Suntory's "President's Treat Vending Machine" Introduced to Foster Connections Among Members as "Doeryaa Tsunagaru STATION Ai's Treat Vending Machine"

STATION Ai Corporation (Headquarters: Showa-ku, Nagoya; Representative Director and CEO: Hirotaka Sahashi) has introduced Suntory Beverage Solutions Limited's (hereinafter "Suntory") corporate service "President's Treat Vending Machine" (hereinafter "this vending machine") at "STATION Ai," Japan's largest open innovation hub.

STATION Ai brings together diverse players from various industries, fields, and organizations, including domestic and international startups, businesses, investors, researchers, and students. This vending machine was introduced with the aim of generating new ideas and hints for value creation from casual conversations, and expanding networks through informal interactions.

Furthermore, this vending machine has been named "Doeryaa Tsunagaru STATION Ai's Treat Vending Machine" and will commence operation for office members and operating staff from March 23, 2026.

---

Overview of "Doeryaa Tsunagaru STATION Ai's Treat Vending Machine"

The "President's Treat Vending Machine" was developed by Suntory to increase opportunities for communication within the workplace, responding to the decrease in communication due to the spread of remote work. It allows two people to invite each other to get free drinks from the vending machine.

At STATION Ai, one of these vending machines has been installed in the 3rd floor office area. Office members can each get a free drink of their choice by simultaneously scanning their security cards.

Purpose of Introduction

STATION Ai houses a diverse range of companies and organizations, including domestic and international startups, corporations, universities, research institutions, and government bodies. Actual members range from new business development managers and executives of large corporations to nascent startups.

At STATION Ai, efforts are underway to create an environment where these diverse members can interact freely, transcending organizational boundaries, both in terms of hardware and software. For example, through the installation of ping-pong tables available to everyone and providing direct contact opportunities via member-exclusive SNS, STATION Ai aims to form a community where members autonomously connect and new challenges naturally arise. To date, there have been instances where networks have expanded, new ideas and business hints have emerged, and collaborations have developed, all sparked by accidental encounters and casual conversations.

By introducing this vending machine as part of measures to build relationships among members, STATION Ai aims to foster communication across corporate boundaries among members working at STATION Ai, triggered by the purchase of drinks. Furthermore, through natural interactions, it promotes the creation of new value and open innovation.

In addition, community managers are stationed in STATION Ai's office area to support members daily, handling consultations, assisting with guild activities (note) and event organization, and matching with potential collaborators. The introduction of this vending machine also aims to bridge the gap between members and operating staff, including community managers, creating more accessible opportunities for consultation.

Note: Refers to "STATION Ai Guild," a purpose-based community system. It is a place where residents with similar interests or challenges gather to share knowledge and aim to solve business challenges or achieve common goals.

FAQ

What is the official name of the vending machine introduced at STATION Ai in collaboration with Suntory?

The vending machine is officially named 'Doeryaa Tsunagaru STATION Ai's Treat Vending Machine' and was introduced at STATION Ai in Nagoya on March 23, 2026.

Which company developed the 'President's Treat Vending Machine' and what was its primary purpose?

Suntory Beverage Solutions Limited developed the 'President's Treat Vending Machine' to increase workplace communication amid the rise of remote work and reduced face-to-face interaction.

Where is the 'Doeryaa Tsunagaru STATION Ai's Treat Vending Machine' located within the STATION Ai facility?

The vending machine is installed in the 3rd floor office area of STATION Ai, Japan's largest open innovation hub located in Showa-ku, Nagoya.

How do members access free drinks from the 'President's Treat Vending Machine' at STATION Ai?

Office members and operating staff can each get a free drink by simultaneously scanning their security cards at the vending machine, allowing two people to treat each other at once.

Who is the CEO of STATION Ai Corporation and what types of organizations are hosted at STATION Ai?

Hirotaka Sahashi is the Representative Director and CEO of STATION Ai Corporation, which hosts startups, corporations, universities, research institutions, investors, and government bodies from Japan and abroad.

Back to Newsroom (53)