New round seeks solutions in six categories, including FinTech, VR/AR/MR and Drones

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SoftBank Corp. ("SoftBank"), a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp. (TOKYO:9984), today announced that it launched a second round for its ‘SoftBank Innovation Program, a program that seeks a wide range of innovative solutions and technologies from around the world to consider for commercialization.

The SoftBank Innovation Programs aim is to create new value by combining the innovative solutions and technologies of other companies with SoftBanks own resources. SoftBank selects applications that it deems to be innovative and superior, and then provides funding for prototype development, environments for test marketing and other forms of assistance. Based on the test marketing results, SoftBank considers product or service commercialization.

The second round of the SoftBank Innovation Program is open to six categories—Smart Homes*1, Connected Vehicles*2, Healthcare, FinTech*3, VR (virtual reality) / AR (augmented reality) / MR (mixed reality) and Drones—and applications will be accepted at the SoftBank Innovation Program official website. An explanation session will be held in Tokyo on August 19 for applicants or those planning to apply.

*1 Residences with home appliances and equipment that are connected to the Internet.
*2 Vehicles that are always connected to the Internet.
*3 Financial services that utilize IT.

Outline of Second Round of SoftBank Innovation Program

Entry period:
August 3 to September 30, 2016 (JST)
Categories:
Smart Homes, Connected Vehicles, Healthcare, FinTech, VR/AR/MR, Drones
Eligibility:
Program submissions will be accepted from organizations of all sizes, from startups to big corporations. (Applications will be accepted from any country, but applicants must be able to interview in Tokyo or the US).
More Information on SoftBank Innovation Program / Where to apply
URL: http://www.softbank.jp/en/biz/innovation/ (SoftBank Innovation Program official website)

About SoftBank Corp.
SoftBank Corp., a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp. (TOKYO:9984), provides mobile communication, fixed-line communication and Internet connection services to customers in Japan. Leveraging synergies with other companies in the SoftBank Group, SoftBank Corp. aims to transform lifestyles through ICT and expand into other business areas including IoT, robotics and energy.

SoftBank, the SoftBank name and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.
Information in this press release regarding product and service prices, specifications and inquiry details are current as of the time of announcement. This information is subject to change and may become out-of-date.