In Japan, changes in the lifestyle and social environment have led to changes in customer behaviors, and customer needs are diversifying. We believe it is necessary to discover services and technologies that will continue to meet the needs of our customers and further ensure safety, which is the most important philosophy of JR East.
Especially, we will take on the challenge of providing new value through large-scale urban development, including Shinagawa development project which will make this area “a living test-bed for a spiritually rich lifestyle that will continue for the next 100 years” Against this backdrop, we are looking for startups who can provide new value together with us through the venture co-creation platform held by East Japan Railway Company and Origgin.
＊In 2022, Japan’s railroads will celebrate 150 years in operation.
＊On the other hand, We need the Japanese construction companies as partner who have the same problems to generate new value together. Feel free to reach out to us for discussion.
East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is a private company that operates railroad business, lifestyle service business, and IT/mobile business mainly in East Japan area. In recent years, due to Japan’s declining population, falling birthrate, aging population, and changes in the social environment, we have transformed ourselves from a railroad business into a lifestyle company. In Japan, we have expanded our business domain into a wide range of fields including office operation, shopping mall business, e-commerce business, hotel business, and advertising business, and are developing various services based on our customers.
Origgin is a Singapore venture creation firm that started from commercialisation of deep technologies from the universities and research institutes through the Venture Co-Creation concept. During the process, Origgin puts in the pre-seed investment and provides hands-on support for the portfolios. Currently, there are close to 30 portfolios across different sectors. Origgin has been working with multiple corporates to tap on technologies to realise the next phase of growth.
To solve the issues JR East is facing in Japan, JR East Startup (corporate venture capital) and Origgin will jointly look for suitable startups. Selected startups will have a chance to conduct a proof of concept with JR East in Japan to co-create new value for the Japanese railroad business and Japanese society. To achieve this vision, collaboration or the establishment of a JV will be considered depending on the results of the PoC and the business model.
To address the issues facing JR East (railroads, construction, commerce, safety management, etc.)
①Identify startups with new value that can appropriately solve the below issues
②Provide opportunities for startups to offer their solutions by leveraging JR East’s assets
③Co-creation of new business models between JR East and startups to generate new values and revenue streams
Oct 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022
1. Inquiries about the Program (Understanding the Issues)
2. Application for this program (free of charge)
3. Selection by application form (1st round)
4. Acceptance or rejection of the 1st selection
5. Interview with the organizing team
6. Pass/fail for the second selection
7. Preparation for participation in PoC (on condition of becoming a One&Co member)
8. PoC
*During the preparation for participation in the PoC, you are required to become a member of One&Co (450 SGD/ month/ 1 account) as close communication is necessary.
*After the PoC, we will consult with you separately as the way to proceed differs depending on your situation and JR East’s business environment.
JR East’s solutions for construction of stations, railroad lines, and station environments in Japan (Required technologies and issues)
(1) Sensoring technology
JR East’s construction work is generally done next to where customers pass by and beside where the business lines run. Therefore, the safety of the customer and the surrounding environment is of paramount importance. Therefore, safety management of customers and the surrounding environment is a top priority. Safety management of customers and the surrounding environment is a top priority.
Currently, safety control is often carried out visually, requiring manpower. The technology is needed to automate safety management and to improve safety and efficiency.
(2) Image Recognition Machine Technology
JR East’s construction work is always done in “short time”, “narrow space”, and “dangerous environment”. In addition, many departments are involved in a single construction project, and common recognition for the latest status is required.
In the case of station construction, the line and electricity are cut off after the last train has departed to ensure a safe environment. After the power is cut off, the construction vehicles and workers perform the work.
Basically, the operations staff behind the scenes shuts down the “line” and “electricity” during construction. The onsite workers working on the project are able to visually distinguish which lines and electricity were shut off and when. Currently, this procedure is being carried out with radio confirmation from the operation staff. The new technology is expected to create an environment in which both operators and workers have the same information and can work with the same awareness.
(3) Visualization technology
Unexpected buried objects (e.g., structures from the past) may suddenly emerge from the ground during construction. This can delay the construction period and increase costs, putting pressure on the overall project financial statement.
For example, the construction work may be delayed due to the presence of buried materials in the ground prior to the construction. The project can proceed more smoothly if the project team can see into the ground in advance. Such new technology is welcomed to solve these problems.
-Have the appropriate resources and technology to address the above issues.
-Have a good understanding of JR East’s business and issues.
-Being interested in entering to Japanese market.
–Have sufficient resources to support the PoC and keen interest in future expansions in Japan.
-Join a member of One&Co for smooth communication during PoC.
Please click on this link to apply
We will contact you once in 2-3 days after receiving your inquiry. If you are interested in our program, please feel free to contact us at the e-mail address below.
– PIC: Tomonari Abe
– EMAIL: [email protected]
We look forward to receiving your application.
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