Linkers Awarded Contract for Niigata Prefecture's 'Fiscal 2026 Manufacturing Market Expansion Acceleration Project'

Linkers Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hideyuki Kafuku; hereinafter "Linkers") has been awarded the contract for Niigata Prefecture's "Fiscal 2026 Manufacturing Market Expansion Acceleration Project."

With the launch of this project, Linkers will begin recruiting manufacturing companies in Niigata Prefecture that possess unique technologies and advanced component-level expertise but face challenges in approaching end-product manufacturers or developing new applications. The initiative will offer a "step-up support program" designed to maximize the success rate of commercialization for these companies.

Background and Objectives of the Project

Niigata Prefecture hosts numerous manufacturing companies with world-class expertise in metal processing, mechanical components, and other advanced technologies. However, many mid-sized and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in market expansion, such as having limited access to end-product manufacturers and lacking the know-how to develop applications aligned with market needs.

This project leverages Linkers' robust industrial network of over 30,000 professionals and expert advisory support for new venture creation. It aims to empower participating companies to deeply understand market needs and build self-sustaining commercialization frameworks that enable continuous new business development even after the support period ends.

Program Overview

The program offers consistent, phased support ranging from mindset-building seminars to individualized assistance aimed at concrete commercialization.

1. Kickoff Seminar (July 23, 2026; in-person attendance for approximately 50 companies; online participation available)

Featuring Takashi Matsumoto, an open innovation evangelist, this seminar will present advanced case studies and provide detailed explanations on market analysis, hypothesis building, and commercialization processes using proprietary frameworks.

2. Workshops (August to October 2026; approximately 20 companies)

Through face-to-face workshops, companies will conduct internal technology assessments and market trend analyses, supporting them in identifying, articulating, and structuring customer challenges their technologies can solve.

3. Individualized Support Program (October 2026 to March 2027; approximately 5 companies)

Based on established hypotheses, companies will engage in practical "technology marketing (needs validation)" utilizing Linkers' extensive network. The program will culminate in the development of highly actionable business concepts using the Lean Canvas model, optimized for new venture creation.

Call for Applications

We are now accepting applications from companies interested in participating in this program.

Eligible Companies: Manufacturing businesses headquartered in Niigata Prefecture

Participation Fee: Free of charge (Note: Selection and review processes apply for participation in the workshops and individual support stages)

How to Apply: Companies interested in joining the program should first apply for the kickoff seminar, which serves as the initial step.

Kickoff Seminar Details

Date and Time: July 23, 2026 (Thu), 14:00–16:30

Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)

Capacity: In-person: approximately 50 attendees (first-come, first-served); Online: no capacity limit

Venue: Niigata Industrial Technology Research Institute (1-11-1 Tsurugashita, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 951-8121)

Application Deadline: July 21, 2026 (Tue) by 17:00

Application Method: Please complete the required information via the following form:

https://apply.e-tumo.jp/pref-niigata-u/offer/offerDetail_initDisplay?tempSeq=32392&accessFrom=

【Linkers' Unique Strengths and Support System】

This project will be supported by a dedicated team of experts in manufacturing technology marketing, led by Linkers' open innovation evangelist Takashi Matsumoto.

【Profile】

Takashi Matsumoto, Open Innovation Evangelist, Linkers Co., Ltd.

Joined Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. in 1981 and successfully launched multiple new ventures. Led corporate-wide technology strategy planning and international technology alliance strategies. Served as Director of the Open Innovation Office in 2009. Vice President at NineSigma Japan Inc. from 2016, Executive Director at Japan Innovation Network from 2019, and appointed Open Innovation Evangelist at Linkers in 2020. Concurrently serves as Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, specializing in Business Engineering.

Company Overview

Company Name: Linkers Co., Ltd.

URL: https://corp.linkers.net/

Address: 29F, Sumitomo Fudosan Tokyo Mita Garden Tower, 3-5-19 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan

Representative: Hideyuki Kafuku

Founded: September 2011

Stock Exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (Stock Code: 5131)

Business Activities: Business matching services, research services, and others