Startups' New Essential Subject: Public Affairs #3 - The Future of Fukuoka's Startup Ecosystem Accelerated by Deregulation

The third installment in a series on "non-market strategy and public affairs (PA)", the practice of working with the public sector (government and local authorities) and, at times, changing or creating the rules themselves as part of a startup's growth strategy. Using case studies, the event explores how PA can expand business opportunities, from bringing novel products that existing regulation never anticipated into society, to accelerating the growth of services that address policy challenges. This edition is set in Fukuoka, a city using Japan's National Strategic Special Zone framework to pursue deregulation. The keynotes and panels cover the role of the public sector in the global and Japanese startup ecosystems, along with Fukuoka's current position and outlook. Speakers include SEAJ representative director Ayumi Fujimoto, SEAJ director Akira Takahashi, officials from the Cabinet Office and Fukuoka City, and Nana Hori of Tensor Energy, bringing together both public and private voices. The event is held in person at Fukuoka Growth Next with free admission, and closes with a networking session where speakers and attendees can mingle freely.