Harada Corporation is a general trading company with headquarters in Osaka, Japan, making global expansion at ten overseas bases in eight countries, mainly in the Asian region.
While carrying out well-balanced management in the six existing business fields, which are Shipbuilding & Ocean Development, Construction & Infrastructure, Electronics, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Food and Lifestyle,
It has also expanded its business by taking on the challenge of unexploited projects.
Harada Corporation has provided a wide range of solutions to the problems of customers in various industrial fields, and has been cooperating with them.
HARADA ACCELERATOR is a program in which Harada Corporation aims to create next-generation businesses together with startups.
Taking advantage of our flexibility and speed of movement as a corporate entity that can simultaneously develop a wide range of businesses as a general trading company,
we aim to create new values by utilizing the customer networks and know-how we have cultivated in its nearly 100-year history.
Last year’s program adopted nine companies (seven domestic companies and two overseas companies).
We support startups’ value-up through direct hearing from frontline employees and new customer cultivation by utilizing a wide range of networks.
Divisions that meet with customers on a daily basis face high-resolution issues, and the divisions heads are also committed to them.
An accelerating system to increase feasibility for commercialization is established.
Aiming to create new businesses, we are waiting for partner companies that want to take on challenges together with us.
Program features
Each division that faces customers is the owner of each theme.
The general managers of divisions are also committed.
Flexibility and speed unique to a trading company
Results of interviews with users in over 93 companies in the five months in the last year program
THEME
For electronic device manufacturing Solutions to improve quality and productivity
HARADA has provided services to manufacturing sites that require sophisticated dust control and a high degree of cleanliness, such as precision equipment in the electronics and semiconductor industries. We will create a future style of the manufacturing industry by realizing labor saving, and decarbonization.
Co-creation ideas
01
It is important to prevent foreign substance from being brought into a manufacturing site, in order to keep it clean. Cleanliness is checked and improved using foreign substance monitoring technology in the room preparatory for the clean room.
02
Smart Factory, where production processes and methods at manufacturing sites have been innovated to achieve decarbonization and unmanned operation.
03
Demonstrate business models in the Japanese electronics industry, and aim at overseas sales and joint market research through HARADA’s customer network.
HARADA’s customer network
・Semiconductor devices and display industries ・Electronic components (multilayer ceramic capacitors, optical films, optical components) industry ・Automaker/car electronics industries ・Manufacturers of precision equipment manufacturing equipment Transactions with quality control departments, manufacturing departments, and procurement departments of approximately 300 domestic business sites, including the above. Transactions with a large number of Japanese companies overseas.
HARADA’s Strengths
Deploy foreign substance countermeasure products for manufacturing sites (Electrostatic discharge devices to prevent suspended dust from adhering to in-process products and materials/gloves, wipers and other clean room materials/uniforms/etc. ) ・Direct dialogue with end users to confirm on-site needs ・More than 30 years of experience in clean room-related industry businesses ・Proposal-based sales style consisting of experienced staff with specialized knowledge. ・Domestic and overseas sales networks utilizing sales bases in China, Taiwan, Korea, and Southeast Asia
Creating the world where people can enjoy food even in 100 years from now
HARADA has taken on all kinds of challenges in the field of food. In the modern age where resources are depleted while lifestyles and food cultures are diversifying, we will build a foundation for a sustainable society that starts with food.
Co-creation ideas
01
Supporting the diversified lifestyles of individuals with plant-based foods and cultivated meat as new protein sources, as well as efforts to achieve SDGs on a company-wide scale.
02
Regional revitalization utilizing the “Beer of Engawa,” a craft beer sales platform provided by HARADA that directly connects Japanese craft beer Breweries and consumers. Collaborate new services and food and beverage with the platforms.
03
Maximize the enjoyment of food by providing personalized food based on the data of individual orientation and health conditions.
HARADA’s customer network
・Food industry (food factories, beverage factories, restaurants, food companies, supermarkets, cafe chains, restaurant chains, hotel-related food businesses, etc.) ・80 craft beer breweries throughout Japan ・Overseas expansion of food business into Southeast Asia
HARADA’s Strengths
・Support for expansion into the food industry (expansion into various fields such as food factories, restaurants, company meals, supermarkets, and hotel-related businesses) ・Use of a new "Beer of Engawa" service that allows people to enjoy craft beer nationwide through direct shipment from breweries. ・Industry knowledge in developing food products, such as industry-specific business practices and related laws and regulations
For restaurants and food manufacturing factories Sustainable solutions
HARADA has provided facilities and materials to ensure food safety and security. We will co-create a sustainable ways in terms of both environmental and business for restaurants and food factories of the next generation.
