OKAYAMA STARTUP SCRUM
Overview
A business-exchange symposium hosted by Okayama City that brings startups together with local companies, financial institutions, and municipalities through keynotes, panels, a 15-startup pitch session, and matchmaking booths. First held in 2025, the second edition adds reverse pitches from major corporations such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Shimadzu, serving as a benchmark for a regional startup ecosystem.
Foundation
- Founded
- 2025
- Founder
- Started by Okayama City as an inter-company exchange symposium (first edition co-hosted with the Jichi Sogo Center and operated by Creww)
Created to spark collaboration and business growth through encounters between startups and regional companies, banks, universities, and municipalities, aiming to revitalize the local economy. The 2026 edition continues under new operator LETT Inc.
Transition
- 2025 First held by Okayama City as a symposium promoting inter-company exchange (September 9, Okayama Convention Center, about 500 expected)
- 2025 The U-25 Okayama Pitch Fest side event featured speakers from junior high schoolers to working adults
- 2026 Second edition planned for September 29, with keynotes by Rina Akimoto (Vivid Garden) and Masahiro Shimizu (ZEALS)
- 2026 Corporate reverse pitches from five companies: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, The Sanyo Shimbun, Shimadzu, Daikin Industries, and Ryobi Systems
Voices
The U-25 Okayama Pitch Fest side event featured six speakers ranging from junior high schoolers to working adults, with a local coworking space staffer praising the energy of Okayama's young challengers (from Hitoyane's report, in Japanese)
Okayama University reported its ventures ABABA and Aqzoo pitching on stage, describing a venue filled with enthusiasm for building a regional startup ecosystem (from the university's news report, in Japanese)
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