Smart East PoC Program2022 Application Guide

The Fukuoka Smart East Promotion Consortium is currently gathering ideas and technologies for the Smart East Proof of Concept (PoC) Program.
This program aims to create "Fukuoka Smart East," a model city that we can be proud of in the future, by creating comfortable, high-quality lifestyles and urban spaces through the introduction of cutting-edge technological innovations, in order to achieve sustainable development while solving various urban development issues, such as the declining birthrate and aging population. For the first step toward this goal, we will conduct demonstrative experiments for advanced technologies and innovative business models in the urban development of Hakozaki, with the aim of constantly creating new smart services and realizing a smart city that will continue to grow and develop.
We would like to conduct demonstrative experiments on a wider range of technologies that have potential for implementation toward the realization of Fukuoka Smart East. For the selected projects, we will support the coordination of related parties and recruitment of general monitors for the demonstrative experiments and others. In addition, we are also seeking demonstrative experiments that take into account the changes in social conditions caused by the COVID-19 infection. For more details, please refer to the application details below.

■ Application Details

(1) Eligible Applicants
Projects must:

• Be based on the concept of Fukuoka Smart East, a model city that in the future can be proud of creating a comfortable and high quality lifestyle and urban spaces by introducing the latest technological innovations
• Contribute to the resolution of social issues that are expected to occur in the future
• Be something that users can actually experience
  
  Recruitment fields include
  Mobility, Wellness, Sharing, Living, Shopping, Makers, Logistics, Education, Working, Energy, Security, etc.
  Of the fields listed above, we are particularly interested in demonstration experiments related to wellness, security, and mobility.  

(2) Qualifications and Experience

• Applicants must have experience with technology related to the areas mentioned above
• Applicants must be able to perform live PoC demonstrations in Fukuoka (predominantly around the former Kyushu University Hakozaki Campus site.)

(3) How to Apply
Applicants must submit a proposal by email to the Fukuoka Smart East Promotion Consortium Office (info@fukuoka-dc.jpn.com). The proposal must include an outline of the PoC, its purpose and its impact on society, including any social issues that you are trying to solve. In addition, the proposal should fulfill the examination guidelines stated below and must be no more than 5 pages in A4 size.

(4) Examination Guidelines
The proposed PoC will be examined based on the following five areas. In addition, interviews may be conducted if deemed necessary.

A) Innovativeness
B) Possibility of commercialization
C) Marketability
D) Sociality
E) Possibility of demonstration

(5) Proposed Demonstration Sites
The former Kyushu University Hakozaki Campus site, Hakozaki Shopping Street, Hakozaki Shrine, Hakozaki Station and other locations.

(6) Application Schedule

• Application period: April 2022 – end of December 2022 (applications accepted at any time)
• Demonstration period: April 2022 – end of March 2023 (demonstrations conducted at any time)
• PoC demonstration commencement date: demonstrations will commence as appropriate after the PoC has been decided.

■ Support Details

Support will be provided in the following areas regarding the implementation of your PoC.

1. Consultation with managers and related parties
2. Coordination with related parties
3. Conducting briefings for companies
4. Finding users for monitoring and test purposes as required
5. Media correspondence
6. Support for expenses related to PR and safety measures generated by this demonstration experiment

■ Notes

1. We do not require an address, a main location or legal personality as a qualifying requirement.
2. The following applicants are excluded:
   individuals associated with known criminal organizations (meaning criminal organizations as prescribed in the Act on Prevention of Unfair Acts by criminals (No. 77 in 1991 Law), Article 2 No. 6) or criminals (as prescribed in the same law Article 2 No. 2 or a person who has a close relationship with criminal organizations). 
3. Participation in the Smart East PoC Program is free.
4. Applicants will be responsible for the cost of the demonstration experiment.
   However, there is support for expenses related to ■ Support Details 6.   
5. This PoC Program does not guarantee implementation at the Hakozaki Campus site.
6. Take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections.
7. Due to the impact of COVID-19, implementation is expected based on trends in the Japanese government and Fukuoka City’s situation. Depending on the situation, the content of the demonstration experiment may be changed or canceled.
8. This PoC Program has nothing to do with the public solicitation of land used for business purpose at the Hakozaki Campus site.

Application Guide

Smart East PoC Program2022 Application Guidelines (PDF)

Contact

FUKUOKA Smart EAST Promotion Consortium Office
Person in charge: Mr. Kajihara
E-mail: info@fukuoka-dc.jpn.com