Co-creation ideas
01
Solutions for improving sanitary environment that are not captured by conventional methods, such as sensing technologies for finding hair from end products like metal detectors and microbiological management
02
Collaboration between HARADA’s hygiene control system HACCP STATION and sensing devices (such as managing the deterioration of unloaded oil, measuring the surface temperature of cooked portions, etc.)
03
Environmentally Friendly Materials and Its Operation Mechanism ①For the restaurant industry (e.g., take-out containers that reduce CO2 emission at the time their disposal, new store operation mechanisms) ②For food factories (bacterial management system for reuse, materials with high wash resistance)
04
Demand forecast AI that incorporates weather information and local event information automates the ordering of raw materials, and at the same time automatically prepares production schedules for each factory. Solving Food Loss Problems through Wasteless Manufacturing.
HARADA’s customer network
・Food processing plants (frozen foods, vegetables, fresh fish, meat processing, restaurant and HMR central kitchens, confectionery, bakery, etc.) ・Restaurant industry (chain restaurants)
HARADA’s Strengths
・Deploy processing equipment/serving peripheral equipment/raw materials/digital services (HACCP STATION) and fixtures that contribute to hygiene control for food processing plants and the restaurant industry ・Uniforms, hats, gloves, masks, aprons, and other hygiene materials used to ensure food safety, such as anti-foreign substance, anti-hair, and anti stain uniforms; foreign substance detection devices; manufacturing and processing facilities for confectionery and bakery; etc.
A sustainable way of apparel that everyone, who creates and wears, feels pleasant
Uniforms that shape the company’s aspirations have the great power to unify not only the appearance but also the feelings of those who slip into them. HARADA has co-created numerous custom-made products through its sales network closely linked to the front lines with the flexible manufacturing capacity of its own garment factories. We will create the next-generation apparel industry in which expressive ability and sustainability coexist together.
Co-creation ideas
01
Resolving environmental issues facing the apparel industry ①Circular system to promote reuse and recycling ②Sustainable natural textile materials
02
New design technologies that enable everyone to freely express and shape their idea.
03
Realize a creative smart factory that combines unprecedented expressive capabilities and automation, enabling small-lot, multi-products, and personalized production. Our garment factory is open for POC.
04
Interpret “apparel” more freely with new functions, structures, use and purchasing mechanisms.
HARADA’s customer network
・Approximately 700 domestic sales networks (manufacturers, logistics industry, construction companies, entertainment, building maintenance, sportswear manufacturers, retailers, etc.) ・Overseas Sales Network Export Countries (19 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania)
HARADA’s Strengths
・In-house garment factory (Vietnam)/Meeting small-lot customized production/Owns graphic printers ・Domestic and overseas procurement networks (fabric, accessories, processing factories) available by leveraging trading company functions ・Direct approach to users
For the construction industry Comfortable and safe spatial air solutions
HARADA has provided air-conditioning systems for the construction industry. We also aims to create new spatial air solutions that can provide comfort and safety in the air-conditioning framework.
Co-creation ideas
01
Sensing + Air Flow Control Solutions to Prevent the Expansion of COVID-19 in the Era of new normal.
02
Each responds with its own personalized spatial air design for different “comfort.”
03
Technologies for environmental transformation of outer space architecture for the coming terraforming. Providing the same comfortable space as the Earth on Mars.
・Incorporated the first air-conditioning system into Japan from overseas, with its sales over 30 years ・Propose solutions to air-conditioning equipment (such as high-value-added air-conditioning outlets and cold/hot water air-conditioning equipment) for architectural design offices, general contractors, and sub contractors. ・Knowledge and know-how related to air conditioning and ventilation, which are considered important as one of the measures for COVID-19.
Taking on the challenge of unexploited fields
We aim to create new values by taking on the challenge of unexploited fields as a general trading company that can simultaneously develop a wide range of businesses as well as existing business domains.
Examples of new areas we want to enter
# Ocean/Fishery
# Security
# Supply Chain
# 5G/6G
# Regional Revitalization
# Local Production for Local Consumption
# Avatar
# Entertainment
# Remote Communication
SCHEDULE
7/6/2021
Entry start
7/13/2021
Online seminar
7/26/2021
Early application deadline
※There is a possibility that we will provide feedback to applicants who have entered by the early deadline if they wish.
8/17/2021
Final application deadline
※You can apply for this accelerator program without participating in the online seminar.
