Free Online Seminar by NineSigma on R&D Challenges Beyond Open Innovation: The Quest to Create a "Singing and Dancing Research Lab"

NineSigma Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Akihiko Suwa; hereinafter "NineSigma") will host a free online seminar on the theme of transforming R&D organizations, titled "R&D Challenges Beyond Open Innovation: NineSigma's Quest to Create a 'Singing and Dancing Research Lab'." While R&D investment is increasing in many companies, issues such as "having research themes that don't lead to business" and "advancing technology but finding it hard to differentiate" are often pointed out. To solve these problems, there are several points that need to be reconsidered regarding the state of R&D. Since 2006, NineSigma has supported the R&D activities of companies in Japan and abroad through open innovation support. In the process, we have identified common challenges faced by R&D departments: "Galapagosization," where R&D strategy diverges from management strategy; "Homogenization," where the balance between deepening and exploration is lost; "Zombification," where continuing a theme becomes the objective; and "Hollowing out of identity," where a company's assets and values are disconnected. In this seminar, we will organize several points that need to be reconsidered about the state of R&D, which have become apparent through NineSigma's past support activities and discussions with CTOs and executives in charge of R&D (Customer Advisory Board). We will also introduce our challenge towards realizing the "Singing and Dancing Research Lab" that NineSigma aims to achieve with everyone. What is an R&D organization that not only deepens technology but also envisions future value, connects internal and external knowledge, and creates business value? We hope this will be an opportunity to think together about the direction of this transformation. ■ Speaker: Kiyohito Ogata, COO, NineSigma Holdings Co., Ltd. After completing his graduate studies at the University of Tsukuba's Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, he joined NineSigma after working as a researcher at a domestic food manufacturer. He is engaged in streamlining R&D and supporting commercialization using open innovation, mainly in the healthcare, materials, and electronics fields. He carefully deciphers the unique context of R&D while also considering management strategy issues, working as a partner to connect R&D with business and society. ■ Recommended for: Leaders of R&D departments in manufacturing industries; those promoting R&D strategy formulation and innovation activities; those involved in creating research themes; and executive officers/directors in charge of R&D departments in manufacturing who feel there is a disconnect between R&D and business. ■ What you will gain from this seminar: Environmental changes surrounding R&D and debated points; initiatives beyond conventional open innovation; challenges towards a "Singing and Dancing Research Lab". Date & Time: June 5, 2026 (Fri) 13:30-14:30 JST (planned). Participation Method: Zoom (Free). A viewing URL will be sent to applicants on June 4 (Thu). *A recording for on-demand viewing will be provided only to applicants at a later date. Application Method: Via the dedicated application site. *Deadline: June 4, 2026 (Thu) 13:00. ■ About NineSigma Holdings Co., Ltd. Under the corporate philosophy "We make innovation happen," NineSigma partners with corporate R&D departments to unlock the potential of their technologies and support innovation activities from the creation of new businesses and R&D themes to their execution. The Japanese subsidiary was established in 2006 and has a track record of supporting over 1,600 innovation projects in Japan and 10,000 projects in 105 countries worldwide. Headquarters: 1-3-3 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. President and CEO: Akihiko Suwa. Corporate Website: https://www.ninesigma.com/jp/ ■ Contact for this matter: NineSigma Holdings Co., Ltd. (Attn: Oka, Ogata). TEL: 03-3219-2006 / E-mail: contact_nsap@ninesigma.com