up to 5 million yen in support funds per project (Incubation Program: recruitment starts early August) Provision of support funds to be used for demonstrations, etc., necessary to accelerate commercialization and achieve set themes. Various supports for project realization (Incubation Program: recruitment starts early August) Support for commercialization through accompanying support such as consulting. Support for smooth commercialization, including mentoring by experts as needed. Shibusawa MIX Open Innovation Program "Canvas" Program details, program participation entry: https://shibusawamix-canvas.eiicon.net/ □ "Program Briefing & Talk Session / New Business Seminar" To implement the Shibusawa MIX Open Innovation Program "Canvas," We will hold a briefing on this project, a talk session by participating companies from previous years, and a seminar/mini-workshop to explain open innovation in an easy-to-understand manner. Understand the entire program from its overview to specific implementation methods at once. Share real success stories and challenges from participating companies in previous years. Practical seminar by experts in new business development. Workshop format that can be immediately applied. Provision of networking opportunities. Large corporations, medium-sized and small businesses, and startups nationwide (especially companies within Saitama Prefecture). Shibusawa MIX Open Innovation Program "Canvas" Program Briefing & New Business Creation Seminar/Workshop May 18, 2026 (Monday) 14:00-17:00 (Reception starts 13:30) Shibusawa MIX (ekism Saitama-Shintoshin 5F, 4-262-18 Yoshikicho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture) Directly connected to JR Saitama-Shintoshin Station East Exit. Only Part 1 will be streamed online on the day. Participation fee: Free (pre-registration required) Organizers: Saitama Prefecture (Part 1), eiicon Inc., JOIRA (Part 2) Application for participation: https://forms.gle/CojakUuMppdFYfpk6 Deadline: May 15, 2026 (Friday) Contents: "Shibusawa MIX Open Innovation Program 'Canvas'" Program Explanation Talk session by participating companies from previous years (Speakers: Kyodo Shoshi Co., Ltd. x BioC Co., Ltd.) New Business Creation Seminar (Kazuhito Naritomi, Representative Director, Japan Open Innovation Research Association (JOIRA)) Mini-workshop (Practical entry session) *Contents may change on the day.