About the "DEEP VALLEY Agritech Award 2020"

This contest aims to foster a "Deep Valley Agritech Cluster City※2," where diverse agricultural companies connect and agritech firms are concentrated. It seeks to recognize companies and technologies that contribute to solving agricultural challenges faced by Fukaya City and Japan as a whole.

Now in its second year, the award's theme for this year is "On-site Implementation and Future Creation of Agritech." We are seeking proposals that showcase the appeal of agritech, ranging from technologies that farmers can immediately adopt to those that will be practical in the near future, within the next few years.

Mynavi will serve as the operational secretariat for this contest as a "Deep Valley Agritech Cluster City" promotion partner.
※2: For details, please check the Fukaya City website (http://www.city.fukaya.saitama.jp/).

Message from the Mayor of Fukaya City to Participating Companies

Fukaya City is known as the "Kitchen of Kanto," producing fresh "Fukaya vegetables" such as Fukaya leeks, broccoli, and corn, making it one of Japan's leading agricultural production areas. Through this project, we aim to demonstrate that by bringing together primary, secondary, and tertiary industries under one framework, we can transform the region. It is my dream and goal to be able to proudly say, "We achieved this wonderful thing" centered around agriculture. Once this challenge yields concrete results, we intend to disseminate it nationwide as the "Fukaya Model." We hope many will participate and contribute their wisdom and strength towards realizing this dream.

About Applications and Submission Details

Application Period
June 15, 2020 (Monday) 12:00 PM - June 28, 2020 (Sunday): Pre-registration
June 29, 2020 (Monday) 12:00 PM - July 29, 2020 (Wednesday): Main Registration

Application Categories
On-site Implementation Category
Please submit solutions that can begin demonstration projects in Fukaya City within one year after the award ceremony. We seek proposals that focus on solving the challenges of Fukaya City's agricultural field, not just existing products and services.

Future Creation Category
Please submit solutions aiming to start demonstration projects in Fukaya City within 2 to 5 years after the award ceremony. Proposals at the idea or basic research stage are acceptable, with a focus on creating the future of agriculture for all of Japan, starting from Fukaya City.

Judging Method
The first round of judging will be based on submitted documents, with the second and final rounds conducted online.
The method for the final round of judging may be changed depending on the social situation.

Eligibility
Applicants must be individuals or corporations (regardless of location) who can implement solutions to address or improve agricultural challenges faced by farmers in Fukaya City after receiving an award.

Awards
Total investment prize money up to 10 million yen
The investment amount will be determined through discussions with the award recipients, including the possibility of investment.
The total investment amount, including for the two Grand Prize winners, is capped at 10 million yen. However, the investment amount per recipient from Fukaya City will not exceed one-quarter of the applicant's capital.

Grand Prize (On-site Implementation Category): 1 winner
Grand Prize (Future Creation Category): 1 winner
Sponsor Awards: Sponsors will be announced on the website once confirmed.

How to Apply
Please read the application guidelines and complete your entry via the application form on our website.
Application and Contest Website
URL:https://agri.mynavi.jp/deepvalley_agritechaward/

Schedule
Pre-registration: June 15 (Mon) - June 28 (Sun)
Main Registration: June 29 (Mon) - July 29 (Wed)
First Round Judging (Document Screening): Early August
Notification to First Round Qualifiers via Email: Early August
Second Round Judging (Presentation and Interview): Scheduled for either September 5 (Sat) or September 6 (Sun)
Presentation videos will be submitted in advance; interviews will be conducted online on the specified date and time.
Announcement of Second Round Qualifiers: Mid-September
Final Round Judging: October 16 (Fri)
The final round judging will be recorded and streamed at a later date.
Support for Commercialization Begins: November onwards

The schedule may change depending on application status and other factors. Please check the contest website for the latest schedule.
The judging method may be altered due to the social situation. Please refer to the contest website and the secretariat for the latest information.


About "Mynavi Agriculture"
Website Name: "Mynavi Agriculture"
URL:https://agri.mynavi.jp/
Overview: Improving the future of agriculture. We deliver "new," "convenient," and "interesting" aspects of agriculture. We provide the latest information on active agricultural professionals and agricultural news, offer a space for meeting and discussing with peers, and create opportunities for business. As a new economic sphere, we aim to make agriculture better and stronger. Mynavi Agriculture supports people involved in agriculture through media and real-world interactions.