Hyogo Prefecture × eiicon Launch 'Hyogo TECH Innovation Project 2026': Accelerating Public-Private Co-creation
Hyogo Prefecture, in partnership with eiicon, operator of the open innovation platform 'AUBA', has launched the 'Hyogo TECH Innovation Project 2026' to solve municipal social issues using startup technology. Applications for startup proposals opened on May 22.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 22, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 24, 2026 at 05:21 (42h 49m after Collected)
## Launch of Co-creation Project by Hyogo Prefecture and eiicon
株式会社eiicon (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ayuko Nakamura), operator of Japan's largest open innovation platform 'AUBA', has launched the 'Hyogo TECH Innovation Project 2026' in collaboration with Hyogo Prefecture. The project aims to solve social issues faced by local governments within Hyogo through co-creation with startups.
As of May 22, 2026, applications for the newly established 'Startup Proposal Track' are now open. This track invites proposals from startups aimed at solving social issues and promotes matching with local governments for pilot testing and co-creation.
### Objectives and Benefits of Participation
The project aims to leverage the innovative technology of startups to address social challenges within the prefecture and promote the horizontal expansion of these solutions to other municipalities.
Participating companies gain the following benefits:
1. Utilization of municipal assets: Access to municipal networks and proof-of-concept fields such as equipment and facilities.
2. Support for horizontal expansion: Successful projects will be promoted publicly, creating opportunities for further expansion to other governments and companies.
3. Dedicated hands-on support: The project secretariat will provide comprehensive support from matching to commercialization.
### Application Details
Recruitment themes cover five areas: Health and Welfare, Infrastructure and Environment, Regional Revitalization, Crime and Disaster Prevention, and Industry and Employment. Applications are open to registered corporations that possess products or technology and have—or plan to establish—a base in Hyogo Prefecture during the project period.
Applications can be submitted through the official website (https://hyogo-tech.eiicon.net/). The early application deadline is June 5, 2026, and the final deadline is June 15, 2026.
### Future Schedule
Screening will take place in late June, followed by the opening of the 'Administrative Challenge Proposal Track' in early July. A government pitch event is scheduled for early August, with the proof-of-concept phase starting in early October and a final results briefing in March 2027.
株式会社eiicon (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ayuko Nakamura), operator of Japan's largest open innovation platform 'AUBA', has launched the 'Hyogo TECH Innovation Project 2026' in collaboration with Hyogo Prefecture. The project aims to solve social issues faced by local governments within Hyogo through co-creation with startups.
As of May 22, 2026, applications for the newly established 'Startup Proposal Track' are now open. This track invites proposals from startups aimed at solving social issues and promotes matching with local governments for pilot testing and co-creation.
### Objectives and Benefits of Participation
The project aims to leverage the innovative technology of startups to address social challenges within the prefecture and promote the horizontal expansion of these solutions to other municipalities.
Participating companies gain the following benefits:
1. Utilization of municipal assets: Access to municipal networks and proof-of-concept fields such as equipment and facilities.
2. Support for horizontal expansion: Successful projects will be promoted publicly, creating opportunities for further expansion to other governments and companies.
3. Dedicated hands-on support: The project secretariat will provide comprehensive support from matching to commercialization.
### Application Details
Recruitment themes cover five areas: Health and Welfare, Infrastructure and Environment, Regional Revitalization, Crime and Disaster Prevention, and Industry and Employment. Applications are open to registered corporations that possess products or technology and have—or plan to establish—a base in Hyogo Prefecture during the project period.
Applications can be submitted through the official website (https://hyogo-tech.eiicon.net/). The early application deadline is June 5, 2026, and the final deadline is June 15, 2026.
### Future Schedule
Screening will take place in late June, followed by the opening of the 'Administrative Challenge Proposal Track' in early July. A government pitch event is scheduled for early August, with the proof-of-concept phase starting in early October and a final results briefing in March 2027.
FAQ
Who is managing the project?
It is operated by Hyogo Prefecture and eiicon Inc.
What is the focus area?
The project focuses on regional issues within Hyogo Prefecture.
When can companies join?
Applications have been open since May 22, 2026.