Toward the creation of new Expressway services and the resolution of issues in local communities
“DraPla Innovation Lab” Recruitment of co-creation partners for the 3rd term begins!

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NEXCO EAST (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will start recruiting partner companies for the third phase of the accelerator program "DraPla Innovation Lab" (hereinafter referred to as this program) from August 1, 2023.

1. 1. Background of program implementation

Until now, we have pursued "safety, security, comfort and convenience" for our customers and supported the movement of "people" and "things" as a company responsible for infrastructure that "connects" regions. In recent years, with the evolution of technology and the diversification of social values, we believe that it is necessary for us to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by bringing new "value" to the movement of people, things, and things.
Toward the creation and realization of new Expressway services, we aim to accelerate transformation through co-creation with business partners who aim to grow significantly in Expressway business areas and our company, which has many strengths. has started an accelerator program. In addition, we are currently conducting demonstration experiments for the realization of new services, mainly for companies that have been adopted in the second round of recruitment.
(*Refer to the attached “Reference Material” [PDF: 439KB].)

2. Program contents

This program is a co-creation partner who has new technology and innovative business ideas and is enthusiastic about innovation for future Expressway services, and our Expressway, service areas and parking areas (hereinafter referred to as " , SA / PA), etc., while utilizing resources and verification budgets, etc., we aim to solve social issues and implement services and products that bring "new value" to the movement of people, goods, and things. ..

3. 3. Recruitment theme

This program is looking for co-creation partners on the following four themes.

1. Updating Expressway projects for the next generation
   NEXCO EAST East Expressway which is used by about 2.91 million vehicles per day (results in FY2022) for 3,943 km in eastern Japan from Hokkaido to Kanto. More than 50 years have passed since its construction, and while there is an urgent need for countermeasures against aging, along with the rapid progress of technology, the spread of automated driving and connected cars is becoming a reality. We will continue to improve for decades to come and update the value we provide in the movement of people and goods.
   (Co-creation example)
   
   • Realization of “safety and security” for the next generation
   • Providing “Comfort and Convenience” through New Mobility Experiences
   • Efficiency and sophistication of infrastructure management through technology
2. Improving the value of service areas and parking areas
   There are 328 SAs and PAs in the East Japan area that serve as places for customers to relax. It has always been close to the local economy and has contributed to its revitalization as a hub that "connects" cities and regions, and regions and regions. In addition to existing as a “refreshment space”, we will deepen our technology and services, provide a new customer experience, and further improve the value of SA / PA.
   (Co-creation example)
   • Providing a new customer experience at SA/PA
   • Transforming SA/PA into a place where people gather
   • Creating a place to revitalize the local community
3. Strengthen regional collaboration and create new businesses based on various assets
   Contact points and driving data with approximately 2.91 million customers per day. Peripheral businesses such as real estate, finance, and travel. Starting from the diverse and vast fields managed by NEXCO EAST, we will provide new customer experiences through the use of technology and solutions, and not only improve existing value, but also evolve into a business entity that provides further added value.・Deepening.
   (Co-creation example)
   • Promotion of regional revitalization with SA/PA as a hub
   • Creation of "Mobility Opportunities" and Provision of "Mobility Experiences"
   • New ways to utilize various asset data
4. Contribution to a sustainable society and business operations
   It is a responsibility of an infrastructure company that supports the movement of people and the economy. Realizing a carbon-neutral and recycling-oriented society, improving the living environment in regions and roadsides, and establishing management methods that adapt to the declining and aging population, we will realize sustainable business operations in any era. Furthermore, we aim to build a scheme that contributes to the sustainability of society as a whole in collaboration with each stakeholder.
   (Co-creation example)
   • Realization of a carbon-free society
   • Realization of a sound material-cycle society
   • Stable provision of infrastructure functions

Four. schedule

This program will be implemented according to the following schedule.
As a result of verification in this program, we will consider making further investments for commercialization of initiatives that are judged to be of high value to continue.

• PoC: Abbreviation for Proof of Concept. concept verification

Five. Qualification requirements

• Being registered as a corporation (regardless of company size)
• Have a product or technology

6. Application method

Please apply from the dedicated site for this program below.
A dedicated site will be released on AUBA, an open innovation platform operated by eiicon Co., Ltd.
Dedicated site for this program

7. 7. Questions and inquiries regarding this program

　ご質問・お問い合せは、以下までお気軽にお問い合せください。
　ドラぷらイノベーションラボ事務局　i_lab@e-nexco.co.jp