Prossell Inc. (Headquarters: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture; CEO: Kazuki Yokoyama), a career partner business dedicated to KOSEN (National Institute of Technology) students, announced on February 18 a new partnership between its specialized recruitment agency for KOSEN graduates, "EnCycle Agent," and the KOSENjin-kai General Incorporated Foundation (Representative Director: Shuta Shibuya).
Through this partnership, when a job seeker successfully secures a position via the agency, Prossell will contribute an amount equivalent to at least 1% of the candidate's theoretical annual salary as a donation to the candidate's alma mater or KOSENjin-kai.
The most distinctive feature of this system is that it allows job seekers to achieve personal career growth through a successful job change while simultaneously contributing to their alma mater or the KOSEN community without any financial burden to themselves.
The donations are funded from the placement fees received by Prossell, totaling up to 5% of the theoretical annual salary. Candidates can freely designate the allocation between their "Alma Mater" and "KOSENjin-kai" (e.g., "I want to support my old Robocon club, so 4% to my alma mater and 1% to KOSENjin-kai"). The funds are expected to be used for enhancing research facilities and supporting club activities for younger students.
Shuta Shibuya, Representative Director of KOSENjin-kai, commented: "By creating a system where the career advancement of graduates becomes the source of support for the next generation, we want to evolve the bond of 'KOSEN' into a proud culture that lasts a lifetime."
Prossell aims to accelerate the enhancement of KOSEN talent value and the development of the ecosystem through the dual pillars of "fair evaluation of technical skills" by advisors who are themselves KOSEN graduates, and this new "giving-back cycle."
■ ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, following the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Seed-stage R&D Support Project for Startup Creation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four key pillars:
① R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided in the form of grants. In terms of hands-on support, the selection committee members remain involved after the selection process to foster growth. For companies evaluated as "must-adopt," the committee members themselves provide ongoing support, including advice on business plans and access to growth opportunities—a support system akin to "fandom-style" mentorship.
② Discovery & Cultivation
Providing opportunities for learning and networking that drive the business growth of League members. It also seeks to discover aspiring entrepreneurs to expand the startup ecosystem.
③ Competition & Co-creation
Designed like a sports league, this is a space for positive competition where startups learn together and strive to secure the funding they need (up to 20 million yen). It also provides a "co-creation" space where members can collaborate and expand their businesses through sessions with committee members and other opportunities.
④ Communication
The League works with media outlets to broadcast the initiatives of its members. By raising public awareness of these businesses, the program aims to expand matching opportunities and create new possibilities.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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Prossell Holdings Inc. (Official Site)
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Prossell Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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EnCycle Agent
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Original Press Release (Japanese)
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For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.
