CIC Fukuoka Exceeds 135 Resident Companies on 1st Anniversary, Announces New General Manager Appointment and Next Growth Strategy
CIC Fukuoka, an innovation hub operated by CIC Japan, announced its first-year achievements, the appointment of Masanori Torigoe as its new General Manager, and its second-phase growth strategy. The hub has grown into Fukuoka's largest innovation ecosystem, attracting over 135 companies, including many startups, and fostering diverse communities.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (2h 56m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 23:01 (552h 5m after Collected)
CIC Fukuoka, an innovation hub operated by CIC Japan (Headquarters: Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Denise Medlenka), held a press conference on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to report on its activities during its first year of operation, announce the appointment of a new General Manager, and unveil its second-phase growth strategy.
One year since its opening, CIC Fukuoka has grown beyond a mere workspace to become Fukuoka's largest innovation hub, functioning as an "ecosystem" where startups, large corporations, government, universities/research institutions, and investors gather. Masanori Torigoe has been newly appointed as General Manager, succeeding Kunihiko Shimizu, who led the initial phase, to further accelerate community expansion and innovation creation.
**First Year's Trajectory: Towards Fukuoka's Largest Ecosystem Where Diverse Players Intersect**
Kunihiko Shimizu, the outgoing General Manager, reported on the first year's achievements. In just one year since its opening, the total number of resident companies reached 135, exceeding expectations. Over half of these, 74 companies, are startups, forming a unique and vibrant ecosystem. Furthermore, a large number of female entrepreneurs (16 companies) and foreign-affiliated companies (19 companies) have also participated, contributing to the growth of a diverse community.
In terms of active community exchange, CIC Fukuoka hosted over 200 internal events annually and organized "Thursday Gathering" events that mobilized over 7,800 participants in total, achieving an exceptionally high NPS (Net Promoter Score) of 55 (Excellent). Additionally, through the establishment of a strong support system via a comprehensive partnership agreement (MOU) with Fukuoka City and Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as large-scale events like "Ramen Tech" and global events with various Asian countries, CIC Fukuoka is generating a wave of innovation connecting the region with the world.
*Data as of March 2026*
**Transition to New Structure: Next Growth Strategy and National/Global Expansion**
Masanori Torigoe, the newly appointed General Manager, announced CIC Fukuoka's growth strategy for its "next stage." Currently established...
One year since its opening, CIC Fukuoka has grown beyond a mere workspace to become Fukuoka's largest innovation hub, functioning as an "ecosystem" where startups, large corporations, government, universities/research institutions, and investors gather. Masanori Torigoe has been newly appointed as General Manager, succeeding Kunihiko Shimizu, who led the initial phase, to further accelerate community expansion and innovation creation.
**First Year's Trajectory: Towards Fukuoka's Largest Ecosystem Where Diverse Players Intersect**
Kunihiko Shimizu, the outgoing General Manager, reported on the first year's achievements. In just one year since its opening, the total number of resident companies reached 135, exceeding expectations. Over half of these, 74 companies, are startups, forming a unique and vibrant ecosystem. Furthermore, a large number of female entrepreneurs (16 companies) and foreign-affiliated companies (19 companies) have also participated, contributing to the growth of a diverse community.
In terms of active community exchange, CIC Fukuoka hosted over 200 internal events annually and organized "Thursday Gathering" events that mobilized over 7,800 participants in total, achieving an exceptionally high NPS (Net Promoter Score) of 55 (Excellent). Additionally, through the establishment of a strong support system via a comprehensive partnership agreement (MOU) with Fukuoka City and Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as large-scale events like "Ramen Tech" and global events with various Asian countries, CIC Fukuoka is generating a wave of innovation connecting the region with the world.
*Data as of March 2026*
**Transition to New Structure: Next Growth Strategy and National/Global Expansion**
Masanori Torigoe, the newly appointed General Manager, announced CIC Fukuoka's growth strategy for its "next stage." Currently established...