[Social problem solving x business]Social Innovator Hub (SIH) Incubation Program
The Social Innovators Hub (SIH) is a co-creation program that brings together talent from Japan and developing countries to address social issues through business innovation.
The program is sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims to nurture “the next generation of social innovators.”
Over the course of seven weeks, participants from different countries will work together to develop business ideas that effectively solve social challenges. On the final day of the program, there will be a pitch session where participants will present their ideas to potential investors.
Top experts from Dream Incubator and Dentsu, pioneers in social issues, design and business, will guide participants. With their expertise and Japan's advanced technology at the intersection of social issues, design and business, participants will be able to acquire practical methodologies for realizing solutions to solve social issues.
Program Overview
The Social Innovators Hub (SIH) is a co-creation incubation program that connects Japan with developing countries and aims to nurture the next generation of social innovators who aim to solve social issues in each country through business.
The organizers, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), are currently inviting participants from Japan and partner countries.
The Ideal Candidate
- You have a clear social problem you want to solve and a hypothesis for how to solve it.
- A passion to solve social problems in your partner country or your own country.
- Have a clear understanding of what you will learn in this program.
Program Highlights
(1) Being eager to solve social issues
Participants are eager to solve these problems and will support you in identifying and resolving them.
(2) Utilizing Japan's strengths to solve problems in partner countries
We incorporate technology from top Japanese universities.
(3) Project-based practical programs
World-renowned, reproducible methodology.
(4) Teaching practical business skills
Business planning, finance, impact evaluation/methodology taught by experienced lecturers.
(5) Creating a space for emergence and diversity
Participants from 5 countries
Program Theme
This program will be based at Tohoku University and will focus on environmental issues (circular economy, carbon neutral, nature positive) and disaster prevention. Participants from partner countries and Japan who are interested in social issues in these areas and are willing to take action to solve them will work together to co-create solution ideas.
With the cooperation of Japanese universities, research institutes, companies, and social entrepreneurs, participants will deepen their understanding of social issues and consider appropriate approaches.
SIH will utilize Japan's outstanding technological and problem-solving capabilities to provide a platform for matching participants with the technologies of Japan's top universities and companies in order to solve problems in partner countries. It is expected that through this program, solutions to common issues within Japan and among the participating countries will evolve.
Lecturer/Mentor
The program will be led by experts from Japan's top universities and companies with expertise in social issues, design and business. (Participating companies/universities)
- Tohoku University: A top runner in Japan, producing many startups that utilize excellent deep tech.
-
•Dream Incubator Inc.: A business production company that provides strategic consulting services focusing on social issues.
◦Excellent participants will be offered an internship opportunity at Dream Incubator. - •Dentsu Inc.A leading company in the Japanese advertising industry that supports the discovery and uncovering of problems from a user perspective.
- •ACTANT Corporation:– A pioneering design firm that supports service design from research to business implementation
- •DLX Design Lab (University of Tokyo): An international team of designers who incorporate a design perspective into superior technology to create new value.
Apply for the first selection
inquiry
Program details
- Location: Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (Tohoku University and others)
- Period: August 5th to September 20th, 2024 (dates to be determined)
- *Arrival date in Japan: August 2nd, Departure date in Japan: September 24th or 25th (planned)
Lectures and workshops will be held approximately three days a week (weekdays).
The rest of the time is filled with project work.
Lectures: 1.5 hours, 1-4 times per week
Workshop: 1.5 hours, 2-4 times per week
Group work: Teams set their own meeting times, about 10 hours a week
Fieldwork: Approximately three times during the period
- Method: Hybrid format combining online and in-person training
- Language: English
Lecture Schedule
Over the seven weeks, participants gain practical skills to identify and address real social problems.
Fee
â–¼Participants live in partner countries (Indonesia, Mongolia, Nigeria, Peru)
- Provided by:
- Travel expenses
â—‹Airfare
Travel insurance - Accommodation
Daily allowance
â—‹ Accommodation - Training costs.
- Cost:
- Not included in the above
â—‹Domestic travel to the airport
Passport, computer
â–¼People living in Japan (Japanese nationals, international students, etc.)
- Provided
- Training Fees
- Participant Costs
- General living expenses
- Accommodation and meal costs (during group training period)
- Transport
- Personal computer.
Application Requirements
- You must reside in Indonesia, Mongolia, Nigeria, Peru, or Japan.
