**Demo Day for the incubation program, co-hosted with Sony Network Communications, will be held at both offline and online venues**

---

Sony Network Communications Inc. (Tokyo, Japan; Jun Watanabe, President & CEO), together with Startale Labs Pte Ltd (Singapore CEO Sota Watanabe) will hold a demo day for the Web3 Incubation Program by Sony Network Communications and Astar Network on June 18, 2023\. The Demo Day will be a hybrid event, hosted in-person at an offline venue, and online in the Metaverse, and will bring together participants from all over the world. This event is also registered as a “[Japan Blockchain Week Official Event](https://japanblockchainweek.jp/)''.

**What is the Web3 Incubation Program by Sony Network Communications and Astar Network?**

For this program, web3 startups were invited from around the world, irrespective of the phase of their development. After Sony Network Communications and Astar considered the suitability of each of the startups in terms of their technology, team, and product appeal, 19 projects out of over 200 applications were carefully selected to become part of our exclusive web3 incubation program. Throughout the program, participants benefit from information sessions led by global venture capitalists and successful web3 companies, learn business and technology development strategies through mentoring, and access Sony Network Communications' extensive resources for collaboration and support.

**What is Demo Day?**

Signifying the culmination of the program, this event will feature pitch sessions from each project to showcase their innovations to venture capitalists and large corporations interested in collaborating with web3 startups, and there will also be presentations about the status, achievements, and future outlook of the web3 incubation program, itself.

In addition, there will be a networking session where participants will have the opportunity to interact with the program candidates.

As part of our efforts to allow participants to experience each project's technology firsthand, offline attendees will receive an NFT issued by [Lemonade](https://about.lemonade.social/). This NFT will be a special SoulBound Token (SBT) to commemorate the event, and is non-transferable.

Online participants will receive an NFT pass issued by [Snickerdoodle Labs](https://www.snickerdoodle.com/) to attend Demo Day staged in the [COSMIZE](https://app.cosmize.io/) Metaverse, who will also be showcasing their technology as candidates of the web3 incubation program. Event organizers will distribute NFT passes issued by Snickerdoodle Labs.

This event will be an opportunity for those who want to learn about practical uses of web3 through hands-on experience and presentations from cutting-edge global projects, and for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the web3 vision that Sony Network Communications is working on.

There will also be opportunities to interact directly with the program candidates, both online and offline.

Event summary:

* Date & Time: June 18, 2023 (Sunday), 13:00-18:00
* Organizers: Sony Network Communications, Startale Labs Pte Ltd
* Participation fee: Free
* Language: English \*All sessions are presented in English.
* How to get tickets to attend:  
   * If you wish to attend the event, please **register by filling out the form** [**here**](https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/web3-incubation-program-by-sony-network-communications-and-astar-tickets-616454480947).

Notes:

* The venue will be announced to all participants by email.
* The event will be filmed and shared on social media sites. Please note that you may be filmed.
* **Please note that due to exceptionally high demand, event passes will be issued via lottery, not on a first-come first-served basis. Event organizers cannot guarantee that everyone interested in participating will be able to attend.**

---

#### **About COSMIZE**

The first native metaverse on the Astar. Building a web-based app that allows users to experience the Web3 metaverse with a single click. Using their favorite avatars, they can enjoy various events, room decorations, token experiences, and more.

#### **About Lemonade**

Lemonade is a full-stack multichain platform designed for creators and brands. With Lemonade, you can quickly create your own Lemonade stand (web3 webapp) and take advantage of a range of features, such as immersive events with NFT ticketing, POAPs, and token gated commerce, as well as creating collectibles across 15 blockchains. Additionally, you can co-create events and NFTs with other creators, and split sales and royalties from collectibles and NFT tickets.

#### **About Snickerdoodle Labs**

Snickerdoodle is a data exchange where people can securely aggregate their web2 and web3 data (think: searches, purchases) and lease it anonymously to brands in accordance with the strictest privacy and compliance standards. At the demo day, Snickerdoodle will demo their Marketing Platform, launch NFTs on Astar and view data of demo day participants.

#### **About Astar Network**

Astar is Japan’s most popular smart contract platform, supporting both EVM and WebAssembly (Wasm) environments, and interoperability between them using a Cross-Virtual Machine. Astar Network is friendly to all kinds of developers, and tools and languages they already know. Backed by the shared security of Polkadot, Astar shines brilliantly on its own within a vibrant and healthy ecosystem, and is a leading star in the blockchain industry overall, driving international corporate adoption, and consumer interest in web3 technologies.

