FIG.1
The General Incorporated Association ASIBA (Headquarters: Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo) has been selected as a partner organization under “TOKYO SUTEAM,” a startup support initiative operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and involving a diverse range of stakeholders. Throughout the 18-month term of this agreement with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we will carry out projects aimed at expanding new possibilities in the fields of “architecture, design, and art.”This support program aims to foster the creation and growth of startups by encouraging initiatives that leverage the ideas, networks, and expertise of various stakeholders supporting startups, in order to achieve the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “10×10×10 Innovation Vision for Pioneering the Future.”
As Japan’s first student incubation program in the fields of architecture and urban planning, the General Incorporated Association ASIBA has engaged in activities ranging from idea generation and prototype development support to collaboration with major industry players and the launch of a “Architecture × Entrepreneurship” community.In the ASIBA Incubation Program, which involves 85 students from 14 universities in the fields of architecture and urban planning, visions for cities and product ideas—which were previously confined within the architectural field—are transcending those boundaries through an encounter with the spirit of entrepreneurship, taking their first steps toward social implementation as seed projects.These projects, shaped by unique perspectives and worldviews not found in existing startups, are contributing to the expansion and diversification of the startup ecosystem.
FIG.2
FIG.3
Using the insights gained from these practical initiatives, we will significantly expand entrepreneurship education and opportunities not only in the fields of architecture and urban planning but also across disciplines such as “architecture, design, and art.” Through this agreement, we will promote the creation and growth of diverse startups and projects centered on creativity.Furthermore, through these efforts, we aim to create a society where, for students and young professionals in the “architecture, design, and art”, and support the challenges undertaken by talented and passionate students and young people in these fields. We aim to create a society where, following the COVID-19 pandemic, disparities in opportunities—such as those related to location, financial constraints, and other barriers—are eliminated, enabling everyone to take on creative challenges.
FIG.4
“Passionate and Diverse Support for Ambitious Startups, Starting from Tokyo” In November Reiwa 4, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government formulated “Global Innovation with STARTUPS” and is now implementing a “next-level” startup strategy, with Tokyo at the center, to realize a society where ambitious individuals can thrive with hope.This initiative aims to strengthen Tokyo’s startup ecosystem—and ultimately promote the creation and growth of startups—by expanding diverse startup support through collaboration between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and a wide range of supporters, as well as by fostering networking among these supporters.
“TOKYO SUTEAM” Website (List of Partner Organizations) https://tokyosuteam.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/agreement_operator/
To unlock the potential of students and young professionals in the “Architecture, Design, and Art” fields and create a world-class creative startup ecosystem
Under this agreement, ASIBA will leverage its accumulated business expertise to conduct further pilot tests of business ideas, provide technical support, and promote collaborative partnerships. It will also. These will consist of three new programs: a studio-style initiative to expand implementation support for students and young professionals in the “Architecture, Design, and Art” fields; a practical planning program to broaden and diversify the startup base through industry-academia collaboration programs and design implementation competitions; and a community-building program aimed at strengthening the startup ecosystem by fostering creative communities.
FIG.5
In creating projects and startups that involve both software and hardware, securing pilot testing areas and collaborating with local governments are crucial. To lower these barriers, we will launch “TOKYO Field Collaboration,” a new mechanism that promotes pilot testing in various locations throughout Tokyo by treating “local governments as the first customers,” thereby creating a framework to facilitate pilot testing between seed projects and local governments.
This agreement-based initiative will be realized through co-creation with the following three companies that share ASIBA’s vision:
FIG.6
Established in 1993 and incorporated as an NPO in 2000, ETIC is a certified NPO that promotes community-building activities among people who are shaping the future. It focuses on the relationship between urban and rural areas amid population decline, economic contraction, and a super-aging society, while contemplating the future of Japan and the world, taking practical action, supporting one another, sharing lessons learned, and envisioning the next chapter of the future.Through the commercialization of Japan’s first long-term, hands-on internship program and startup support for young social entrepreneurs, approximately 12,500 young people have participated as practitioners in the front lines of transformation and innovation, and the organization has nurtured over 1,900 entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it is expanding this model to partner organizations in 80 regions across Japan.
