Pitch

To create global co-benefits *1, we are holding a pitch contest for startups with technologies and services that contribute to solving social issues. We are seeking business ideas based on the following four themes, with the aim of creating a fulfilled life a century into the future. Utilizing TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY *2, partner companies, primarily JR East, will support these ideas.

*1 Reassessing current economic activities that place a heavy burden on the Earth and striving for profits that harmonize the Earth and humans.
*2 As part of the Shinagawa Development Project, the project will inherit the historical background of the area as the gateway to Edo and the memory of innovation as the site of Japan's first railway, and will work to create a city that will continue to give birth to new businesses and cultures as an "experimental site for a fulfilled life a century into the future," with the development concept of "Global Gateway."

Scene from the previous event (May 2025)

Date and Time

Thursday, May 14, 2026
14:00-16:00 TAKANAWA PITCH

place

THE LINKPILLAR 1 SOUTH B2F "TAKANAWA GATEWAY Convention Center"
(2-21-2 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

〇Speakers (Pitch Finalists)
1) eMotion Fleet Inc. (Mobility and Robotics)
2) AiRato. Inc (Healthcare)
3) Albatross Technology Inc. (Environmental Protection)
4) CartFit Co., Ltd. (Mobility and Robotics)
5) Cell-En Inc. (Environmental Protection)
6) MiRNDa, Inc. (Healthcare)
7) Nihin Media K.K. (Healthcare)
8) RECOTECH (Environmental Protection)
9) SUSHI TOP MARKETING, INC. (Regional Revitalization)

*Each company will have 5 minutes for their pitch and 5 minutes for Q&A.

Pitch Finalists

Shuji Shiraki

eMotion Fleet Inc.

CEO

Post-MBA, he held roles at Mitsubishi Fuso and Nissan. After serving as CEO of StreetScooter Japan and leading commercial EV expansion, he founded eMotion Fleet in 2023. Leveraging expertise in Japan and Germany, he now drives sustainable mobility through comprehensive EV fleet solutions.
- Mobility and Robotics
eMotion Fleet is a brand agnostic fleet electrification solution provider focused in Japan and Asia. Based on its extensive hands-on experience, eMotion Fleet acts as a professional expert group to offer one-stop service to support customers electrify their fleet and maximize fleet uptime, operation cost savings and carbon neutrality.

We propose a demo to establish the "Next-Generation Logistics Platform" at TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY. Using eMotion Fleet’s FMS and EMS, we will analyze vehicle and energy data to optimize dispatch efficiency and flatten peak power demand for sustainable logistics operations.
Noriyuki Kadoya

AiRato. Inc

CEO

Founded AiRato Co., Ltd. in 2022 as a Tohoku University-originated startup, leveraging radiation therapy research from Tohoku University School of Medicine. Pursuing the mission of "saving all cancer patients through radiation therapy" in Japan and beyond, by expanding the possibilities of radiation therapy through the fusion of cancer treatment and AI. Also serves as a hospital lecturer in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Tohoku University Hospital. Completed a doctoral program at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, and held positions as a research fellow and visiting assistant professor at Stanford University and the University of California, Davis, before assuming the current role.
- Healthcare
A company founded by healthcare professionals and researchers with frontline cancer care experience, united by a mission to transform the future of cancer treatment through AI. Starting from real-world challenges in radiation therapy, we develop and deliver medical AI products that are continuously used in clinical settings. We aim to support both the quality of care and the sustainability of clinical practice in the highly specialized field of radiation treatment planning.

Targeting 20,000 people in the Takanawa Gateway area: CT scan detects tumors → AI instantly creates treatment plans → radiation therapy booked via JR East's network. Dramatically shortening the time from cancer detection to treatment.
Kazutoshi Osakabe

Albatross Technology Inc.

Director & COO

Started at K Line in ship investment, IR, and new business, while serving as Union President. Mentored social entrepreneurs at an NPO. Later at A.T. Kearney, led manufacturing DD and strategy. Joined Albatross Technology in 2023. Holds an IE Business School MBA.
- Environmental Protection
We are developing "FAWT," a next-generation domestic floating wind turbine. Unlike conventional horizontal-axis turbines—essentially skyscrapers on the sea—our design lowers the center of gravity, reimagining the structure as a vessel. This minimizes the system and simplifies the structure, drastically cutting manufacturing and maintenance costs. As a gamechanger for making renewables a primary power source, FAWT will accelerate energy security and carbon neutrality from the ocean.

Optical fibers were retrofitted into infrastructure facilities supporting TGC's energy supply to continuously monitor strain. Wireless power supply was also tested, demonstrating monitoring technology with a view to large wind turbines and railway infrastructure. An exploratory learning program considering the future of energy was also established at TIS.
Sousuke Shimizu

CartFit Co., Ltd.

