Niigata-based Innovative IT Talent Development Program “ETSUZAN” Selected for AKATSUKI Project, Operated by Socialups Inc.

Socialups Inc. (Headquarters: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture; Representative Director CEO: Akimitsu Takase) is pleased to announce that ETSUZAN (越山), its Niigata-based innovative talent development program, has been selected for the FY2025 "AKATSUKI Project," an initiative to discover and nurture innovative young talent in regional areas, overseen by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Following this selection, the program will be implemented in FY2026, and its target area, which previously focused solely on Niigata Prefecture, will now expand to include Nagano Prefecture, promoting the development of young IT creators across a wider region.

Both Niigata and Nagano Prefectures have been jointly selected by the Cabinet Office as startup hub cities, and this initiative aligns with the trend of broader regional collaboration. This talent development program, formed as a consortium between the two prefectures, is an advanced undertaking, aiming to become a model case for ecosystem formation that transcends regional boundaries.

Recruitment for creators for the FY2026 program is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026.

◾️What is ETSUZAN, the Niigata-based innovative talent development program?

ETSUZAN is a program that has been implemented primarily in Niigata Prefecture to discover and nurture young IT creators.

In regional areas, opportunities for immersive development environments and high-level feedback are limited, leading to an experience gap compared to urban areas. ETSUZAN addresses this challenge by providing an environment where young people can focus on their technology and ideas and create products.

In FY2026, the target area will be expanded to Nagano Prefecture, promoting cross-regional talent discovery and network formation.

Website: https://etsuzan.org/

*Information for the current fiscal year will be added sequentially.

Features - Not a business contest, but fostering eccentric individuals with outstanding skills. - Evaluates individuals with hidden passion and the power to accomplish tasks, rather than honor students who are good at presentations. - Selection is made by the arbitrary judgment and bias of the PM (Project Manager), who chooses and supports the talent they wish to nurture. - The goal is to create one product or service throughout the development period.

◾️Past Achievements

In FY2023, 15 young creators across 6 teams were selected, and in FY2025, 17 young creators across 7 teams were selected. Each team worked on developing products and services with the support of a Project Manager (PM), generating diverse and unique outcomes.

Furthermore, in the most recent fiscal year, many applications were received from fields other than IT. As AI advances and creates an environment where anyone can take on challenges regardless of their specialized technical skills, this program broadly welcomes motivated challengers.

2023 Creator Case Studies

"Synthevery" - Sound that comes from everyday actions. Development of an IoT device that adds sound to daily movements.

Three students from Nagaoka National College of Technology handled everything from circuit board production to software development. They achieved their goal during the crowdfunding period on Indiegogo. Even after ETSUZAN, they continued development while attending school, exhibiting at events like Maker Faire.

"Airshop" - Making nursing homes more proactive and enjoyable spaces. Development of DX for shopping in nursing homes.

A team of two students from Nagaoka National College of Technology and two students from Nagaoka Institute of Design developed a service that allows residents of nursing homes to freely enjoy shopping. Field trials were also conducted at actual facilities.

After ETSUZAN, they pivoted their business content to DX in nursing care and established a company, continuing their operations.

2023 Achievement Report (External Link): https://etsuzan.org/posts/presentation2

2025 Creator Case Studies

AI Sake Sommelier "Sakescope" A next-generation experience platform that suggests optimal sake.

One student from Niigata University developed "Sakescope," a system that recommends sake suitable for users by interacting with an AI avatar calling itself a "Sake Sommelier" via voice or text on a website, which is now operational. With the cooperation of Harasho Co., Ltd., headquartered in Nagaoka City, it has been introduced to their e-commerce site "Echigo Meimon Shukai." Expected to apply for the IPA Mitou project in FY2026.

"Koko Koe" - Creating sound and memory landscapes. Development of a life-logging app that manages location-tagged audio on a map.

A team of two students from Nagaoka Institute of Design, one student from Nagaoka National College of Technology, and one working adult developed a prototype of the "Koko Koe" application that runs on both iOS and Android platforms. They implemented a series of user experiences from audio recording, AI-based emotion and attribute analysis, mapping, and listening, and confirmed the effectiveness of the concept that "audio vividly recalls memories" through field trials, which is more than just recording.