Company Name: Specified Nonprofit Corporation ETIC
Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Established: March
2000 Official Website: https://etic.or.jp/
FIG.7
O, Inc., which is developing the “MEs” product, is a Japan-U.S. startup founded by students from the Rhode Island School of Design.Led by CEO aHaru, who has a background as a creator and artist, the company brings together members from diverse fields, including art, design, engineering, and finance. One of O’s key strengths is its deep connections with leading figures in the art and design fields; Rei Wakita, a professor at Keio SFC, serves as an advisor.
Company Name: O, Inc
. Location: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Established: September 2021
Representative: CEO A Haru
Official Website: https://o-me.io/
FIG.8
Poietica is a Kyoto-based, research-driven design agency. With a mission to “generate new knowledge through creation,” we practice design that transcends boundaries—such as information/matter, nature/culture, and human/non-human—to contribute to a sustainable society.While formulating design strategies and providing business development support for new ventures and startups addressing environmental issues, the firm is distinguished by its role as an organization that functions as an artwork reflecting on the future coexistence of humans and nature, and that bridges theory and practice in tackling challenges related to climate change and biodiversity.
Company Name: Poietica LLC
Location: Kita Ward, Kyoto City
Established: May 2023
Representative Partner: Yuzo Okuda
Official Website: https://poietica.jp/
ASIBA, a General Incorporated Association, is an entrepreneurship community founded by architecture students at the time with the goal of bringing the talents of students and young professionals in the fields of architecture and urban planning to society, eliminating opportunity gaps—such as those arising from post-pandemic constraints on opportunities, space, and finances—and creating a society where anyone can take on creative challenges. Based on our experience implementing a one-and-a-half-year student andyoung professionals in the architecture and urban planning fields, we are convinced that combining the potential of people in “architecture, design, and art” with entrepreneurship education will significantly contribute to the creation of startup projects—starting with Tokyo and expanding throughout Japan—as well as their global expansion, thereby broadening the possibilities of “creative production” for the next generation. We aim for students and young professionals in the fields of “architecture, design, and art” to build a network where they can complement each other’s knowledge and, based on the issues they identify from their own perspectives, generate research, design, architecture, and business ventures.
To conceive of what is needed in the coming era, not stopping at mere concepts, but continuously testing ideas through action and realization, and continuing to create based on what is learned. To break free from the mindset of “honing skills, receiving commissions, and creating upon request,” and instead design as-yet-unclear values and visions of the future, taking proactive action to bring them into being. To ensure that everyone can exercise leadership and engage in creative production, innovation, and challenges without feeling the disparities in opportunities—such as access to resources, locations, and funding—that have become more pronounced since the COVID-19 pandemic. And to build “Ashiba,” a framework where different generations and companies transcend their vested interests to form a single team that supports the next generation. In these complex and crisis-ridden times, we will continue to strive toward transforming society into a “creative-first” one brimming with possibilities for the future.
FIG.9
ASIBA (Architecture Studio for Based Action), a general incorporated association, runs a three-month incubation program that brings the talents and ideas of architecture and urban planning students to society; hosts lectures featuring guest speakers such as entrepreneurs, architects, and university professors; and offers workshops where participants acquire the knowledge and mindset necessary to advance projects;as well as content tailored to each stage from research to implementation. Founded by architecture students at the time, ASIBA is an entrepreneurship community that ensures students’ proposals do not end as mere ideas but instead provides a foundation for them to take their first steps toward practical implementation.
Company Name: ASIBA, General Incorporated Association Location: Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo Representative: Yuta Nihei Established: January 2024 Business Activities: 1. Incubation programs specializing in the urban architecture field 2. Conferences on the social implementation of architecture 3. Networking sessions and pitch events 4.Other activities necessary to achieve the association’s objectives Official Website: https://asiba.or.jp/
