We seek the standout! "Gunma Innovation Award 2013"

President Tanaka

 

The final round of the Gunma Innovation Award (GIA) 2013 (organized by Jomo Shimbun, co-organized by JIN, and specially sponsored by Koshidaka Holdings and Sagamiya Foods), which supports entrepreneurs from Gunma, was held on December 7 at the Green Dome Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture. With the slogan "We Want Sticks That Stick Out!", GIA aims to revitalize the region through entrepreneurship and innovation by soliciting business plans and project outlines, and is also supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. It was proposed by JIN Tanaka, President of JIN, which develops the eyewear brand "JINS", and was held for the first time this year. President Tanaka (GIA Executive Committee Chairman) said in his opening remarks, "More startups will lead to the development of the city. We want to make Gunma even more attractive."

 

From 57 entries, finalists in three categories (12 individuals/teams) presented their plans. After final judging, awards were announced for the "Business Plan," "Startup," and "Innovation" categories. The Grand Prize was awarded to Fumitaka Kitajima, President of MWS Hidaka, winner of the Innovation category. President Kitajima has developed a next-generation day service system unlike any before and is already operating it as a business. As the Grand Prize benefit, he was awarded a "GIA Entrepreneur Study Tour to Silicon Valley, USA." Professor Jiro Kokuryo of Keio University, who served as the judging committee chair, commented, "I express my heartfelt respect to everyone involved in launching GIA, the supporting companies, and all the participants."

Vice Governor Hiromi Yoshikawa (left) presenting the award to President Kitajima

 

Talent Miyuki Imori, a native of the prefecture and also a "Gunma Ambassador," participated as a special judge for the award. She selected a plan aiming to establish the prefecture as a tourism-focused region for her Miyuki Imori Award. Additionally, a live performance by the Brazilian girl group Linda III, consisting of five members raised in the prefecture, and a trio led by jazz pianist Chihiro Yamanaka energized the venue.

	Presenting the Miyuki Imori Award
	 
	"Linda III" Stage	Chihiro Yamanaka Trio Jazz Live