Yokohama Future Organization

What Yokohama Future Organization does

Yokohama Future Organization (横浜未来機構) is a non-profit innovation consortium established on March 31, 2021 and headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. It functions as a public-private platform connecting 103 regular member organizations—comprising 36 large enterprises, 25 SMEs and educational institutions, and 42 startups—alongside 29 supporting members and 29 partner/cooperation organizations. The City of Yokohama is a core partner and co-organizer for major initiatives, and governance is led by Chairman Umehara Izuru (President of Yokohama National University) and Vice Chairman Mine Shinya (representing AGC). The organization's mission is to drive open innovation, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development within Yokohama through collaborative programs and events.

The consortium operates an integrated program portfolio under the YOXO brand. Flagship offerings include YOXO FESTIVAL (an annual innovation festival whose 2025 edition drew 72,100 visitors across 135 booths, 29 events, and 19 venues in the Minato Mirai district), YOXO College (an education and incubation program launched in 2023), TECH HUB YOKOHAMA (a startup support hub launched in 2024), and the YOXO Walking Guide (a curated innovation district guide). Specialized verticals include Yokohama × Space, 5G, and an AI Idol initiative (湊くるみ). Forward pipeline projects include the Innovation Space Collaboration Project 2026, YOKOHAMA R&D Open Innovation Day 2026, ISPIM CONNECTS YOKOHAMA 2025 (an international conference), and alignment with GREEN×EXPO 2027.

The revenue model is structured around tiered membership fees (regular, supporting, and partner categories) supplemented by event sponsorship, particularly from YOXO FESTIVAL. As a non-profit entity, no public revenue figures are disclosed, and financials are not subject to public reporting requirements comparable to listed companies. The operating model is best characterized as an ecosystem orchestrator—producing events, curating programs, and facilitating member-to-member introductions—rather than a product company or research-driven venture. Strategic value to members derives from access to cross-sector networks, municipal partnership, and participation in flagship programming.

Name

Yokohama Future Organization

Legal name

Yokohama Future Organization (横浜未来機構)

Website

https://yoxo-o.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Yokohama Future Organization is a non-profit innovation consortium founded in 2021 that connects 103+ member organizations across enterprise, SME, startup, and government segments to drive open innovation in Yokohama through festivals, education programs, and startup support hubs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Ecosystem Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920), Management of Companies and Enterprises (55)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Industry-Specific B2B Trade Show Organizers (THAHABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Alumni Events, Reunions & Regional Chapters (EDALAOAG), International Economic & Trade Cooperation Organizations (BPADAAAC)

Keywords

• Innovation ecosystem coordination
• Open innovation facilitation
• Startup support programs
• Business matching services
• Urban innovation festivals

Headquarters

HQ city

Yokohama

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: The organization operates as a membership-based consortium with three tiers of membership: Regular Members (大企業, 中小企业/教育研究機関, スタートアップ企業), Supporting Members (29 organizations), and Partner/Cooperation Organizations (29 organizations). Revenue is generated through annual membership fees.
2. Event Sponsorship: YOXO FESTIVAL generates sponsorship revenue from corporate sponsors who support the annual urban innovation festival. Sponsors receive marketing exposure to 50,000-72,000 festival attendees and access to the organization's member network.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Yokohama Future Organization is a member-based innovation consortium that coordinates collaboration among corporations, universities, startups, and the City of Yokohama. It delivers services including business matching, proof-of-concept support, open innovation facilitation, and talent development through programs such as the YOXO FESTIVAL, YOXO College, TECH HUB YOKOHAMA, and various cross-sector project initiatives (space, smart city, 5G, sports business). Membership tiers and event sponsorships form its core offerings.

