Asahi Kasei and NineSigma Asia Pacific, Inc. (NineSigma) announced the winners of a contest for new business ideas using Asahi Kasei’s position and behavior sensing technology, with the winners from three organizations awarded a total of $35,000 at a ceremony held on May 21, 2018. Asahi Kasei will now initiate consultations with the award winners regarding implementation of their ideas.
About the contest
Announced on October 17, 2017, the contest for business use cases and applications was held in order to establish unique businesses in the US utilizing Asahi Kasei’s high-performance sensing technology as well as to identify challenges and latent needs in the US. The contest was managed and administered by NineSigma, which has held many open innovation contests around the world since its founding in 2000. Please refer to the press release: Asahi Kasei to hold a contest in the US for new business use of its position and behavior sensing technology.
Summary of the contest result
Focused on business ideas in the US using Asahi Kasei’s position and behavior sensing technology, the contest was announced worldwide. Many bright ideas were received from twelve countries, reflecting each of their current market needs and potentialities.
Dr. Hideyuki Yamagishi, Lead Executive Officer and Senior General Manager of Corporate Research & Development at Asahi Kasei commented, “All three of the winning ideas were very ingenious, interesting, and useful. This is a great way for Asahi Kasei to obtain stimulating new business ideas from outside, and we plan to continue to leverage this kind of contest.”
Mr. Akihiko Suwa, CEO of NineSigma Holdings commented, “The contest was an exceptional way for Asahi Kasei to gather new business ideas based on its own technology. We are pleased that Asahi Kasei could receive from many countries various creative business ideas that they wouldn’t have thought of inside the company. We look forward to supporting more Japanese companies to develop their business or enhance their manufacturing by leveraging our global network.
At the award ceremony (the three winners in the center)
About NineSigma
NineSigma Asia Pacific, Inc. provides “Open Innovation” to realize a society in which anyone can live a happy life. The company supports various activities through Open Innovation having implemented over 1,200 programs inside Japan and 5,000 programs outside Japan. For more information, visit
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group is a diversified group of companies led by Asahi Kasei Corp., with operations in the Material, Homes, and Health Care business sectors. From its roots in chemistry, the Material sector encompasses fibers & textiles, petrochemicals, performance polymers, performance materials, consumables, battery separators, and electronic devices. The Homes sector provides housing and construction materials to the Japanese market. The Health Care sector includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and acute critical care devices and systems. With more than 30,000 employees around the world, the Asahi Kasei Group serves customers in more than 100 countries.
Asahi Kasei is “Creating for Tomorrow” with all operations sharing a common mission of contributing to life and living for people around the world. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en/.
For more information, please contact:
| Asahi Kasei Corp. | NineSigma Asia Pacific, Inc. |
| Corporate Communications | Marketing |
| Phone: +81-(0)3-3296-3008 | +81-(0)3-3219-2004
press@ninesigma.com |
