SHIBUYA QWS Proposes 'Questionpreneur' and Completely Updates Core Program 'QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM'

SHIBUYA QWS (hereinafter 'QWS'), a co-creation facility located on the 15th floor of 'Shibuya Scramble Square' (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Operating Company: Shibuya Scramble Square Co., Ltd.), advocates a new concept, 'Questionpreneur,' for talent who create new value starting from questions, and is completely updating its core program, 'QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM' (hereinafter 'Culpro'), which has been offered since its opening.

Culpro is a program that cultivates the power and sensibility to 'ask' through workshops, events, and support for academic research. Aiming to connect with peers attracted by a 'question' and expand the potential of that 'question' to society, it is provided as a core program of QWS under the supervision of MIMIGURI Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Co-CEOs: Tomomi Minabe, Yuki Anzai).

Due to recent changes in the technological environment, we have entered an era where the ability to 'ask a question' that is empathetic and explores structures and mechanisms is more sought after than quickly deriving an answer. Since its opening in November 2019, QWS has supported over 460 startups and projects that challenge the creation of new social value not yet in the world, based on 'questions.' This year, marking the 6th anniversary of its opening, QWS re-examines the value brought by its concept of 'questions' and proposes the new concept of 'Questionpreneur.' Furthermore, by restructuring existing programs to include practice, it aims to produce Questionpreneurs for the world.

What is a Questionpreneur?

QWS defines a Questionpreneur as 'an entity that creates new value and possibilities starting from a question,' and aims to produce such talent for the world through activities and programs at QWS. Questionpreneur is a portmanteau of Question and Entrepreneur, referring to an entity that sees 'questions as a source of ideas,' deepens the question while involving others, and creates new value and change in the process.

Questionpreneurs are not limited to entrepreneurs but also include people taking on new business within companies, researchers, creators, and practitioners addressing local and social issues.

QWS believes this concept is an important perspective not only for startup support but also for new business creation in companies, human resource development, and research and education fields. In the future, we plan to actively share case studies of Questionpreneur activities and promote partnerships with QWS members and QWS Academia partners.