The prestigious judges for the business competition "StARTs UPs" to be held at the art festival are being decided one after another. We have also started collaboration with a major Korean startup ecosystem.
Study: The Osaka Kansai International Art Festival Executive Committee (within ARTLOGUE Inc., headquartered in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Chairman: Suzuki Daisuke) is pleased to announce that Masamichi Toyama, CEO of Smiles Inc. and CEO of The Chain Museum Inc., and Takeaki Dohda, Head of Business Development at Google Venture Capital, have joined the judges for "StARTs UPs," a business contest specializing in the creative economy.
The application deadline is Monday, March 31, 2025. We look forward to receiving your application.
To apply, please visit: https://osaka-kansai.art/pages/starts-ups
■What is "StARTs UPs"?
StARTs UPs is a business contest focused on the creative economy * , with the aim of developing the culture, arts and leisure industries that can solve social issues across sectors.
We will explore new business approaches in the cultural, artistic and leisure industries, maximize the appeal of Japan's culture and the arts, and contribute to realizing sustainable development.
*Creative economy: Art, design, music, fashion, tourism, urban development, architecture, manga, anime, entertainment, food, events, entertainment, etc.
Masamichi Toyama
CEO of Smiles Co., Ltd. / CEO of The Chain Museum Co., Ltd.
In the coming age where AI and robots will solve anything, what we need is "motivation and expression". Simply put, "creativity". If it overlaps with business and becomes a source of sustenance for life, it will be the strongest.
No matter who you are, I want to be recorded as the first step in turning expression into a way of life.
Takeaki Dohda
Head of Business Development, Google Venture Capital
With the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo as its stage, it is time for creative talent to blossom. "StARTs UPs" supports everyone who aims to solve social issues with art as the starting point. Why not create a business that will color the future with original ideas and passion? We are waiting for creative challengers who will make an impact on society!
Apply here: https://osaka-kansai.art/pages/starts-ups
■ Korean startup companies also begin applying
In this business contest, we have partnered with Creww Korea to begin accepting entries from Korean startup companies. In addition, the company's CEO, Choi Kyusik, will participate in the program as a mentor. The Osaka Kansai International Arts Festival will use this initiative as a starting point to build a strong partnership with the Korean startup ecosystem.
This business contest will bring together multinational startups and investors, providing a forum for the creation of innovative ideas. We will support companies taking on global challenges and create the next generation of businesses together.
■Event Overview
◯ Date and time (final pitch)
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
◯ Venue
Grand Cube Osaka (Osaka International Convention Center) 5-3-51 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 530-0005
◯ Target companies:
・Companies that aim to develop and expand the creative economy market, such as culture, arts, and entertainment, and to create jobs. ・Applicants must be start-up companies (regardless of series) or new business ventures.
◯About the prizes
・Grand Prize ・Art Rogue Prize ・Sponsor Prize *Details of each prize will be announced at a later date.
◯ Application period
February 13, 2025 (Thursday) 16:00 - March 31, 2025 (Monday) 23:59
Study: Osaka Kansai International Arts Festival 2025
Creative Business Contest [StARTs UPs]
[Organizer] Osaka Kansai International Arts Festival Executive Committee (Artlogue Inc.)
[Cooperation] Clay Corporation [Collaboration] Japan Startup Support Association, etc.
■Company Profile
ARTLOGUE Inc.
・Representative: ARTLOGUE Inc. CEO Daisuke Suzuki
・Head office location: Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
・Established: July 7, 2017
・Business operations: Planning and management of "Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival" / Planning and management of web media "ARTLOGUE" and "Art Tourism"