iiba Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Nana Aizawa), developer and operator of the parenting map app "iiba," announced on February 9 that it will partner with Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture, to hold a "Kids Job Experience Event" from March 1 to March 31, 2026, allowing children to experience local professions firsthand.
This event is part of a collaborative initiative based on the "Business Partnership Agreement for Child-Rearing Support" signed between the company and Komaki City in January 2026. Reservations opened today, February 9, within the "iiba" app.
Komaki City is widely known as a "Manufacturing Town" with a thriving industrial sector, particularly in manufacturing. Leveraging these regional characteristics, the event features programs where children can experience professional techniques and workplaces that are usually inaccessible to the public.
Key experience programs include (excerpt):
Sennari Kogyo Co., Ltd.
"Welding Experience" to touch authentic technology (Target: Ages 9+)
Tokai Mazda Sales Co., Ltd., Komaki Branch
"Kids Mechanic Experience" – take on inspection tasks in a real uniform
Niwa Dental Clinic
"Dentist Job Experience" to learn the importance of oral health
Participation is free, and the target age ranges from 3 to 15 years old (varies by program). Through these authentic experiences at local businesses, the initiative aims to foster children's professional perspectives, improve self-esteem, and cultivate a sense of regional attachment (civic pride).
iiba is promoting a system where the entire community supports child-rearing, not only by providing information through its app but also by creating opportunities for real-world "experiences."
This partnership with Komaki City is drawing attention as a child-rearing support model where local governments and startups co-create, merging digital convenience with physical experiences.
■ ICT Startup League
A support program launched in FY2023, triggered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Project for Supporting Startup-Generating Exploratory 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 via subsidies. Furthermore, the selection committee members who evaluated the league members continue to provide hands-on support post-selection to accelerate growth. For companies that evaluators were "determined to select," a "fandom-style" support system is established where evaluators personally continue to offer advice on business plans and growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Cultivation
Providing opportunities for learning and networking to promote the business growth of league members. The program also focuses on discovering aspiring entrepreneurs to expand the startup ecosystem.
3. Competition & Co-creation
The league functions as a venue for positive competition, similar to a sports league, where startups learn together and strive to secure the necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). It also provides a space for "co-creation" where league members can collaborate and expand their businesses through sessions with selection committee members.
4. Promotion
The league partners with media outlets to broadcast the efforts of its members! By raising awareness of these businesses, the program aims to broaden the scope for new matching opportunities and growth.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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iiba Inc. (Official Site)
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iiba Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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Komaki City, Aichi (Official Site)
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Original Press Release
InnoJin Integrates Telemedicine with Pharmacies: Resolving Fragmentation in Ophthalmology
iiba Signs Cooperation Agreement with Komaki City, Aichi to Develop Digital Childcare Map
For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.
