Runtrip Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Eiichiro Omori), operator of the running app "Runtrip," announced on February 10 that it will collaborate with the "HOME FOREST" event hosted by Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) to hold "Discover Runtrip in HAKONE," a regional digital stamp rally set in the Hakone and Odawara areas.
The event will run from Wednesday, March 4, to Tuesday, March 31, 2026. It proposes a new form of "sports tourism" that encourages participants to rediscover local charms through running.
This event is a digital stamp rally where participants use the Runtrip app to visit various checkpoints within the area.
Participants can explore spots rich in Hakone's nature and culture while following "Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced" model courses tailored to their physical strength and skill level. Depending on the number of stamps collected, runners can earn premium rewards such as craft beer at HAKONATURE BASE, exclusive tenugui hand towels, and a chance to win a pair of accommodation vouchers for "Hotel de Yama" through a lottery.
Additionally, a system will be introduced allowing users to exchange "Runtrip Miles"—accumulated through daily runs—for exclusive coupons usable at local tourist facilities and restaurants, such as Amazake-chaya and Hakone Yuryo.
Runtrip CEO Eiichiro Omori commented, "We hope that running becomes a new point of contact with the region and serves as a catalyst for people to rediscover the beauty of Hakone." By connecting daily exercise to regional contribution and sightseeing experiences, the company aims to contribute to the creation of a "relationship population" for the area.
■ ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, sparked by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Project for Supporting Seed-stage R&D for Startup Creation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided as a subsidy. For hands-on support, selection committee members involved in the screening process continue to stay involved after selection to promote growth. For companies evaluated by committee members as "must-adopt," the members themselves provide continuous support, such as advice on business plans and growth opportunities—a support system described as "devoted fan" (Oshikatsu) style support.
2. Discovery & Nurturing
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to encourage the business growth of league members. We also seek to discover individuals aiming to become entrepreneurs to expand the startup ecosystem.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Designed like a sports league, it serves as a venue for positive competition where startups learn and challenge each other to win necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). We also provide a space for co-creation where league members can collaborate and expand their businesses through sessions with selection committee members.
4. Promotion
We promote the initiatives of league members in collaboration with the media. By making their businesses more widely known, we aim to expand opportunities for new matching and growth.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
／
Runtrip Inc. (Official Site)
／
Runtrip Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
／
Discover Runtrip in HAKONE (Special Site)
／
Original Press Release (Japanese)
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.