Around September 8, 2021
First Selection (Document Selection) Result Notification
Around October 1, 2021
Secondary selection (interview selection) Notification of results
10/12/2021
Final selection (business plan contest)
After selecting the plan you applied for, we will hold a business plan contest and select the teams who will participate in this accelerator program.
Selected Team Benefits
Prize money100,000yen
※The prize money is subject to participation in the accelerator program.
Around Mid-October～
Accelerator Program Period
Support will be provided for the teams selected for this accelerator program, including mentoring and the utilization of management resources. We will also consider investments, etc.
Late Feb. 2022
DEMODAY
The results will be announced after the support for this accelerator program is completed.
ONLINE SEMINAR
In addition to explaining the details of the program, the pre-seminer also accepts a wide range of questions. If you are even slightly interested in participating in the program, please feel free to apply from the following.
01Booster will support selected startups for value-up as followings. • 01 Booster network mentoring • Considering Investment in selected startups(not always) • Providing Yurakucho coworking community “SAAI” • Introduction of discount coupons=Perks (services of partner companies can be used at discounted prices)
FAQ
Are there any restrictions on the stage of business growth when applying for a business plan?
The business stage does not matter. However, if you apply on an individual basis, it is subject to incorporation by the around mid-October.
What are the selection criteria?
We focus not only on the attractiveness and scale of the target market, novelty of business plans, and profitability, but also on the entrepreneurial team itself, such as its ability, motivation, seriousness, and teamwork.
AAre business plan applications conditional on participation in the Online Seminar?
No. Those who have not participated in the Online Seminar can also apply.
What are the benefits of applying for a business plan by the early deadline?
We will mentor applicants or feedback to them who have entered by the early deadline upon request.
Are selected venture companies going public?
Yes The company name, logo, and business outline will be published in press releases, etc. Please note that pitch videos may also be published.
When do we receive the prize?
After being selected at a business plan contest, ①Conclusion of NDA and ② Converted to a corporation (joint-stock company) if not a corporation, we will enter the process of delivery.
What support will you provide during the accelerator program period of about five months?
We will consider providing Harada corporation’s resources and networks, as well as investing in selected entrepreneurial teams. In addition, we plan to provide the following environment. ・We provide an environment where mentoring and consultation can be done as needed. ・We inform you about the resources and networks you need. (It is not a promise.) ・We hold regular meetings once every two weeks to check KPI progress and provide advice. (Not always, according to the pace of each entrepreneur) ・A briefing session is held once a month, including those in charge of Harada Corporation.
Where will the Accelerator Program be implemented?
We will use online/offline operations selectively while monitoring the social conditions associated with COVID-19 infectious disease. For offline operations, 01Booster offices (Tokyo) or offices of Harada Corporation (Osaka/Tokyo) will be used.
Will an office be provided during the accelerator program period?
Yes During the term of this accelerator program, 01Booster offices (location: Yurakucho, Tokyo) can be used for free. You will be able to communicate with the mentor team in 01Booster on a daily basis, so please use it aggressively.
Do we always receive investments?
Although we are not committed to investing in companies participating in the Accelerator Program, we will actively consider it. When considering investments, we may request the submission of financial statements, etc.
When will we receive investments?
It is planned during and after the program period. We are also considering preparing and introducing a forum for communication with investors at the program's final demonstration (program termination report meeting).
Which holds the management right?
There are no requests for management rights or dispatch of directors during the accelerator program period. When entering the phase of business collaboration, various collaboration methods will be examined after consultation.
Are the ideas of the participating teams protected?
Ideas from each participating team will not be published without permission. However, we do not anticipate entering into confidentiality agreements, etc. on business ideas at the time of application. For the team that passes the final selection and is selected for this accelerator program, we will conclude a confidentiality agreement, etc. Please note that there are opportunities for presentations to external viewers at business plan contests and demonstrations.
ENTRY
Application deadline
Early deadline Monday, July 26, 2021 Final deadline Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Business stage
The business stage does not matter. We welcome entrepreneurs and startups who have already commercialized or raised funds, as well as independent entrepreneurs at the planning and verification stages.
Participating companies and teams
It is provided that representatives of corporations or teams are fully committed to realizing and accelerating the business plan or are expected to be fully committed at the timie they participate in the accelerator program. ※It is necessary to be incorporated by the selection of this accelerator program at the around mid-October. ※Applications can be applied to sole proprietorships that have not been incorporated at the time of application. However, if you wish to be invested, it is a prerequisite to establish a corporation. Both individuals and corporations can apply, but we welcome teams of multiple people. Age and nationality do not matter.
