Co-creation with technology startups drives company innovation! Featured Case Studies

The Role of Technology Startups in the Future of Society

Many technology startups are mainly responsible for bringing the results of university research, such as new materials and robots, to societyThe company has been working on a new project.A company that brings new areas of technology to the world and is at the forefront of technological innovationIt is. We enrich people's lives by creating convenience and new value.

suchCo-creating with technology startups enables us to acquire management resources that we do not have and speed up the development of new businessesIt is.

Two types of open innovation with technology startups

To form a business alliance with a technology start-up through open innovation,Two styles of collaboration: joint development and technology provisionThe first two are the following. Let's look at the characteristics and examples of each.

joint development

Joint development is when companies cooperate with each other to develop new products and technologies.The two companies are. They provide their respective technologies, know-how, and human resources to each other to achieve their business objectives.

Joint development accelerates the speed of developmentand keep up with business opportunities. In addition, eachSharing the cost reduces the burden.The advantage is that the risk is spread out in the event of a failure.

【【Examples of Collaboration]

Information-related equipment manufacturerSeiko Epson Corporation has formed a business alliance with Elephantech Corporation, a startup in the field of printed electronics.We have started joint development of inkjet head supply, etc.

Elephant Tech is a startup that reduces environmental impact and manufacturing costs through its unique manufacturing method of "printing metal only where necessary" using inkjet.It is. Through this joint development, Seiko Epson is creating a new production process and opening up new markets.

Technical Offerings

Technology provision is a business alliance in which we apply innovative technologies owned by startups to our own technological development and launch new businesses.It is. As in joint development,Ways to speed up development and reduce riskwill be.

【【Examples of Collaboration]

MUJIN Corporation, a startup from the University of Tokyo that enables speedy intelligence in industrial robotsIt is. We have installed industrial robots in a number of distribution centers.

In 2020.Ltd. and Frameworks, Inc. form a business alliance to collaborate in the warehouse automation solution business using industrial robots.contract. We are developing an automation strategy for distribution centers, where the workforce is decreasing and labor shortages are becoming more serious.

Co-creation with local governments and local companies

Co-creation with technology startups is not only for large companies,It is also being promoted in cooperation with local governments and local companies.The first is the

Following restrictions on movement and voluntary restraints on economic activities due to the spread of the new coronavirus,Local governments, local businesses, and startups join forces to find ways to solve local issues.Open innovation programs are being developed throughout the country.

Participating in programs that create co-creation between local companies and technology start-ups is one way to promote innovation in your companyIt can be said that

How to co-create with technology startups

Co-creation with technology startups enables innovation that is difficult to achieve from within, speeds up development, and attracts human resources.There are many advantages such as

Here are some better ways to co-create successfully with startups.

Clarify objectives

Co-creation with startups is not just because you want to work on a new business,It is important to clarify the purpose of co-creationIt is. Different goals may not mesh well during the course of a project.We must share the same goals that we both strive for.

Engage in open innovation

Actively incorporate cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary, and cross-industry perspectivesBetter co-creation with technology startups by actively engaging in open innovationThis leads toTo incorporate knowledge and technology possessed by organizations other than our own in all aspects of product development, R&D, organizational reform, etc., and to break away from the self-made approach.is what is required.

Implementation of Accelerator Program

Accelerator program enables more direct co-creation with startups that your company seeksThe program is to be Program operations begin with the organization of an information session.

Subsequently, the company began accepting business plans for startups.After selection, conduct small-scale tests to confirm results and begin full-scale co-creationI will do so.

Co-create with technology startups to make your company's innovation a success!

Companies that cannot change their own internal systems and want to develop the market with new businesses should also consider co-creating with technology startups.See. Proactively bring in technology, know-how, and human resources from outside the company to ensure the success of your innovation.