- *International students residing in Japan are also eligible to apply.
- You must be able to attend all days.
You must remain in Japan for the duration of the program. - Language skills to discuss in English with participants from other countries.
- *You are expected to be able to understand complex texts and express your opinions fluently and naturally.
- *If you have a language test score, please submit a copy of the certificate at the first selection stage. If you do not have a score, your language ability will be examined during the selection process, so submitting the score is not required.
- You must be able to obtain a valid passport by the deadline.
Please submit a PDF copy of your passport, the necessary documents, and a video at the first screening stage. If you are unable to submit a copy of your passport at the first screening stage, please submit it as soon as possible. However, if you do not submit a copy of your passport by the end of June, you will be disqualified from the program.
Application and selection schedule
- Two-step selection process.
- Documents and video presentations
- Personal interview
The selection criteria focused on participants' passion for solving social problems, rather than technical knowledge.
To apply for the first round of selection, click here.
contact
For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact us at the address below.
Plans and Issues Strategic Planning Division of the Governance and Peacebuilding Division.
inquiry
The thoughts behind the establishment of SIH
Think differently and innovate the future
A social incubation program that connects the wisdom and ideas of partner countries and Japan.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been providing international cooperation to partner countries for the past 70 years.
During this time, the global economy has grown significantly and people's living standards have improved.
On the other hand, despite economic growth, a large part of the world's population suffers from various social problems, such as discrimination, poverty, and lack of education and healthcare. Resource consumption leads to the depletion of natural capital, and the effects of climate change caused by industrial activities threaten people's lives. Therefore, we believe that it is essential to have a place where people who are motivated to learn, connect, and make changes can co-create in order to create a better future for people. From an innovative perspective, we want to bring back value that cannot be “measured” by traditional methods. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds who have a passion to bring real change to the world.
Why Tohoku?
SIH will be held in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, located in the Tohoku region of Japan. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the spirit of social contribution and entrepreneurship has been on the rise, and as a result, Sendai is ranked second in Japan for new business creation.
Sendai is the region's largest city and is known as the “City of Forests,” reflecting its iconic beauty and lush greenery.
The program will take place at Tohoku University in Sendai.
Tohoku University has been ranked number one in the Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings for four consecutive years and is known as a leader in Japan in startup development and globalization.
We support all participants by providing a technical and educational environment.
FAQ
What is the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)?
In order to solve problems faced by partner countries, this organization is responsible for Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA), including technical cooperation, loan aid, and grant aid. It operates in over 150 countries and regions, and works to solve international social issues in cooperation with domestic and international partners.
What level of scientific and technological knowledge is required?
Your skill level will not be assessed during your participation, however you must have the ability to understand skill-related instructions during the skill matching process.
Is it necessary to start a business after the training?
?
This program does not require students to become social entrepreneurs, but rather to work in a wide range of fields, such as founding nonprofit organizations or becoming intrapreneurs.
Who is responsible for screening participants?
?
Once applications are received, they will be reviewed by JICA, the program organizer/implementer, Dream Incubator, the program operator, and senior entrepreneurs commissioned by JICA.
Number of people participating in the program
?
This course is intended for 10-20 participants, as we provide intensive support in a small group setting.
- Japanese: 5 to 10 people
- Partner country: 5-10 people
Is it possible to participate in a group?
?
Since this program aims to nurture individual “next-generation social innovators,” group participation is not permitted.
Handling of personal information and suggestions
The personal information collected through this form is for the smooth implementation of this program and as a reference for JICA's operations. Specifically, we will distribute e-mail newsletters and direct mail containing information on events and activities of this program, information on JICA-related projects, and information on the activities of other organizations related to supporting private companies. In addition, depending on the content of the personal information collected, it may be shared with relevant departments within JICA. In addition, the information collected through this form will be shared with Dream Incubator, the organizer of this program, cooperating entrepreneurs, and the selection committee.
Disclaimer
- In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, we will take every possible measure to ensure your safety, but we cannot compensate for any personal or financial losses incurred during your participation in the program. We recommend that you take out personal insurance.
- If you feel unwell, we will refer you to a relevant medical institution, but any medical expenses incurred will be borne by the participant.
- Please note that due to unavoidable circumstances or in order to provide a better program, the program content, mentors, instructors, etc. may be changed.
- The information provided in this program may not be published or used commercially without permission from the Secretariat.