Kansai Innovation Center

What Kansai Innovation Center does

Kansai Innovation Center (MUIC Kansai), legally 一般社団法人関西イノベーションセンター, is a general incorporated association established on March 6, 2020 with sponsorship from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and MUFG Bank. Headquartered at 3-6-3 Fushimimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka inside the Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank Osaka Building, the organization operates as a membership-based open innovation hub aiming to become a social implementation platform for the EXPO 2025 legacy. Its membership comprises 119 companies and organizations across six tiers (Diamond, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Supporter, Sponsor), including major Japanese corporations such as Obayashi, Suntory Holdings, Nankai Electric Railway, Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Mitsubishi Estate, Sumitomo Electric Industries, as well as global consultancies (PwC, EY, ABeam, Fujitsu) and government bodies (Expo 2025 Association, Kansai Tourism Organization, Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau).

The hub's core offering is the Problem-Solving Program (課題解決プログラム), a co-creation framework that connects member companies with startups to run demonstration experiments addressing social challenges in tourism, environment, health, food, and entertainment. The facility includes approximately 390㎡ of co-working and event space on the first floor and 570㎡ of project rooms and shared offices on the second floor. Output to date includes 143 projects implemented and 32 social implementations, with a demonstration experiment support budget of up to 100 million yen. The technology stack spans AI-powered tourism recommendation maps (Nankai Tourism Recommendation Map), WebAR/3D avatar platforms (AVATARIUM, BILLIKEN DIVERSITY), audio MR experiences (Himeji Castle), LiDAR-based pedestrian flow analytics, PHR-driven health monitoring (Yomi-ken), and CO2 upcycling materials (metacol™), the latter having earned the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award. Distribution and partnership channels include the Kansai Regional Digital Map Platform covering 2府8県 and a partnership with Sakura Internet for a 2026 co-creation acceleration program. The organization has won the 6th Kansai Inbound Award and is managed by a Managing Director and secretariat staff, with no disclosed parent company despite the MUFG sponsorship relationship.

The revenue model is membership-based, with tiered annual dues across Diamond, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Supporter, and Sponsor levels; specific pricing is not publicly disclosed. Additional revenue signals include demonstration experiment support funding and project-specific grants. As a general incorporated association rather than a for-profit corporation, financial figures are not publicly reported.

Name

Kansai Innovation Center

Legal name

、一般般社法人関西イノベーションセンター

Website

https://muic-kansai.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Kansai Innovation Center (MUIC Kansai) is an Osaka-based general incorporated association operating a membership open-innovation hub with 119 corporate members, running the Problem-Solving Program that connects large Japanese corporations with startups for demonstration experiments in tourism, environment, health, and entertainment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Consulting & Open Innovation Hub Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Technology & Innovation Expos Organizers (THAHABAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Executive Summits & Invitation-Only Forums (MPAGAGAK)

Keywords

• Open innovation hub
• Corporate innovation programs
• Social implementation services
• Co-creation facilitation
• Membership innovation network

Headquarters

HQ city

Osaka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: MUIC Kansai operates as a membership-based innovation hub. Companies and organizations pay membership fees to join. The organization has various membership tiers: Diamond, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Supporter, and Sponsor.
2. Demonstration Experiment Support: MUIC Kansai provides funding support for demonstration experiments conducted by member companies and startups. The organization has a budget of up to 100 million yen for supporting startups in joint programs with large enterprises.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kansai Innovation Center (MUIC Kansai) operates a membership-based open innovation hub in Osaka that facilitates co-creation between large Japanese corporations and startups through its Problem-Solving Program (課題解決プログラム). The hub provides physical infrastructure (co-working space, project rooms, shared offices) and structured support from theme setting and team formation through proof-of-concept demonstration experiments to commercialization, with funding support budgets of up to ¥100 million for joint programs with large enterprises. Focus areas include tourism/inbound, environment, health, food, and entertainment.