CEO・CTO

After earning a master’s from the University of Tokyo, Shimizu worked at Bosch in hardware and software, then founded a startup and developed autonomous systems for two-wheeled vehicles.
- Mobility and Robotics
CartFit develops a low-cost AI retrofit kit for carts and hand trucks, enabling obstacle avoidance, auto-following, and autonomous driving to reduce labor in logistics and facilities.

Deploy one unit handles autonomous delivery, follow-up transport, and patrol security.
Naomi Yamaguchi

Cell-En Inc.

COO

After graduating from univ., I joined a trading firm and was involved in business alliances and mergers. Subsequently, I was spearheaded for planning and managing numerous academic conferences and symposiums at universities and national research institute, engaging extensively in industry-academia collaboration. I co-founded Cell-En Inc. in august 2023. I am also enrolled in the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies at Sophia University, researching environmental sociology and the social acceptance of new technologies. Special Jury Prize at NEXT FOUNDERS 2024
- Environmental Protection
Cell-En develops efficient power generation technologies centered on microbial fuel cells, managing everything from core R&D to product design. We provide sustainable, off-grid power solutions that minimize environmental impact, catering to disaster relief and energy-underserved regions. Furthermore, leveraging our proprietary screening technology, we discover and bank high-performance microorganisms, providing strategic consulting for their commercialization. Our mission is to realize a resilient, secure society through the stable supply of eco-friendly energy.

We will introduce microbial power generation, a new and environmentally friendly form of natural energy, and demonstrate the equipment. We will also conduct a long-term power generation demonstration experiment using our equipment to power the streetlights and illuminations in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY.
Masaki Hirose

MiRNDa, Inc.

Co-Founder & CEO

Over 20 years of experience in marketing and business development within the global medical device industry, including roles at Boston Scientific and Medtronic. Extensive experience in M&A integration, product strategy, and product launches. Holds a B.S. from Keio University and an MBA from the Thunderbird (AZ).
- Healthcare
Each year, around one million people worldwide lose their lives due to delayed cancer detection. “Silent killers” such as pancreatic and liver cancer are often diagnosed at advanced stages, leaving patients with limited treatment options. MiRNDa is tackling this challenge with its proprietary RNA modification technology, enabling early cancer detection. We aim to transform “undetectable cancers” into “detectable ones” and help save more lives.

We track healthy cohorts over time, capturing RNA changes before disease even appears. By comparing those who develop illness with those who remain healthy, we uncover true causal signals—not just correlations. This approach enables early prediction and prevention, paving the way for a new era of proactive, next-generation medicine.
Wang Haoyu

Nihin Media K.K.

Customer Success Director

Holds a Master’s degree in Applied Physics from The University of Tokyo. Former consultant at ZS Associates, supporting the leadership teams at 20+ leading global and domestic pharma/medtech companies. Expert in driving Go-To-Market strategies for new products through a wide range of approaches such as strategic workshop design and data analysis. Joined Nihin Media K.K. in 2025.
- Healthcare
We develop and operate "MedGen Japan," an AI assistant designed for doctors in Japan. The AI searches and filters both domestic and international medical literature, delivering evidence in just one minute while transparently displaying citations and the rationale for source selection. Through this, we aim to significantly reduce the time doctors spend searching for information in clinical settings. Furthermore, by leveraging insights derived from accumulated query data, we also help pharmaceutical and medtech manufacturers optimize and streamline the way they provide information to healthcare professionals.

Our objective is to establish a successful case study by having physicians within the clinic area use MedGen Japan in their clinical practice. Through this, we aim to prove that MedGen Japan can achieve increased efficiency and time savings in medical information gathering, as well as an improvement in the quality of the medical information collected.
Ei Nozaki

RECOTECH

CEO

Founder of RECOTECH. With 20+ years in waste management, including JICA projects in SE Asia, he builds value chains via hardware (methane fermentation) and organic recycling. Keio SFC researcher.
- Environmental Protection
RECOTECH is a Resource Tech firm fulfilling "intergenerational responsibility." We use tech to transform waste systems from incineration to nature-positive models, building a sustainable future.

Visualizing resource potential with "pool" to build circular infrastructure.
Daisuke Tokunaga

SUSHI TOP MARKETING, INC.

CEO

Born in 1989. After joining Yama-kei Publishers as a new graduate, he served as a book producer at Temjin (a subsidiary of Impress Holdings) before launching his first media venture. In 2021, he founded SUSHI TOP MARKETING, Inc. with the mission of pioneering the culture of 'Token Graph Marketing.
- Regional Revitalization
We are an NFT marketing agency building continuous touchpoints between brands and customers. By combining a seamless acquisition experience via platforms like LINE with our proprietary SaaS, 'Token Graph Marketer,' we provide an end-to-end solution—from NFT issuance and utility design to customer analysis and retention marketing.

