[Aichi Prefecture x eiicon] Seeking innovative projects starting from social issues; New "A-IDEA Select/Advance Certification System" to support social implementation

eiicon Inc. (Minato-ku, Toranomon, CEO: Ayuko Nakamura, hereinafter "eiicon"), which operates Japan's largest open innovation platform "AUBA", announced today, July 6, 2026 (Mon), that it has begun accepting applications for innovative projects that contribute to solving social issues under the new "A-IDEA Select Certification" as part of the Aichi Prefecture-hosted "A-IDEA" initiative.

https://a-idea.pref.aichi.jp/select

A-IDEA Select Certification Application Launch

Aichi Prefecture has newly established the "A-IDEA Select/Advance Certification System" to provide end-to-end support for projects that solve social issues, aiming to move beyond mere "demonstration" to social implementation.

This system seeks innovative projects that address social and regional issues and contribute to regional revitalization. Projects certified as A-IDEA Select will receive personalized support from A-IDEA Concierge, including business plan refinement and the establishment of a promotion system with regional stakeholders.

Furthermore, in the next fiscal year, the Strategic Council for Innovative Business Creation will certify projects that are closer to social implementation among the Select Certified projects as A-IDEA Advance. Companies and organizations receiving Advance certification will also be eligible for support through the Innovative Business Creation Project Subsidy, fostering business growth and social implementation.

Applications for Select Certification are planned to be held twice this fiscal year, with this being the first round of applications.

What is A-IDEA?

A-IDEA is a framework based on Aichi Prefecture's "Strategy for Creating Innovative Businesses" that supports innovative projects from discovery to social implementation, aiming to solve social issues.

Centered around the "A-IDEA Secretariat" located within STATION Ai and the "A-IDEA Concierge" stationed there, it promotes the creation of social innovation through consultations, personalized support, and events.

□Outline of the 1st A-IDEA Select Application

【Application Documents and Guidelines】

▼Please check the details on this page and apply via the form.

https://a-idea.pref.aichi.jp/select

【Application Period】

July 6, 2026 (Mon) - August 17, 2026 (Mon) 17:00

※The second round of applications is scheduled for October.

【Eligibility Requirements】

1 Must fall under one of the following categories: Small and medium-sized enterprises (including sole proprietors), large corporations (including deemed corporations), universities, research institutions, or other organizations (※Unincorporated voluntary associations are not eligible).

2 Must possess a concrete product or service (including prototypes thereof that can withstand demonstration).

3 Must be an A-IDEA member (※Registration is possible at the time of application).

4 The applied project must be an "innovative business" that contributes to solving social and regional issues or revitalizing the region (creation of social innovation), and social implementation in Aichi Prefecture is expected.

【Screening Criteria】

Screening will be conducted based on the following three items:

1 Innovativeness: Does the business have regional firsts, uniqueness, or exclusive advantages, and is there novelty in technology or market?

2 Necessity: Does it address regional issues in Aichi Prefecture and have social significance, utilizing regional characteristics and strengths?

3 Business Potential: In addition to business sustainability and effectiveness, is acceleration of implementation expected through means such as co-creation?

□A-IDEA TRIGGER Vol.10 Talk Session "Social Issues are Hot! Social Implementation in Regions Has Begun." Video Distribution

A video of a talk session will be distributed, introducing the purpose of A-IDEA's initiatives, an overview of the certification system, points for business creation and social implementation starting from social issues, and the importance of co-creation among government, corporations, and startups.

Please check the details below for how to watch the video.

【Application Period】

July 6, 2026 (Mon) - August 17, 2026 (Mon) 17:00

【How to Watch】

Please enter the required information in the application form below and submit it.

A URL for video viewing will be automatically sent via email.

https://a-idea-select.peatix.com

【Speakers】

・Yutaka Shinohara, Representative Director, Everconnect Inc. (A-IDEA Concierge General Manager)

・Hitonari Ito, Representative Partner, Chiiki to Hito to Mirai Inc.

・Masayoshi Ufuma, Assistant Manager, Innovation Planning Division, Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Aichi Prefecture

□Future Schedule

【1st Select Certification Application】

August 17, 2026 (Mon) 17:00 Application Deadline

~Mid-August Document Screening

September 7 (Mon) - 10 (Thu) Presentation Screening (for those who passed document screening only)

~Mid-September Decision of Adopted Projects

October onwards Personalized Support Begins (Business plan refinement, etc.)

