Events
Inaka Labs
Roundtable Discussion
In OSAKA PREFECTURE
Overview
Join us for the inaugural Inaka Labs event, a roundtable discussion focusing on the development of rural startup hubs in Japan. This event will gather key international players, local institutions, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to share insights, strategies, and collaborative opportunities aimed at revitalizing rural areas through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Date
July/August 2024 (Exact date to be confirmed)
Location
Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Who should attend
Entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in rural development and innovation.
Registration
Registration will open on by end of May 2024. For early interest, please fill out the pre-registration form and we will notify you once official registration begins.
Day 1
Inspiration and Innovation
Morning Session: Opening and Keynote Speeches
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration and Welcome Coffee
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Opening Remarks by FERN Officials
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Keynote Speech: “The Role of Startups in Rural Regeneration”
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Coffee Break
Mid-Morning Session: Panel Discussions
- 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Panel Discussion: “Challenges and Opportunities for Startups in Rural Japan”
- Panelists include startup founders, rural development experts, and local government officials.
Lunch Break
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Networking Lunch
Afternoon Session: Workshops and Breakouts
- 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Workshop: “Developing Sustainable Business Models in Rural Settings”
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Coffee Break
- 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Breakout Sessions (Choose one):
- Session A: “Technology and Innovation in Agriculture”
- Session B: “Tourism Startups: New Opportunities for Rural Areas”
- Session C: “Healthcare Innovations and Rural Implications”
Evening
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Welcome Reception and Networking
Day 2
Implementation and Action
Morning Session: Case Studies and Success Stories
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Case Study Presentations by Successful Rural Startups
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Coffee Break
Mid-Morning Session: Skill-Building Workshops
- 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Workshop: “Funding and Investment for Rural Startups”
- Focus on identifying and securing funding, understanding government grants, and pitching to investors.
Lunch Break
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch and Learn (Topic: “The Digital Divide in Rural Japan”)
Afternoon Session: Creating Action Plans
- 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Interactive Session: “Building Your Startup Roadmap in Rural Areas”
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Coffee Break
- 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing Panel: “Making It Happen: Next Steps for Aspiring Entrepreneurs”
Closing Remarks and Farewell
- 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Closing Remarks by FERN Leadership
- 5:30pm: Farewell and Optional Networking
Day 3
Exploration and Engagement
Objective:
The third day of the event is dedicated to a guided bus tour of potential sites for the inaugural Inaka Labs programs in Osaka Prefecture. This day will provide participants with a firsthand look at rural settings that could benefit from and contribute to startup developments aimed at rural regeneration.
Morning Session: Departure and First Stop
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Gather at a central location for breakfast and an overview of the day’s itinerary.
- 9:00 AM: Departure from the hotel/conference venue on a chartered bus.
- 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM: Visit to Site A: Agri-Tech Hub
- Location: Northern Osaka, near agricultural fields and facilities.
- Focus: Potential for developing agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices.
- Activities: Tour of local farms, discussion with local farmers about the challenges they face, and exploration of potential tech solutions that startups could develop.
Mid-Morning Session: Second Stop
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Visit to Site B: Rural Healthcare Facility
- Location: Central rural area with limited access to comprehensive healthcare.
- Focus: Opportunities for healthcare startups to improve accessibility and delivery of medical services.
- Activities: Meeting with healthcare professionals, tour of the facility, and a workshop on health tech innovations.
Lunch Break
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant known for its traditional Japanese cuisine and commitment to using locally sourced ingredients.
Afternoon Session: Third and Fourth Stops
- 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM: Visit to Site C: Eco-Tourism Location
- Location: Scenic area with potential for eco-tourism.
- Focus: Developing tourism startups that promote sustainability and local culture.
- Activities: Walking tour of the area, interaction with local tourism operators, and discussion on how startups can enhance rural tourism without disrupting the ecosystem.
- 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM: Visit to Site D: Education and Training Center
- Location: Near local schools and community centers.
- Focus: Educational startups that can offer innovative learning solutions and vocational training tailored to rural needs.
- Activities: Discussions with educators and community leaders, demonstration of educational technologies that have potential in rural settings.
Evening: Reflection and Return
- 5:30 PM: Depart from Site D back to the conference venue.
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Debriefing session at the hotel/conference venue.
- Participants share insights, potential startup ideas inspired by the tour, and expressions of interest in particular sites.
- Discussion on partnership opportunities and next steps for participating in the Inaka Labs initiative.
Closing Dinner
- 7:30 PM: Informal dinner and networking session, providing a chance for relaxed conversations and strengthening connections made during the tour.
Additional Details:
- Transportation: A comfortable coach equipped with Wi-Fi and refreshments to ensure a pleasant travel experience between sites.
- Guides: Local experts and interpreters available to provide detailed information about each site and assist with language translation.
- Materials: Handouts about each site, including data on local demographics, infrastructure, and potential areas for startup intervention.
- Safety: Health and safety guidelines followed throughout the tour, with necessary precautions taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
This day is designed to ignite inspiration, foster a deeper understanding of rural dynamics, and build solid foundations for future collaborations that drive rural regeneration through innovative startups.
Pre Registration
Registration will open by the end of May 2024. If you would like to be informed when registration opens, please fill out the form below.