Product overview

Yokohama Future Organization operates a portfolio of innovation ecosystem programs rather than a single software product. The core offerings include YOXO FESTIVAL, an annual urban innovation festival showcasing technologies and startups; YOXOカレッジ, an online innovator training platform; TECH HUB YOKOHAMA, a startup support facility; YOXOの歩き方, a startup area guide; and YOXO, the overarching brand concept. Additional programs span space technology (横浜×宇宙プロジェクト), smart city (MM21 Smart City Consortium), HR professional development (横浜人事カレッジ), sports business (横浜スポーツビジネスコンテスト), 5G demonstration (5Gプロジェクト), and sustainability (GREEN×EXPO 2027プロジェクト). The organization also runs networking events, entrepreneurship programs, internship schemes, and cross-industry collaboration projects for its approximately 103 member organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• YOXO: Brand concept representing Yokohama's innovation city initiative - the word, movement, and ecosystem for creating innovation in Yokohama
• YOXO FESTIVAL
• YOXOカレッジ (YOXO College)
• TECH HUB YOKOHAMA
• YOXO BOX
• YOXOの歩き方
• 横浜×宇宙プロジェクト (Yokohama × Universe Project)
• みなとみらいスマートシティコンソーシアム

Products and services

• YOXO FESTIVAL Annual urban innovation festival themed 'Experience the Future in Yokohama' bringing together companies, startups, academia, and individuals to exhibit cutting-edge technologies, demonstration experiments, and creative solutions across multiple venues in the Minato Mirai district. Attracts 50,000-72,000 visitors and features 90+ exhibition booths.
• YOXOカレッジ (YOXO College) Online-centered innovator training platform co-created by four Yokohama universities, companies, and government. Connects professionals across disciplines with peers of similar ambition to accelerate personal growth and innovation capability.
• TECH HUB YOKOHAMA Tech startup support hub providing co-working space, networking with companies, and startup support programs in the Minato Mirai district. Located in Landmark Tower (7th floor) with seminar areas and business matching facilities.
• YOXOの歩き方 (YOXO Walking Guide) Yokohama startup area guide website featuring interviews with innovative people in Yokohama and introductions to local spots, coworking spaces, and startup communities in areas such as Kannai and Kankibugai.
• YOXO Membership Program Tiered annual membership program with Regular Members (36 large enterprises, 25 SMEs/educational/research institutions, 42 startup companies), Supporting Members (29 organizations), and Partner/Cooperation Organizations (29 organizations). Provides access to executive meetings, cross-talk events, business matching, and member-only project participation.

