Japanese Cos come up in big way to support Ideathon – Hack the Innovative Future; ACN becomes Media Partner

APPLICATION LINK: https://www.hif.asia/English

NEW DELHI: A large number of Japanese companies including the top six conglomerates better known as Sogo shosha (総合商社) have come forward to support the 9-day long Ideathon – Hack the Innovative Future.

Apart from Mitsubishi Corporation, and Mitsui & Co, other Jaapnese companies supporting the event include  ITOCHU, Sumitomo, Marubeni, and Toyota Tsusho, other Japanese firms supporting this venture-based initiative include DAIKIN, NIPPON STEEL, TORAY, JAPAN AIRLINES, SUZUKI, MIZUHO, MUFG, Sojitz, HITACHI, SMBC, JFE, MKCI, Hitachi Estemo, Mitutoyo, NRI consulting, AISAN, AISIN, Chola MS, FUJIFILM, FUTABA, Idemitsu, IFFCO-TOKIO, ISUZU, IHI, Iwatani, KAWASAKI, ICT KTTM, COBELCO, KONIKE Group, Kuraray, Kyosan,  NGK/NTK, NKID, Nissin ABC, Nohmi, ONE, OJI, Otsuka, Prestigue International, SMCC Construction, TEJIN, TRMN, TOKYO ZAIRYO, TOYOTA BOSHOKU, TOYODA GOSEI, TIE India, Toyota Material Handling, Unicharm, SOMPO, YKK, and Y-tec.

Yoji Taguchi, Chairman and Managing Director, Mitsubishi Corporation India is the Chairman of the event.

Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII) led by its Secretary-General Kenji Sugino is leading the initiative from the front.

Being organised by the Steering Committee of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Japan-India Diplomatic Relations consisting of the Embassy of Japan, Japan Association Delhi, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII), Japan Foundation New Delhi, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) New Delhi Office, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India Office, and JNTO Delhi Office, the event is open for participation but the youths would selected through a well-laid out selection criteria.

Asian Community News Network – ACN Network (www.asiancommunitynews.com) is the Media Partner of the event to promote it amongst the Indian audience by publishing pre and post event news articles.

Starting September 16, forty youths from Japan and India (20 from each country) will get together under the youth exchange program in Gurugram/New Delhi to participate in the 900km Ideathon “Hack the Innovative Future” that will culminate in India’s temple city Varanasi on September 24.

Divided into 10 teams of four with two youths from Japan and India each, these selected youths after starting from Gurugram/New Delhi would halt at Agra, Lucknow, Prayagraj experiencing diverse culture and values, and finally at Varanasi. Here, these teams would stay for three days, and make presentations at the Varanasi Convention Center (VCC) – Rudraksh (Bodhi tree fruit).

The last date for filing applications is July 17, and those interested should be aged between 18 and 25. They can apply online at https://www.hif.asia/English and the entire trip is free-of-cost. The names of those selected would be announced by the end of August.

In his messages to the youths of India, the Chairman of the event, and Managing Director, Mitsubishi Corporation India Pvt. Ltd, Yoji Taguchi, said, “India-Japan relations in 2040 relies on you! We hope that this experience will be an opportunity for young people from Japan and India to sympathize with each other, deepen friendships, and open up the future of both countries. What will resonate the most with you?  What idea will be created? Are you as excited as we are!?

Ms. Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India Country Office said, “Through this programme, participants will have an opportunity to travel various cities in India. You will identify multiple developmental challenges and will brainstorm to come up with their respective solutions in a team consists of participants from India and Japan. “Women empowerment” is a keyword for UNDP.”

“If I were to participate this programme, I would always wear “gender lens” throughout the journey to assess the inclusiveness of women, bottlenecks and challenges experienced by women, so that I can propose solutions to further empower women. I hope each of you to wear your own lens during your journey, and submerge yourself in the Incredible India. Bon Voyage!” Ms. Shoka Noda added.

Related article: Japan calling youths from India, Japan to participate in 9-day Ideathon – Hack The Innovative Future