【2nd Select Certification Application (Planned)】

Early October 2026 Application Period Begins

~Mid-November Application Deadline

~Mid-December Screening and Notification of Results

January 2027 onwards Personalized Support Begins (Business plan refinement, etc.)

【Advance Certification (Planned)】

April 2027 Application Period Begins

~June Screening and Notification of Results

Inquiries regarding "A-IDEA"

"A-IDEA" Operations Secretariat (Operated by: eiicon Inc.)

a-idea@eiicon.net

TEL: 03-6670-3273

※Please convert "(@)" to "@".

eiicon Company Overview https://corp.eiicon.net/

Company Name: eiicon Inc.

Representative: Ayuko Nakamura, President and CEO

Date of Establishment: April 3, 2023

Head Office: 2F Toranomon 36 Mori Bldg., 3-4-7 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo ※Relocated to the above address from April 1, 2026

Tokai Branch: STATION Ai, 1-2-32 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

Shizuoka Base: B1F FUSE, The ZAZA City Hamamatsu Chuo-kan, 100-1 Kaji-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Kanagawa Base (within WeWork Ocean Gate Minatomirai): 8F Ocean Gate Minatomirai, 3-7-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Kansai Base (within Kigyō Plaza Hyogo): KiP, 56 Naniwa-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Okinawa Base 1 (within Lagoon KOZA / KSA Works): 1-7-8 Chuo, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Base 2 (within Have a good day): 18-4 Higashi-machi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

Singapore (eiicon Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.): 20 Anson Road, #11-01 Twenty Anson, Singapore 079912

Business Activities: Operation of the open innovation platform "AUBA", event planning and support services, sourcing services, etc.

eiicon Inc. supports business creation through OI support tailored to the business phase of companies, utilizing Japan's largest open innovation platform and hands-on consulting specializing in open innovation (OI).

What is Open Innovation?

An innovation methodology proposed by Henry W. Chesbrough (USA) in 2003, which "creates innovative new value by combining internal and external media and technologies within a company." It is an approach that advocates for actively incorporating external collaborations, not just relying on internal resources.

Services Offered by eiicon

Japan's Largest Open Innovation Platform "AUBA"

Japan's largest web platform specializing in open innovation, with over 39,000 registered companies. It provides an ALL IN ONE system for realizing business creation, discontinuous growth, and business survival. AUBA is a service for intentionally creating innovation. ISO 56001 certified.

https://auba.eiicon.net/

Cross-border Co-creation Platform for Overseas Companies to Support and Accelerate International Co-creation (Overseas Companies x Japanese Companies)

"AUBA for Global"

An open innovation platform that supports and accelerates approaches from overseas companies and organizations aiming for co-creation with Japanese companies and organizations. It provides support through innovation advisors, including connections with Japanese companies and organizations registered on "AUBA" and applications for acceleration programs operated by eiicon and AUBA for companies and local governments. With many overseas companies and organizations registered, primarily in Southeast Asia, it aims to accelerate encounters between overseas and Japanese companies and create an environment where cross-border co-creation can occur more intentionally.

https://corp.eiicon.net/forglobal

Full Hands-on Support Service "AUBA Enterprise"

Our consultants, with extensive experience in supporting business creation, including internal new business and open innovation projects, design fully customized support tailored to each company's concerns and needs. We support business creation through services ranging from business strategy support to the creation of specific opportunities for partner co-creation and team building, and new business creation support, tailored to the company's phase.

https://corp.eiicon.net/service/enterprise

Media to Vitalize Business "TOMORUBA"

A "media to vitalize business" for business professionals who create businesses. It delivers information on funding, funding provision, joint research, and know-how for creating businesses from startups, SMEs, and large corporations across various industries and regions, as well as local governments and universities.

https://tomoruba.eiicon.net/

Major Awards

In December 2022, received the Excellence Award at the "4th Japan Service Awards" for its innovative and excellent service.

https://service-award.jp/result04.html

In February 2023, received the Commissioner's Award of the Japan Sports Agency at the "5th Japan Open Innovation Awards" for its initiatives in open innovation, including matching and co-creation between sports teams/organizations nationwide and partner companies through acceleration programs.

https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/stmain/20230120oip.html

※The information posted is current as of the date of announcement. Please note that it may be subject to change without prior notice.