We will establish the 'Takanawa Gateway Model,' integrating regional exploration with sales promotion through NFTs. Our goal is to drive regional revitalization by acquiring new customers, deepening engagement with existing ones, and increasing the incentive for customers to visit local tenants.

Theme

Environmental Protection

Utilizing clean energy and Enviromental friendly materials
Realizing a circular economy, including upcycling

Mobility and Robotics

Achieving inclusive mobility
Supporting people through the use of technology such as AI and robots

Healthcare

Preventive healthcare and health promotion through food tech
Visualization of health status and early detection of diseases

Regional Revitalization

Increasing related population, promoting tourism
Next-generation agriculture and utilization of local resources

Prizes

In this pitch contest, companies that achieve outstanding results will be awarded various prizes, including cash prizes, demonstration experiments in Takanawa, and consideration of investment from the Takanawa global co-benefits Fund. The results will be announced at the TAKANAWA PITCH Awards Ceremony and Closing (held on May 14th).

TAKANAWA Grand Prix

The company will award a prize of 5 million JPY and support a demonstration experiment at TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY.

TAKANAWA FUND Award

We will consider investment from the Takanawa global co-benefits Fund (TAKANAWA GATEWAY global co-benefits Investment Limited Partnership, jointly established by East Japan Railway Company and Global Brain Corporation).

PHD Lab. Award

Participate in PHD Lab. You will receive support, including advice from researchers at the University of Tokyo.

Supplementary prizes (awarded to all finalists)

Business Creation Facility "LiSH" Membership: For a limited time, coworking space membership (shared plan) at the business creation facility "LiSH" will be provided free of charge.
(Offer period: June 2026 to March 31, 2027)

Judges

Kiyohiko Igarashi

The University of Tokyo

Professor, University of Tokyo / Special Advisor to the President
Director of Planetary Health Research Institute
Vice Dean, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo. Completed his doctoral studies at the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences in 1999. While a student, he served as a visiting researcher at the University of Georgia in the United States. After obtaining his doctorate, he served as a JSPS Research Fellow (PD) and a postdoctoral fellow at Uppsala University in Sweden. In 2002, he became an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, in 2007, and an associate professor in 2009. He has held his current position since 2021. From 2016 to 2019, he served as a visiting professor at the Technical Research Centre of Finland, and since 2018, he has also served as a fellow at the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Technology Strategy Center. He has served as a special advisor to the president since 2022. He will be appointed director of the Planetary Health Research Institute in 2025. He is a leading researcher in the production of energy and materials from trees and grasses.

Yasuhiko Yurimoto

Global Brain Corporation

CEO

After working at Fuji Bank (now Mizuho Bank) and as Vice President of Planning at Citibank N.A., he founded Global Brain Corporation and became its current President and CEO.
He started his own company, overcame the Internet bubble and the Lehman Shock, and built it into one of Japan's leading VC companies. Using his experience as an entrepreneur, he is now a valued advisor to startup entrepreneurs.

Tomoko Konuma

East Japan Railway Company

Executive Officer, Marketing Headquarters, Urban Development Department

After joining East Japan Railway Company in 1990, she worked at stations and branch offices before moving to the shopping center business at the head office. From 1995, she was seconded to a shopping center group company, where she was in charge of renewals and corporate planning. In 2005, she was transferred to the head office's Business Creation Division, where she was involved in formulating the shopping center business strategy. From 2013, she was seconded to Atre Co., Ltd., where she was involved in formulating marketing strategies, and in 2018, as Representative Director and President of JR East Commercial Development Co., Ltd., she worked to provide new value that anticipated local needs. Since 2023, she has been in charge of group company business at the head office's Marketing Division. She has been in her current position since 2025. She has positioned the southern Tokyo area between Hamamatsucho Station and Oimachi Station as the "Greater Shinagawa Area," and is working to improve the new appeal and value of Tokyo as a whole.

Yuko Takeda

KDDI CORPORATION

General Manager of SU Growth Strategy Department, Open Innovation Promotion Headquarters

After working for an electronics manufacturer, she joined KDDI in 2007. She was involved in product planning for mobile phones and smartphones, and contributed to establishing an innovative product lineup that met consumer needs. Since 2019, she has been in charge of company-wide advertising and promotion in the Public Relations Department, where she has worked on numerous campaigns. She took up her current position in October 2021, and as the operations manager of the KDDI Open Innovation Fund, she is committed to strengthening the startup ecosystem. She is actively involved in promoting open innovation through startup investments and building strategic partnerships with a variety of companies.

Noriko Harada

AI CROSS Inc.

President and CEO

After graduating from Keio University, she joined SAP and began her career as a consultant. She then moved to a venture company and moved to the US in 2000 to establish a US subsidiary. Based in Seattle, San Jose, and New York, she was involved in a wide range of marketing, business partnerships, and alliances in the US market for approximately 10 years. She returned to Japan after giving birth and founded AI CROSS Inc. in March 2015, which was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers in October 2019. She currently serves as a council member of the Generative AI Utilization Promotion Association (GUGA), and is actively involved in promoting AI, including in rural areas.

