15:50~16:20｜Regional Co-Creation Realized by NTT East ～Examples of Co-Creation with Storyline Inc. ～

The regional co-creation hub, Smart Innovation Lab Sendai, is actively engaged in daily efforts to collaborate with startups and generate new business opportunities. In this session, we introduce a proof of concept (PoC) conducted by Storyline Inc., Miyagi Prefecture, and NTT East to verify the effectiveness of caffeine control. We will also discuss future prospects for business co-creation.

Speakers

  • Portrait of Yuka Takahashi

    Yuka Takahashi

    NTT EAST, Inc.
    Section Manager

    Born in Sendai. After graduating from university, joined NTT and was seconded to an advertising agency in Tokyo. Later, engaged in promoting sales of service products and public relations in Sendai. Currently, as the manager of the "Smart Innovation Lab Sendai" operated by NTT East, she collaborates with regional players, including startups, to create new businesses. She also focuses on nurturing talent by hosting business co-creation programs for university students.

  • Portrait of Junko Iwai

    Junko Iwai

    Storyline Co.,Ltd.
    CEO／CDO

    【Profile】
    Junko Iwai worked at international design firms, specializing in new business development, service design, and design thinking. She has also taught at universities and corporate programs. In 2018, she founded Storyline Inc., focusing on decaf technology and challenges in the coffee industry.

    【Business overview】
    We produce safe, high-quality decaffeinated coffee using proprietary caffeine extraction technology based on supercritical CO₂. We also offer caffeine-controlled products tailored for health-conscious consumers. Our mission is to solve challenges in coffee-producing regions and build a sustainable supply chain benefiting both producers and consumers.

  • Portrait of Shohei Oba

    Shohei Oba

    01Booster, Inc.
    Manager, Business Creation Solutions Department

    After majoring in Community Business at the School of Project Design, Miyagi University, he gained experience at a startup before joining a major commercial developer in 2021. There, he engaged in new business development and the promotion of open innovation. His work included developing and expanding new logistics businesses, launching a corporate venture capital arm, and planning and managing open innovation programs and ideathons. From the early stages of establishing the innovation department, he contributed to building its operational structure and fostering a culture of innovation. In 2024, he joined 01Booster to support corporate innovation and regional industrial development.

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