COM-PJ is a development program for entrepreneurs aiming to solve social issues, generally aged 30 or under and less than two years since founding, as well as people preparing to start a business. It began in 2020 and is now in its seventh year. Over three months, participants receive weekly one-on-one progress support, lectures from experienced entrepreneurs and support organizations, and feedback from guest mentors such as business leaders, while testing their ideas through prototyping and interviews.
More than 80 people have graduated from the program so far, and they continue to be active afterward, winning awards at contests around the country and collaborating with major companies. This year, a new "alumni track" was also created to help past graduates grow their businesses further.
In the first half of the final pitch, judges will give practical feedback and select a "Judges' Award"; in the second half, real-time voting by the audience will decide an "Audience Award." The presentation themes cover a wide range of fields, including human rights issues at apparel factories in developing countries, disaster preparedness education that turns foreign residents into people who lead disaster preparedness in communities and companies, hands-on support for NPO fundraising, prenatal and postnatal care, nursing care, consultations on parenting and family concerns, and creating places of belonging for children without hair and their families.
Key points
- Fourteen young entrepreneurs at the pre-founding or seed stage, aiming to balance solving social issues with business, will take the stage
- Themes range from issues close to daily life, such as parenting and nursing care, to international topics such as human rights in developing countries, disaster education for foreign residents, and NPO fundraising
- A format in which listeners can take part: a Judges' Award in the first half and an Audience Award decided by audience vote in the second half
Why We Recommend This Event
This is a chance to hear directly how young entrepreneurs tackling social issues present ventures they have polished over three months. The breadth of themes shows what issues the younger generation is focusing on today.
The presentations include proposals that recast people often seen as "those who receive support" as active contributors, and ventures that support NPOs, which can offer hints to people involved in international cooperation and civic activities as well.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“I was surprised by how wide-ranging the 14 young entrepreneurs' themes are, from human rights in developing countries to parenting and nursing care. The Audience Award decided by the venue's vote also makes it easy to take part as a listener.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I feel the same as Aoba about the breadth of themes. I was especially drawn to the idea of seeing foreign residents not as people receiving support but as leaders in disaster preparedness. When your perspective changes, the view changes too.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Hearing your impressions, I sensed how clear-sighted the younger generation is. Efforts to solve everyday problems through business are reassuring for the future of our communities. I hope each of these 14 challenges blossoms.”
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Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“The challenges taken on by social entrepreneurs often grow out of the voices of people directly affected by issues and those on the front lines. Each presentation seems to carry its own starting point.
There is also an Audience Award decided by the venue's vote. If you'd like to cheer on young challengers in Kyoto, please check out the details.”