Hyogo picks 10 firms to anchor its Open Innovation X startup programme

What's the deal? Hyogo Prefecture has selected 10 companies to take part in its Hyogo Open Innovation X programme, which pairs established firms with startups for collaboration. The cohort includes Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Furuno ElectricDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, FujiccoDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and Shinki BusDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The programme is run by Zero One Booster.

What's the endgame? After seminars and a four-session strategy course, the 10 firms move into hands-on partner searches. The prefecture will support collaboration discussions and potential proof-of-concept trials, running through March 2027.

Why now? The selection marks the shift from networking into matchmaking and testing. Spanning manufacturers and service firms, the cohort points startups toward varied industrial and regional challenges across the Kansai region.

The ecosystem angle: The effort sits alongside other prefectural programmes. Hyogo's separate TECH Innovation Project reports that more than 70% of its past projects led to public procurement or similar outcomes, and neighbouring prefectures are also using startup partnerships for pilots.

The signal: The selection is a modest policy milestone, not evidence of new products or commercial results. The real test is whether the supported collaborations reach implementation.

Read more: web.pref.hyogo.lg.jp

Image credit: Generated with Gemini