Social Innovators Hub（SIH）　Call for Participation!

Social Innovators Hub（SIH）is a co-creation type incubation program connecting Japan & developing countries to foster ‘next generation social innovators’ who through business aim to solve social issues in their respective countries.
Organizers, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are now inviting participants from Japan & partner countries.

This program will be based at Tohoku University and will focus on environmental issues (circular economy, carbon neutrality, nature positivity), as well as the disaster prevention sector. Participants from partner countries and Japan who are interested in social issues within these fields and are willing to take action to solve them will work together to co-create ideas for solutions.
With the cooperation of Japanese universities, research institutes, companies, and social entrepreneurs, participants will deepen their understanding of the social issues and then consider what kind of approach is appropriate.
SIH will provide a venue for matching participants with technologies possessed by Japan's top universities and companies to solve problems in partner countries by utilizing Japan's advanced technologies and problem-solving capabilities.Through this program, we anticipate evolving solutions to common issues in Japan and among the participating countries.

More detailed information will be posted as it becomes available.

　　　　　 Lecture：　1.5 hours×two to four times a week
　　　　　 Workshop：　4 hours×once a week
　　　　　 Mentoring： 30 minutes×once a week
　　　　　 Group work : Each team set its own meeting time (10 hours a week)
　　　　　 Fieldwork： Around 2 times during the period

▼Participants reside in partner countries (Indonesia, Mongolia, Nigeria, Peru)

▼Participants reside in Japan (Japanese/International students, etc

Selection criteria is focused on participants passion to solve social issues rather than technical knowledge.

What is the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)?
A centralized agency responsible for Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), including technical cooperation, loans, grant aid etc. to solve the problems faced by partner countries. Operating in more than 150 countries & regions, we work with domestic & international partners to solve international social challenges.

Required science & technology knowledge level?
During participation technology level will not be assessed however, the ability to understand technology-related explanations during the technology matching process is required.

Is starting a business after training required ？
The Program does not require students to become social entrepreneurs, but rather to become active in a wide range of fields, including the establishment of NPOs & entrepreneurship within companies (Intrapreneur) etc.

Who is responsible for screening participants ？
After accepting the application form, Screening will be conducted by Program hosts/implementers JICA, program operator Dream Incubator & Senior entrepreneurs commissioned by JICA.

How many people will participate in the program ？
To provide intensive support in small groups, we expect 10~20 participants.

Is participation as a group allowed ？
As the program is designed to nurture individual “next-generation social innovators”. Group participation is not allowed.

For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact below.
Governance & peace building department planning & issues strategic planning division.
Contact to us

The purpose of collecting personal information in this form is to ensure the smooth implementation of the program & serve as a reference for JICA’s operations. Specifically, JICA will distribute information on events & activities under the program, information on JICA related projects, mail magazines & direct mail about activities of other organizations related to business support for the private sector. Depending on the nature of personal information collected it may also be shared with the relevant department within JICA. In addition, the information collected on this form will be shared with program organizer Dream Incubator, cooperating entrepreneurs & members of the selection committee.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been providing international cooperation to partner countries for the past 70 years.
During this time, the world economy has grown significantly & people living standards have increased.
On the other hand, despite economic growth a large proportion of the world's population still suffer from various social problems like discrimination, poverty, lack of education & health care. The consumption of resources leads to the depletion of natural capital & the effects of climate change caused by industrial activities are a threat to people’s livelihoods. Therefore, we believe that we need a place for co-creation where people with a desire to learn, connect & make changes to create a better future for people is essential. From an innovative perspective, we hope to recapture values that cannot be “measured” through traditional methods. We are looking forward to receiving applications from people of diverse backgrounds with a passion to make a real difference in the world.

SIH will be held in Sendai city in Miyagi Prefecture, which is located in the Tohoku (northeastern) region of Japan .　Since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake there has been a growing spirit of social engagement & businesses creation. Consequently, Sendai City is ranked 2nd in Japan for business creation.
Although Sendai city is the largest city in the region, it is known as the ‘city of trees’ reflecting its iconic beauty & lush greenery.
The program will be held at Tohoku University, Sendai city.
Tohoku University is known as Japan's leader in start-up development and globalization , having been selected as the best university in the Times Higher Education ‘Japan University Rankings’ for four consecutive years.　
We will support all participants by providing a technical and educational environment.

TBD