Iwate Prefecture and Sparkle Inc. Announce Sponsorship. "Chaguchagu Iwate PR Project 2026" to Support Iwate's Information Dissemination

PR TIMES Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takumi Yamaguchi; TSE Prime/Nagoya Premier: 3922), which operates the press release distribution service "PR TIMES," and volunteers from its officially recognized "Press Release Evangelists" are promoting the "Chaguchagu Iwate PR Project 2026." This project aims to improve the information dissemination capabilities of businesses and children in Iwate Prefecture, in collaboration with companies and universities within the prefecture.

We are pleased to announce that Iwate Prefecture (Governor: Takuya Tasso) and Sparkle Inc. (Representative Director: Hideki Fukudome), an independent venture capital firm in Tohoku, have decided to sponsor this project.

Comments from Sponsoring Organizations

From Iwate Prefecture: Iwate Prefecture is strengthening collaboration among startups, investors, and support organizations both within and outside the prefecture, aiming for the "Iwate International Innovation Convention (IIC)" to be held in October 2026. The "Chaguchagu Iwate PR Project 2026" is an ambitious initiative to disseminate the charm and industrial voice of Iwate nationwide, aligning with the prefecture's startup promotion policies. We expect this project to be an opportunity for Iwate's challenges to spread nationwide and are pleased to offer our sponsorship.

From Sparkle Inc.: Our mission is to "create a new global economic cycle," and we support the creation of world-class businesses from Tohoku. The project's endeavor to "pre-announce press releases 10 years into the future" is an extremely significant process that vividly depicts the ideal vision entrepreneurs should aim for and presents it to society. We are confident that by declaring their future challenges on the stage of Iwate, startups will generate new energy in the Tohoku startup ecosystem. Through this sponsorship, we will fully support the endeavors of entrepreneurs.

Background of the Project and Significance of Sponsorship

Iwate Prefecture is focusing on fostering startups for regional economic development, with the "Iwate International Innovation Convention (IIC)," an international conference on startups, scheduled to be held in Morioka City in October 2026. The prefecture aims to attract domestic and international investors and aspiring entrepreneurs, create "human network building" and "funding opportunities" necessary for startup creation and development from Iwate, and establish Iwate as a major hub for startup investment.

Furthermore, the "Iwate Prefecture Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Promotion Third Basic Plan" (*1) lists "Gaining empathy from prefectural residents and domestic/international consumers for products and services provided by small and medium-sized enterprises within the prefecture, leading to increased utilization" as one of its "Desired Outcomes." Additionally, "Securing and developing human resources for business activities and enhancing public relations activities" is listed as the first specific initiative to be pursued, emphasizing the importance of strengthening information dissemination and public relations activities both domestically and internationally for the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises in Iwate Prefecture.

The information dissemination support promoted by the "Chaguchagu Iwate PR Project 2026" has been decided to be sponsored by Iwate Prefecture and Sparkle Inc., a managing company of "Tohoku STARTUP RUNWAY," as an initiative that will lead to the business growth of startups centered in Iwate Prefecture. With the support of both parties, we will strengthen information dissemination support for local startups.

(*1) https://www.pref.iwate.jp/sangyoukoyou/sangyoushinkou/shinjigyou/1063653.html

Iwate Prefecture's Sponsorship | Accelerating Regional Collaboration towards the October "IIC"

With Iwate Prefecture's sponsorship, this project will unfold in a way that supports the prefecture's startup promotion policies. It will enhance ripple effects on startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and educational institutions within the prefecture, and build a consistent flow of startup support connecting the main event on May 31st to the IIC in October.

Sparkle Inc.'s Sponsorship | Expanding Participation Opportunities to All Six Tohoku Prefectures

Sparkle Inc.'s mission is to "create a new global economic cycle." It is a venture capital firm that primarily targets entrepreneurs in regions including Tohoku, engaging in startup investment and impact startup investment. In addition to investment activities, it operates entrepreneur development programs in collaboration with regional universities and provides comprehensive support, including management strategy, operations, new business, and DX promotion, to companies mainly in the Tohoku region.

Furthermore, it serves as a managing company for "Tohoku STARTUP RUNWAY," which connects entrepreneurs with ties to Tohoku directly with support organizations such as regional VCs, financial institutions, and local governments, striving for the development of the Tohoku startup ecosystem in the Tohoku region. With Sparkle Inc.'s sponsorship, this project will be able to expand participation opportunities not only within Iwate Prefecture but also to startups across all six Tohoku prefectures.