Product overview

MUIC Kansai operates as a membership-based open innovation hub aiming to become a social implementation platform for EXPO 2025 legacy. The organization provides physical facilities including approximately 390㎡ co-working/event space (1F) and 570㎡ project rooms/shared offices (2F), alongside thematic programs in tourism, environment, health, food, and entertainment. The core offering is its 課題解決プログラム (Problem-Solving Program) connecting large corporations with startups for demonstration experiments. Specific services include remote tourism platforms (旅介TV™, リモート観光), health monitoring (ヨミケン), digital mapping (関西広域デジタルマップ), VR/AR experiences (AVATARIUM, BILLIKEN DIVERSITY), and wellness services ((MU) ROOM Ride). The organization has facilitated 143 projects with 32 social implementations, supported by 119 member companies including major corporations like Obayashi, Sumitomo Electric, and Mitsubishi Estate.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Problem-Solving Program (課題解決プログラム) Core co-creation program connecting large corporations with startups to solve social challenges through demonstration experiments. MUIC Kansai provides comprehensive support from theme setting and team formation through proof-of-concept experiments to commercialization. For large Japanese corporations, startups, and regional organizations in tourism, environment, health, food, and entertainment sectors.
• Co-working & Event Space (1F) Approximately 390㎡ co-working space with 50 seats and event space accommodating up to 50 people, equipped with Wi-Fi, beverage counter, projector, kitchen, printer, and exhibition area. For member companies, startups, and innovation teams.
• Project Rooms & Shared Offices (2F) Approximately 570㎡ area with 7 project rooms (6-8 people each) and 10 shared offices (2-8 people each), featuring monitors, whiteboards, desks, and chairs. For project teams and member companies working on innovation initiatives.
• Nankai Tourism Recommend Map (南海観光レコメンドマップ) AI-powered tourism recommendation map for Nankai Railway lines that uses artificial intelligence to analyze user profiles (interests, companions, mood) and generate personalized destination recommendations on a map interface. For travelers along Nankai Railway lines in Osaka and Wakayama.
• Tabisuke TV (旅介TV™) Video streaming service combining travel content with wellness, accessible via smart TV and smartphone browsers, designed for elderly users to support mental and physical health. For elderly individuals and their families.
• (MU) ROOM Ride Mobile meditation experience vehicle developed with Panasonic, providing mindfulness activities in a portable space for mental health improvement in corporate and public settings. For corporations and organizations seeking employee wellness solutions.
• Kansai Regional Digital Map Platform (関西広域デジタルマッププラットフォーム) Wide-area digital illustration map platform aggregating tourism information across 2府8県 in the Kansai region. Won 6th Hanayaka Kansai Inbound Award. For inbound tourists and tourism organizations.
• Hands-free Tourism DX & Luggage Same-day Delivery (手ぶら観光DX・手荷物当日配送) DX service for hands-free tourism and same-day luggage delivery from accommodations to airports, reducing traveler burden and addressing overtourism. For travelers using Kansai airports and accommodations.
• Remote Tourism Platform (リモート観光プラットフォーム) Remote tourism platform enabling elderly and mobility-limited individuals to experience travel destinations virtually through CATV, smart TVs, and streaming services. For elderly and disabled individuals seeking accessible tourism experiences.
• Yomi-ken (ヨミケン) Large-scale demonstration project analyzing personal PHR (Personal Health Records) and brain health data using AI to visualize individual health status. Implemented with Integrated Health Science and Yomiuri Shimbun. For individuals seeking personal health monitoring.
• Nara Audio Local Media (カタルナラ×メグルナラ) Location-based audio guide service enabling users to explore Nara through narrated stories, featuring three areas (Nara City, Kashihara, Asuka) with voice-guided tours. For tourists and residents of Nara.
• Blooming DRIVE with MUIC 2026 Co-creation type acceleration program combining MUIC Kansai and Sakura Internet's Blooming Camp facilities to support demonstration experiments for social implementation. For startups seeking acceleration and demonstration support.
• Walkable City (ウォーカブルシティ) Urban revitalization initiative using LiDAR scanners for pedestrian flow visualization and analysis, helping create more walkable city environments. For local governments and urban planners.
• Urban XR Canvas (都市型XRキャンバス) Urban XR Canvas transforming city spaces into art media using AR (VPS) technology for immersive public experiences. For cities and tourism organizations.
• Tech Tours Kansai Industrial and incentive tour platform for EXPO 2025, connecting foreign visitors with Kansai's unique industries, craftsmanship, and cultural experiences. For inbound visitors and corporate incentive travel organizers.
• metacol™ (メタコル) CO2 upcycling material developed by Sumitomo Electric Industries, earning the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the 10th Monozukuri Japan Awards. Being commercialized through MUIC Kansai programs. For manufacturers and sustainability-focused organizations.
• Restaurant Bus (レストランバス) Restaurant bus experience combining gourmet dining with travel, offering French course meals on buses touring scenic routes like Awaji Island. For tourists and experiential dining enthusiasts.
• Audio Attraction at Himeji Castle (音のアトラクション) Audio attraction at Himeji Castle using voice MR technology to provide immersive entertainment experiences within the UNESCO World Heritage site. For tourists visiting Himeji Castle.
• High-Value Experience Programs (高付加価値のコト体験) High-value experience programs including immersive theater at Mt. Koya where audiences participate in performances at temple grounds. For tourists seeking premium cultural experiences.
• Let's EXPO (レッツエキスポ) Universal tourism project enabling elderly and disabled individuals to enjoy EXPO 2025 through remote tours, accessible facilities, and welfare services. For elderly and disabled individuals.
• Metaverse Tourism (メタバース×観光) Metaverse tourism initiatives using Cluster platform to promote Osaka attractions in virtual spaces, featuring influencer events and virtual concerts. For virtual event participants and Osaka tourism promotion.
• NFT Station Exploration Project (NFT駅周辺遊プロジェクト) NFT-powered station exploration initiative distributing limited NFTs at 20 stations across Kansai to promote tourism and digital culture. For digital tourists and NFT collectors.
• Reborn Challenge (リボーンチャレンジ) Certified program for Osaka Healthcare Pavilion at EXPO 2025, supporting SMEs and startups participating in the pavilion's exhibition zones. For SMEs and startups in healthcare.
• 5 Minutes of Light Photo Exhibition (5分間の光 万博花火写真展) Photo exhibition featuring fireworks from Osaka-Kansai Expo, held at MUIC Kansai 1F event space. For visitors and photography enthusiasts.
• Light-on-Demand Synthesis Technology (光オン・デマンド合成技術) World-first demonstration of light-based technology converting waste to chemicals in Sennan City, as part of MUIC's co-creation innovation program. For chemical industry and environmental sustainability organizations.
• Background Art / BGA (バックグラウンドアート) Art curation demonstration using Big Five personality trait analysis at Osaka Art & Design 2026, generating personalized art recommendations as digital frames. For art enthusiasts and visitors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 143 projects implemented
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered key, flagship and core.