Quantifiable outcome

• YOXO FESTIVAL 2025 attracted 72,100 visitors, 135 exhibitors, 29 events across 19 venues
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• 横浜市 (City of Yokohama)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022The City of Yokohama is a co-organizer of YOXO FESTIVAL and a key municipal partner in the 'Innovation City Yokohama' initiative. The organization supports the city's smart city projects, GREEN×EXPO 2027 initiatives, and economic development programs through the Bureau of Economy.
• 国立大学法人横浜国立大学 (Yokohama National University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe university president (Umehara) serves as the organization's chairman. YNU is a founding academic member participating in YOXO College, joint research initiatives, and innovation talent development programs.
• 神奈川大学 (Kanagawa University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic member with Minato Mirai campus co-hosting student smart city workshops. Participates in YOXO College and rocket/space-related projects with its Rocket Club.
• ISPIM (International Society for Professional Innovation Management)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerISPIM CONNECTS YOKOHAMA 2025 conference (December 1-3, 2025) at Kaikokinen Kaikan. The organization serves as a partner supporting international innovation professionals' conference, facilitating member participation and organizing innovation tours.
• NTT東日本株式会社coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperating company in the student smart city workshop program. Contributes to NTT e-City Labo facility tours and provides guest lectures on ICT technology and quality of life improvements.
• 株式会社相鉄アーバンクリエイツ (Sotetsu Urban Creators)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperating company in student smart city workshops, contributing to rail-beyond initiatives. Joint operator of Vlag Yokohama co-creation facility with Tokyu at THE YOKOHAMA FRONT.
• 東急株式会社 (Tokyu Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperating company in student smart city workshops. Joint operator with Sotetsu of Vlag Yokohama co-creation facility. Represents suburban urban development perspective in smart city programs.
• 日揮株式会社 (JGC Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperating company in student smart city workshops, contributing expertise on international logistics and global project management. JGC participated in YOXO FESTIVAL with energy and environmental exhibits.
• 株式会社横浜銀行 (Yokohama Bank)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional bank member providing smart city lecture in student workshop program. Contributed guest speaker on regional finance and urban development synergies. Supports TECH HUB YOKOHAMA as founding member.
• 株式会社日新 (Nissin Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLogistics company cooperating in student smart city workshop series, contributing expertise on international logistics from Yokohama perspective. Participated in YOXO FESTIVAL mobility demonstrations.
• TECH HUB YOKOHAMA ConsortiumflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTech startup support hub located in Landmark Tower, operated in partnership with Yokohama City's tech startup support initiative. Offers seminar areas, co-working spaces, and business matching facilities.
• EdgeTech+ (JASA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Japan Embedded Systems Technology Association's EdgeTech+ 2025 exhibition. Co-hosted Open Innovation Summit Yokohama (November 2025) featuring enterprise-startup collaboration sessions.
• YOXO FESTIVAL SponsorsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsoring companies for YOXO FESTIVAL 2026 include Iwasaki Gakuen, Plan-A, Mitsubishi Estate, esri Japan, Shimizu Corporation, JFE Engineering, BeauRing, Marubeni, At Yokohama, FM Yokohama, Minato Mirai Line, Yokohama World Porters, NOK, THE MOVEUM YOKOHAMA, and Taiyo Nissan. Corporate tax donation sponsors: OMNIA, 彩, DYM, チェスター, サポートプラスアルファ.
• JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgency contributing to Yokohama×Space Project with space life support technology presentations and JAXA Sagamihara facility tours for program participants.
• Kanagawa University Minato Mirai CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation tour destination for ISPIM CONNECTS YOKOHAMA 2025. Provides venue for student smart city workshops as co-organizer with Yokohama Future Organization and Yokohama City.
• Shiseido Global Innovation CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation tour destination for ISPIM CONNECTS YOKOHAMA 2025 conference, showcasing corporate innovation facilities in Minato Mirai district.
• Hitachi Open Lab YokohamacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation tour destination for ISPIM CONNECTS YOKOHAMA 2025, featuring R&D facilities and collaborative innovation spaces.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Plug and Play Tech Center: Global innovation platform and startup accelerator that runs industry-specific programs and corporate-startup matching. Directly comparable to Yokohama Future Organization in facilitating open innovation between large enterprises and startups, though it operates across multiple geographies and has a private-sector funding model.
• Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB): Tokyo Metropolitan Government's public innovation hub supporting startups and corporate collaboration. Closest Japanese peer operating as a municipally-supported innovation platform, with comparable mission of connecting startups, corporates, and citizens in a metropolitan ecosystem.
• Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC): Innovation campus operator running co-working, venture studios, and corporate innovation programs globally. Comparable in providing physical spaces and matching services connecting startups with corporates and institutions in a single innovation district.
• MassChallenge: Global zero-equity startup accelerator with industry-specific programs partnering with large enterprises. Directly comparable in connecting startups with corporate partners and providing proof-of-concept support, though operates at international scale rather than regional.

Broad incumbents

• Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ): Public-private innovation fund supporting next-generation industries in Japan. Operates at a national level with capital deployment capabilities, broader than Yokohama Future Organization's regional coordination model, but addresses overlapping themes of industry-academia-government collaboration.
• Keidanren (Japan Business Federation): Japan's largest business federation representing leading corporations. While broader in scope, it operates comparable membership-based coordination of corporate interests and industry-academia-government collaboration, with overlapping major enterprise members.
• CEATEC (JEITA): Major annual Japanese technology trade show organized by industry association JEITA. Comparable as a flagship industry exhibition venue for technology innovation, but operates at a national rather than city level and is event-focused rather than year-round ecosystem coordination.

Regional players

• Station F: World's largest startup campus based in Paris, offering programs, residencies, and corporate-startup matching. Comparable in operating as a city-anchored innovation hub but geographically distinct and significantly larger in scale.
• Fukuoka City Innovation Hub: Municipal-level innovation initiative in Fukuoka focused on attracting startups and corporate R&D. Operates similar city-anchored open innovation model in a different Japanese region, making it a regional peer with comparable structure and mission.

Emerging players

• Open Network Lab (Digital Garage): Japan-based startup accelerator operated by Digital Garage, running cohort programs and corporate-startup matching. Comparable as an emerging Japanese innovation platform focused on connecting startups with established companies, but with a private equity-backed accelerator model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/innovation_yoxo
• Facebookfacebook.com/yoxo.yokohama
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/yoxo-innovation-city-yokohama
• Instagraminstagram.com/yoxofestival

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Yokohama Future Organization