STATION Ai Introduces Suntory's 'President's Treat Vending Machine' as the 'Doerya Tsunagaru STATION Ai Treat Vending Machine' to Foster Connections Among Members

STATION Ai Inc. (Location: Showa-ku, Nagoya; President & CEO: Hirotaka Sahashi) is introducing the 'President's Treat Vending Machine,' a corporate service developed by Suntory Beverage Solution Limited ('Suntory'), at Japan's largest open innovation hub, 'STATION Ai.'

STATION Ai brings together a diverse range of players from various industries, fields, and organizations, including domestic and international startups, corporations, investors, researchers, and students. The vending machine was introduced to spark new ideas and hints for value creation from casual conversations and to expand personal networks through informal interactions originating from this space.

Furthermore, the machine has been named the 'Doerya Tsunagaru (Extremely Connecting) STATION Ai Treat Vending Machine' and will begin operation on March 23, 2026, for office members and operational staff.

## Overview of the 'Doerya Tsunagaru STATION Ai Treat Vending Machine'

The 'President's Treat Vending Machine' was developed by Suntory to increase communication opportunities in the workplace through a vending machine that offers free drinks when people invite each other, in response to the decline in workplace communication due to the spread of remote work.

STATION Ai has installed one of these vending machines in the office area on the third floor. When two office members tap their security cards simultaneously, they can each receive a free drink of their choice.

## Purpose of Introduction

STATION Ai houses a diverse range of companies and organizations, including domestic and international startups, corporations, universities, research institutions, and government agencies. The actual members range from new business developers and executives at large corporations to early-stage startups.

STATION Ai is promoting an environment where these diverse members can interact on a level playing field, transcending positions and organizational boundaries, through both hardware and software initiatives. For example, by installing a ping-pong table available to everyone and providing direct contact opportunities through a members-only SNS, the hub aims to form a community where members autonomously connect and new challenges arise naturally. There have already been cases where chance encounters and casual conversations have expanded networks, leading to new ideas, business hints, and collaborations.

By introducing this vending machine as part of its member relationship-building measures, STATION Ai aims to create communication across corporate boundaries among members working at the facility, sparked by the act of getting a drink. It also seeks to promote the creation of new value and open innovation through natural interaction.

Additionally, community managers are stationed in the STATION Ai office area to provide daily support to members, such as handling consultations, supporting guild activities (Note) and events, and matching with potential collaborators. The introduction of this vending machine also aims to shorten the distance between members and the operational staff, including community managers, creating opportunities for more casual consultations.

Note: Refers to the purpose-based community system 'STATION Ai Guild.' It's a place where tenants with similar interests and challenges gather to share knowledge and aim to solve business issues or achieve common goals.

### About STATION Ai
'STATION Ai' is one of Japan's largest open innovation hubs. It provides diverse support for startup creation, growth, and the promotion of open innovation. Approximately 1,000 domestic and international startups, partner companies, VCs, and universities participate, working on creating new businesses. The facility offers a comfortable office environment with a restaurant, hotel, and gym, and provides abundant opportunities for study sessions, mentoring, and inter-company matching. Furthermore, detailed support from specialized staff is also available.

### About Suntory Beverage Solution Limited
Taking a moment to breathe. That moment becomes the energy for what's next.

Suntory Beverage Solution doesn't just deliver beverages; we inject ideas that bring a little joy to our customers.

For one person, two people, or a large group. For those who want to quench their thirst, and those who want to soothe their soul. For those who want to spend time quietly, and those who want to talk.

Delivering moisture for the mind and body, and a healthy life.
Please look forward to what Suntory Beverage Solution has to offer.