International Information Session for the INNO-vation Program
By operating a network hub for the Government of Japan, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, we have been able to build trust and expand our connections throughout the Kii region. Thanks to Naoko Tanaka, a member of Kumano Shindo, we met Fukuda-san, a local entrepreneur who was interested in learning more the INNO-vation program. We then created a webinar together to introduce Kumano Shindo to a global audience.
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Objective: Raise awareness of the INNO-vation Program, and support those interested in applying
Report
01/
Launched the event at Kinomori, a facility in Kumano City made of locally sourced wood, on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) paid for the use of the facility, which allowed us to give back financially to the community.
03/
Kumano Shindo members are in constant contact with GRC members, currently supporting applications in India, Greece, Portugal and Spain, among other countries.
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The INNO-vation program is funded by MIC, and consists of the Disruptive Challenge and Generation Awards. After learning about the program, participants brainstormed about potential proposals. We talked about the important role the program plays in cultivating innovation in Japan, and why this Govt. of Japan sponsored program is attracting attention from around the world!
04/
Our brief introduction of Helio COMPASS, developed by Kaichi Sugiyama, attracted a high level of interest from GRC members. We subsequently held an international launch event for Helio Compass on April 14. We were written up in the local Yoshino Kumano Shimbun newspaper (PDF).