Niigata Nippo to Hold Open Innovation Program 2026
Niigata Nippo is launching its 'Open Innovation Program 2026' to co-create new businesses that contribute to solving regional issues. Utilizing Creww Inc.'s platform, they will recruit partner companies, offering 1 million JPY in development funds to selected enterprises.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 15, 2026 at 20:50
- 🔍 Collected: May 15, 2026 at 12:02
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 15, 2026 at 13:46 (1h 43m after Collected)
Niigata Nippo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Niigata City; President: Akira Sato) will implement the 'Niigata Nippo Open Innovation Program 2026,' following last year's event, to contribute to solving the challenges faced by Niigata Prefecture, Japan's society, industry, and future. This program aims to co-create and launch unprecedented new businesses by combining Niigata Nippo's resources with the strengths of participating companies. Recruitment will be conducted using the open innovation support platform 'Creww Growth,' provided by Creww Inc. (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo).
A scene from the 2025 event.
The application period is from May 15 (Fri) to June 15 (Mon). The results of the document screening will be announced in late June, and a pitch event (judging session) will be held on August 4 (Tue) to select companies advancing to the final selection. Selected companies will be provided with 1 million JPY as funds for pre-development preparation (for test marketing and prototype creation related to business planning). The final business selection is scheduled to take place within this year. Last year, there were 45 applications, of which 3 were selected and are now being commercialized.
We will confront future challenges and create new value together with diverse partners. We look forward to your applications.
For inquiries, please contact the Niigata Nippo Business Bureau, Regional Business Department (025-385-7432, inquiry reception hours: weekdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Click here for details and applications.
About Niigata Nippo Co., Ltd.
Niigata Nippo is a newspaper company based in Niigata Prefecture. Its predecessor, the 'Niigata Shimbun,' was founded in 1877, and over its 150-year history, it has always stood by the region as a news and opinion institution for Niigata Prefecture. In addition to providing news through newspapers and the web, it also focuses on supporting local events and cultural activities, striving daily to remain a trusted media outlet under the motto, 'For anything about Niigata, turn to Niigata Nippo.'
A scene from the 2025 event.
The application period is from May 15 (Fri) to June 15 (Mon). The results of the document screening will be announced in late June, and a pitch event (judging session) will be held on August 4 (Tue) to select companies advancing to the final selection. Selected companies will be provided with 1 million JPY as funds for pre-development preparation (for test marketing and prototype creation related to business planning). The final business selection is scheduled to take place within this year. Last year, there were 45 applications, of which 3 were selected and are now being commercialized.
We will confront future challenges and create new value together with diverse partners. We look forward to your applications.
For inquiries, please contact the Niigata Nippo Business Bureau, Regional Business Department (025-385-7432, inquiry reception hours: weekdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Click here for details and applications.
About Niigata Nippo Co., Ltd.
Niigata Nippo is a newspaper company based in Niigata Prefecture. Its predecessor, the 'Niigata Shimbun,' was founded in 1877, and over its 150-year history, it has always stood by the region as a news and opinion institution for Niigata Prefecture. In addition to providing news through newspapers and the web, it also focuses on supporting local events and cultural activities, striving daily to remain a trusted media outlet under the motto, 'For anything about Niigata, turn to Niigata Nippo.'