Platform Overview
This platform has been approved for JST START University Ecosystem Promotion Type (Supporting Creation of Startup Ecosystem in Startup Cities) and is run by Tohoku University, acting as the principal institution, together with Hirosaki University, Iwate University, Akita University, Yamagata University, Fukushima University, Niigata University, Nagaoka University of Technology of Technology, Miyagi University, University of Aizu and Tohoku University Knowledge Cast Co.,Ltd. as the joint institutions.
Our Activities
The following four items will be carried out by the universities participating in the platform. We will accelerate the creation of startups from the Tohoku region, which faces a pile of challenges ,to help solve issues at home and abroad, and strongly promote the formation of a startup ecosystem.
Michinoku GAP Fund
Operation of the GAP fund support program to provide business feasibility assessment on research products for researchers and students at universities.
Entrepreneurship Education
Implement entrepreneurship education throughout Tohoku and Niigata by leveraging the experience and networks of past EDGE-NEXT Program participating universities.
Enhancing the startup environment
Establish and operate the ” Michinoku University Network for Entrepreneurial Support (MuNES),” set up an entrepreneurship consultation desk at each university, promote sharing and maintenance of university regulations related to startups, and operate the “Tohoku Consortium Prototype Production Coordination Office (TPCO)” to support prototyping.
Formation and development of hub cities ecosystem
Accelerate the creation of startups that utilize the university’s research results and technological seeds to solve domestic and international issues in regions with a pile of challenges, and aim to form a startup ecosystem with the university at its core.
The design incorporates seven circles symbolizing the seven participating prefectures, arranged in the traditional Shippo pattern* that signifies partnership, harmony, and development.
Starting from the seven prefectures on the map, the overlapping circles take on the image of co-creation and development through collaboration. The color will be gold, which stands for prosperity and wisdom. Overall, the design expresses the ideal and image of the creation of new industries aimed toward future expansion and development.
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*Shippo pattern: One of the patterns of good omen, where the shapes are linked infinitely. It is a pattern of good fortune, signifying the wish for peacefulness, harmony, and connection.