• さくらインターネット (Sakura Internet)keyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2026Co-creation type acceleration program 'Blooming DRIVE with MUIC 2026～Dialogue for Co-Engineering～' combining MUIC Kansai and Sakura Internet's Blooming Camp facilities to support demonstration experiments for social implementation.
• 大林組 (Obayashi Corporation)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiamond Member participating in problem-solving programs focused on data-driven well-being urban development in Nakashima-Yodoyabashi area (Osaka) and Shinagawa area (Tokyo).
• 南海電気鉄道 (Nankai Electric Railway)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiamond Member collaborating on Digital Entertainment City initiatives, entertainment-focused projects, and tourism promotion along Nankai lines.
• 三菱地所 (Mitsubishi Estate)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiamond Member partner in AR technology demonstration experiments, urban XR canvas projects, and smart city initiatives.
• 住友電気工業 (Sumitomo Electric Industries)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiamond Member collaborating on metacol CO2 upcycling materials, remote tourism platforms, and digital infrastructure projects.
• 公益社団法人２０２５年日本国際博覧協会 (Expo 2025 Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporter Member co-organizing TEAM EXPO 2025 programs, universal tourism projects 'Let's EXPO', and various Expo-related events.
• 東京トラベルパートナーズ (Tokyo Travel Partners)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on remote tourism platforms, 'Tabi-suke Channel' video streaming service, and 'Let's EXPO' universal tourism project for elderly and disabled visitors.
• 公益財団法人関西観光本部 (Kansai Tourism Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Kansai Regional Digital Tourism Map Platform covering 2府8県, and various tourism promotion initiatives.
• 和歌山市keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on walkable city initiatives, LiDAR-based pedestrian flow analysis, and digital twin technology projects for urban revitalization.
• 公益財団法人大阪観光局 (Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporter Member collaborating on tourism promotion, 'Voice for Osaka' DX initiatives, and Osaka tourism content development.
• 堺屋橋都市経営研究所 (Sakaihashi Urban Management Research Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in CO2 upcycling material 'metacol' demonstration experiments and environmental sustainability projects.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• 01Booster: Open-innovation support company founded by former Recruit executive, providing corporate-startup collaboration programs, accelerator services, and new business creation support. Closely comparable to MUIC's problem-solving program structure and target corporate customers.
• Plug and Play Japan: Global open-innovation platform with a Japan subsidiary connecting corporates with startups via accelerator programs, corporate venture, and innovation hubs. Directly comparable to MUIC Kansai's member-based co-creation model and serves many of the same Japanese enterprise customers.
• Samurai Incubate: Japanese startup incubator and fund offering acceleration programs, seed funding, and corporate-startup matching services. Comparable to MUIC's startup-focused programs and recurring demonstration-experiment funding model.
• Creww: Japan's largest open-innovation platform matching startups with corporate partners through its 'Creww Accelerate' program. Operates a similar membership- and program-driven co-creation model and competes for the same regional Japanese corporate innovation budgets.
• Revolving Core: Japan-based innovation hub and accelerator operating multiple regional sites; supports corporate-startup co-creation and innovation programs. Comparable to MUIC's regional hub model and cross-region innovation platform.
• CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) Japan: Global innovation hub operator providing co-working space, venture studio services, and corporate-startup programming. The CIC Japan site (Tokyo) competes for similar enterprise tenants and corporate innovation clients as MUIC Kansai's Osaka facility.

Emerging players

• WeWork Japan: Co-working and shared office operator in Japan offering flexible workspace to startups and corporates. Overlaps with MUIC's physical facility offering (co-working and project rooms) but does not run structured corporate-startup co-creation programs.

Regional players

• Kansai Keizai Doyukai: Kansai business leaders' association that runs executive forums, policy advocacy, and innovation initiatives in the Kansai region. Comparable to MUIC's Kansai-based corporate membership model and executive event programming, though without the startup-focused co-creation component.

Broad incumbents

• Informa Markets Japan: Major international exhibition and conference organizer with Japan operations producing technology, tourism, and lifestyle trade shows. Comparable to MUIC's event and expo-organization capabilities, though at significantly larger scale.
• RX Japan (Reed Exhibitions Japan): Largest trade show and exhibition organizer in Japan (part of RX Global). Operates industry-specific expos and conferences. Overlaps with MUIC's event-organization function (TEAM EXPO 2025, pitch events) but at much larger scale and broader scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MUICKansai
• Facebookfacebook.com/MUIC-Kansai-104750184983082

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kansai Innovation Center