In Utsunomiya, cooperation between professional sports teams and local startups is flourishing. This collaboration has led to initiatives such as the development of a cricket-based nutrition bar and an application for managing menstrual cramps.
The city has drafted a new vision for urban development using sports, and aims to create new sports-related industries through public-private cooperation. At its core is the ‘Utsunomiya Accelerator,’ a startup support program that brings together Utsunomiya City, local businesses, universities, and financial institutions to help accelerate business and develop sales channels. Three Utsunomiya-based teams in basketball, soccer, and bicycle racing have worked with startups through this program.
Examples include a project to measure adrenaline secretion during exercise, the development of a nutrition bar for women, and an app to support athletes during menstruation. These efforts have contributed to improving athletes' performance and health, while at the same time revitalizing local industry.
Source : https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOCC040ZU0U4A300C2000000/
