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'Bashow' Aims to Be In-Vehicle App for SDV Era, Begins Wide-Area Service in Tokyo Metropolis — Service Launching via Smartphone App to Enhance the Value of the Mobility Experience —
Bashow Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masashi Hodotsuka), which is developing its business with backing from major auto-related companies and VCs, announced on October 31 that it will launch its local topic guide app 'Bashow' in the central Tokyo metropolitan area starting November 1, 2025.
This smartphone app (for iOS/Android) provides brief voice guidance on topics related to the user's surroundings every few minutes while they are moving, such as in a car. The company aims to develop it into an in-vehicle application for the automotive sector, where Software Defined Vehicles (SDV) are becoming more prevalent.
■ Aiming to Build a Foundational System for the In-Vehicle App Market
As the automotive industry moves toward SDVs, the in-vehicle app market is expected to expand to add value through software. Bashow Inc. aims to pioneer in-vehicle apps in the infotainment domain, offering services that provide experiences unique to being on the move, with the goal of building a foundational system for this future market.
This wide-area launch follows pilot programs conducted in three regions, including Saitama City and Yokohama City, during fiscal 2024. Based on the results, the features and UI have been significantly updated. The service area will be the central Tokyo metropolitan area (generally inside Route 16 and the Shonan area).
■ Strength in Vast Number of Semi-Automatically Generated Topics
Users simply launch the app and press the start button. While moving, they will hear 15-second voice guides on topics like, "At that shop over there, [Product] is very popular."
According to the company, unlike similar U.S. services that use preset information, 'Bashow's' strength is its ability to semi-automatically generate a vast number of topics from publicly available data. They believe their content volume is two orders of magnitude greater than competitors, allowing users to enjoy the app repeatedly even during daily commutes.
■ Future Developments
Going forward, the company plans to monetize by featuring advertisements from restaurants and other businesses, as well as provide its generated topic data to other companies, such as mobility service providers (a program has already been implemented with Nagoya Railroad).
Furthermore, Bashow aims to become the foundational system for the in-vehicle app market by implementing a proprietary AI "Timing Judgment Function" that delivers topics based on user attributes and real-world environments.
■ICT Startup League
This is a support program launched in fiscal 2023, originating from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Support Program for Startup-driven, Early-stage R&D."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
① R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Provides up to 20 million yen in R&D funding as a subsidy. Additionally, through hands-on support, the selection committee members involved in choosing league members continue to mentor them and promote their growth after selection. For companies the committee members were particularly passionate about selecting, a "fan-like" support system is in place where the members themselves continuously provide advice on business plans and offer growth opportunities.
② Discovery & Development
Provides opportunities for learning and networking to accelerate the business growth of league members.
It also works to discover aspiring entrepreneurs to broaden the base of the startup ecosystem.
③ Competition & Co-creation
It serves as a positive competitive arena, much like a sports league, with a system where startups learn together, engage in friendly competition, and win the funding they truly need (up to 20 million yen). It also provides a space for co-creation, where league members can collaborate and expand their businesses through various opportunities, including sessions with selection committee members.
④ Promotion
We promote the initiatives of league members in collaboration with the media! By raising public awareness of their businesses, we aim to expand opportunities for new matching and chances.
■Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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Bashow Inc. (Official Site)
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Bashow Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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App Details Page
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