Schedule

Pre-briefing Session for Startups

December 16, 2025 (Tue) 18:00–19:00 (JST)

The information session has now concluded. You can view the archived video.

program

"TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY" Overview of the City and Its Initiatives
Overview of the business creation event "GATEWAY Tech TAKANAWA"
Information on the pitch contest "TAKANAWA PITCH"
Introduction from previous award-winning startups
Message from the Chair of the Judges
Q&A

The briefing session has ended

Archived video of the briefing is here

Application details

Application requirements: ◆Startup companies (generally established within the last 10 years) that have technologies and services that contribute to solving social issues and have products, services, or prototypes in line with one of the themes of Enviromental protection, Mobility vehicles and Robotics, Healthcare services, or Community Creation, with the aim of creating global co-benefits.
◆Participate in the selection process and pitch on the day of the event, and be able to fill out the application form, pitch, and answer questions in Japanese.
◆All information provided on the application form and in submitted materials during the selection process must be complete and accurate.
◆The application form must be completed and the materials specified by the organizer must be submitted by the application deadline.
◆To agree to the terms and conditions of the application
Submissions: ◆Fill out the application form in Japanese
・ Submit pitch materials in Japanese, including service introduction * If you pass the 1st round, submit a video of your pitch (scheduled for February 2026)
* If you pass the 2nd round (selected as a finalist), submit photos of speakers, profiles, and company logo (scheduled for March to April 2026)
Selection Criteria: ◆ Social impact
◆ Economic impact
◆ Significance of implementing this project in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY (vision, novelty, feasibility)
◆ Field compatibility
◆ Presentation skills
◆ Other
Schedule: ◆ Application period: December 8, 2025 to January 31, 2026 23:59
◆ First selection (document screening): February 2026
Result notification: Late February
◆ Second selection (video screening): February to early March 2026
Scheduled notification of results: Late March (finalists confirmed)
◆ Pitch contest appearance: May 14, 2026
Participation Fee: ◆Free
*Transportation costs and other expenses are borne by each company.

Pitch contest applications are now closed

Examples of city initiatives

Environmental Protection

Creating a city that is friendly to people, the city, and the earth by utilizing hydrogen, biogas, and a variety of renewable energies: The city is working to create an enviromentally friendly town by introducing one of the largest heat storage tanks in Japan, utilizing hydrogen, and developing a next-generation logistics platform.The city's first in-building biogas facility in the eastern Japan area reuses food waste from restaurants, Convention hall/Conference rooms, and hotels in the town's commercial facilities as a resource, working to reduce waste.The gas generated is used as fuel for a biogas boiler, and the heat generated is used to provide hot water at the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, promoting efforts to realize a circular economy.

Read the press release here

Mobility and Robotics

Introduction of "iino," an autonomous mobility vehicle that can coexist with pedestrians (Gekidaniino G.K.): To create new encounters that come from coexisting with the city, facilities, and people, we considered the optimal form for TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, designed the introduction of Mobility vehicles and Robotics based on the results of multiple demonstration experiments, and developed a "city x Mobility vehicles and Robotics" model that integrates people, city, and experience by combining Mobility vehicles and Robotics spots with information functions, driving routes, audio and light effects, etc. We will create a transportation experience that enhances the appeal of the places you travel and stirs the emotions of those who ride.

TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY x iino

Healthcare

Laxative-free virtual endoscopy (Boston Medical Sciences, Inc.): Boston Medical Sciences is developing a completely laxative-free virtual endoscopy (colon CT) examination system that utilizes a world-first high-precision virtual bowel cleansing AI and polyp detection AI. By lowering the barrier to undergoing detailed colon cancer examinations with BMS's examination system, the company aims to promote early detection of colon cancer and reduce the number of deaths from colon cancer worldwide. This idea is in line with the "global co-benefits" vision, and led to the decision to make the first investment from the Takanawa global co-benefits Fund. In addition to continuing to conduct colon cancer screening awareness activities at events in Takanawa, the company is also considering introducing the system to the clinic area, which is scheduled to open in spring 2026.

Read the press release here

Regional Revitalization

Regional revitalization initiatives through the "Regional Future Brain Link": MIRAI Brain Link Regional Consulting & Incubation Co., Ltd is a new company jointly established in October 2025 by JR East and Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI) with the aim of revitalizing local communities. Its main activities include acting as a think tank that conducts long-term research on regional revitalization, incubating businesses that promote business creation aimed at resolving local issues, and providing related consulting. Using the TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars' Hub (LiSH) as a hub, it will promote collaboration with co-creation partners.

Official website is here