Hyogo Prefecture and eiicon Launch Startup Recruitment for 'Hanshin Manufacturing Challenge Lab' to Foster Regional Innovation
Hyogo Prefecture and eiicon have begun recruiting startups for the FY2026 Hanshin Manufacturing Challenge Lab. This initiative aims to pair the high-level technical expertise of manufacturers in the Hanshin region with the innovative concepts of national startups to create new industries and strengthen regional competitiveness. Five companies will be selected for five months of intensive support.
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- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 11:31
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株式会社eiicon (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ayuko Nakamura; hereinafter 'eiicon'), operator of Japan's largest open innovation platform 'AUBA', has been commissioned by Hyogo Prefecture to operate the 'FY2026 Hanshin Manufacturing Challenge Lab' (hereinafter 'the Program').
Starting today, recruitment has opened for manufacturing startups nationwide that aim to collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Hanshin area. This follows eiicon's successful management of the 'Hyogo TECH Innovation Project' last year. Leveraging its expertise and network in open innovation, eiicon will provide end-to-end support, from project creation to commercialization.
### About the Hanshin Manufacturing Challenge Lab
Manufacturing companies in the Hanshin region possess excellent technical skills and high potential. However, many operate as subcontractors for large firms, making them vulnerable to shifts in client policies or global economic changes.
To establish sustainable regional industries, this program aims to expand the application of core technologies (value creation) and help these firms practice 'ambidextrous management'—balancing existing operations with new value-creating ventures. The program facilitates collaborations where startups solve technical challenges, leading to entry into new sectors.
### Recruitment Details for Startups
We are looking for startups nationwide that are eager to co-create with Hanshin-based manufacturers.
**Program Features:**
- Matching with Hanshin manufacturing companies
- Hands-on support from hypothesis building to demonstration
- Approximately 5 months of incubation support
- Support for commercialization by experts and mentors
- Opportunities for public relations and project promotion
- Demo Day for result presentation
**Eligible Participants (Examples):**
- Startups with technologies/services in manufacturing domains
- Fields such as Hardware, Robotics, Materials, IoT, AI, Environment, and Energy
- Companies aiming for business expansion through collaboration with manufacturers
**Expected Outcomes:**
- Expansion of applications for core technologies
- Creation of new businesses with startups
- Strengthening the competitiveness of regional industries
- Formation of a sustainable co-creation ecosystem
**Planned Selection:** Approximately 5 companies
**How to Apply:** Deadline is June 15, 2026. Please apply via the dedicated page: https://forms.gle/eo5SHzK4dTu7jQg69
### Upcoming Schedule
- May 18, 2026: Startup recruitment starts
- June 15, 2026: Application deadline
- Summer 2026: Proposal recruitment from Hanshin companies and matching
- Autumn 2026 onwards: Project formation and hands-on support
- Early 2027: Demo Day / Final Presentation
Starting today, recruitment has opened for manufacturing startups nationwide that aim to collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Hanshin area. This follows eiicon's successful management of the 'Hyogo TECH Innovation Project' last year. Leveraging its expertise and network in open innovation, eiicon will provide end-to-end support, from project creation to commercialization.
### About the Hanshin Manufacturing Challenge Lab
Manufacturing companies in the Hanshin region possess excellent technical skills and high potential. However, many operate as subcontractors for large firms, making them vulnerable to shifts in client policies or global economic changes.
To establish sustainable regional industries, this program aims to expand the application of core technologies (value creation) and help these firms practice 'ambidextrous management'—balancing existing operations with new value-creating ventures. The program facilitates collaborations where startups solve technical challenges, leading to entry into new sectors.
### Recruitment Details for Startups
We are looking for startups nationwide that are eager to co-create with Hanshin-based manufacturers.
**Program Features:**
- Matching with Hanshin manufacturing companies
- Hands-on support from hypothesis building to demonstration
- Approximately 5 months of incubation support
- Support for commercialization by experts and mentors
- Opportunities for public relations and project promotion
- Demo Day for result presentation
**Eligible Participants (Examples):**
- Startups with technologies/services in manufacturing domains
- Fields such as Hardware, Robotics, Materials, IoT, AI, Environment, and Energy
- Companies aiming for business expansion through collaboration with manufacturers
**Expected Outcomes:**
- Expansion of applications for core technologies
- Creation of new businesses with startups
- Strengthening the competitiveness of regional industries
- Formation of a sustainable co-creation ecosystem
**Planned Selection:** Approximately 5 companies
**How to Apply:** Deadline is June 15, 2026. Please apply via the dedicated page: https://forms.gle/eo5SHzK4dTu7jQg69
### Upcoming Schedule
- May 18, 2026: Startup recruitment starts
- June 15, 2026: Application deadline
- Summer 2026: Proposal recruitment from Hanshin companies and matching
- Autumn 2026 onwards: Project formation and hands-on support
- Early 2027: Demo Day / Final Presentation
FAQ
Which area does 'Hanshin region' in Hyogo refer to?
It covers the southern Hanshin area (Amagasaki, Nishinomiya, Ashiya) and the northern Hanshin area (Itami, Takarazuka, Kawanishi, Sanda, Inagawa).
Can non-manufacturing startups apply?
Yes, as long as your technology (e.g., AI, IoT, robotics) can solve problems or expand the use cases of manufacturing technologies.
What is the duration of the support program?
The program provides intensive incubation and hands-on support for approximately five months, from autumn 2026 to early 2027.