#### **About Startale Labs**

Startale Labs is a web3 tech company developing multichain applications and infrastructure. We also conduct R&D and incubation activities based on the experience and connections developed in coordination with Astar Network. In addition, a subsidiary, Startale Labs Japan, was established on January 31st 2023 to provide web3 business development and strategic consulting services to corporate enterprises and governments, leveraging the strengths of Japan’s most widely-recognized public blockchain.

Company Name: Startale Labs Pte Ltd  
Location: 105 CECIL STREET #24-02 THE OCTAGON SINGAPORE  
Representative: Sota Watanabe, CEO  
Twitter account: <https://twitter.com/StartaleHQ>  
Contact: [info@startale.org](mailto:info@startale.org)

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Demo Day

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One more day

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Astar Foundation, a group of builders behind Astar Network, the smart contract platform for multichain, is excited to announce a strategic Web3 partnership with NTT Digital.

Astar Foundation is the main contributor and maintainer of the Astar source code, and as a core contributor, has established a strong track record and works with an impressive network of applications and partners. Leveraging this expertise, Astar Foundation is committed to developing innovative products that will enable billions to enter web3 by working with NTT Digtial and Astar technology. 

NTT Digital, established by NTT DoCoMo, one of the largest Japanese telecommunications companies, is an entity dedicated to providing a safe and accessible environment for businesses as well as individuals looking to build in web3. 

This partnership will focus on the following two areas: 

**Web3 Talent**
Both companies recognize that talent is a crucial factor hindering mass adoption. To address the growing demand for Web3 professionals, including engineers and business leaders, Astar Foundation and NTT Digital will collaborate to support individuals considering a career in the Web3 domain. Their initiatives will include skill development programs, offering opportunities to gain practical experience, and creating a collaborative community where web3 talent and companies can come together. 

**Technical Infrastructure Enhancement**
Web3 continues in a nascent stage while innovating at a rapid pace. This presents new unexplored opportunities as well as challenges. Questions around price volatility, cybersecurity, and the prevention of fraud are crucial for businesses. Astar Foundation and NTT Digital will combine their expertise to create the tools and measures necessary to enhance security, combat fraud and create an experience that builds trust, as new users continue to enter Astar Network.  

> "We’re excited to partner with NTT Digital, who bring decades of experience in building tech infrastructure to drive adoption and innovation.," said Sota Watanabe, Founder of Astar Foundation. "Together, we will empower individuals and businesses to embrace the potential of Web3, enabling a more inclusive, decentralized future."



-----



## About Astar Foundation
The Astar Foundation is one of many entities in the Astar ecosystem and is currently the main contributor and maintainer of the Astar Network Source Code. The Foundation deploys resources to expand Astar Network through partnerships, community activities, hiring developers, awarding grants, supporting projects, and other initiatives.


## About NTT Digital
NTT Digital, established by NTT DoCoMo, is a global web3 enabler dedicated to creating a safe and accessible environment for individuals and businesses to leverage Web3 and blockchain technologies.


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Astar Foundation Partners With NTT Digital to Create Web3 Training Programs and Enhance Network

### Great things being built everyday

## Light Background, comments shown


# Dark Background, comments hidden
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">To cater to the growing needs of the <a href="https://twitter.com/LensProtocol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LensProtocol</a> ecosystem, we recently launched the LensAPI Oracle — a groundbreaking solution powered by Phala Network.<br><br>The LensAPI Oracle offers an easy way to access verifiable Lens API data in smart contracts 🌿 <a href="https://twitter.com/dabit3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dabit3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ya7ya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ya7ya</a> <a href="https://t.co/BHQa5A3AzY">pic.twitter.com/BHQa5A3AzY</a></p>&mdash; Phala Network (@PhalaNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhalaNetwork/status/1686755569456009221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2023</a></blockquote>

### and even more next week...

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Testing Functionality of Posts, please ignore

**The 'HELLO NFT' is a festival that intersects culture and technology, attracting many Korean companies interested in high fashion, music, and NFT technology.**

The exciting event happened at Peaches D8NE in the Seongdong District of Seoul, with the theme of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). A crowd came together in an informal atmosphere, to experience how companies are using blockchain technology to entertain and grow a business.

Weple, was one of those companies; introducing their One Earth: Artpia NFT Project as a vehicle for artists to overcome the unique challenges of bringing their creations to market. In fact, Korean artists joined the stage to talk about their role in One Earth: Artpia, a show currently being aired on Wavve (웨이브) and supported by the Astar Foundation.

The group spoke about their unique experiences working on NFT-linked projects and how to grow the community digitally.

In particular, Kerrigan May, a rapper and artist participating in One Earth: Artpia, gave a speech about using Web3 technology as an answer to her obstacles, stating, "It can be overcome through the Astar Network." Blockchain NFTs provide a new opportunity for global artists to create and build their brands digitally.

She emphasized the importance of networking with other Korean artists, particularly when expanding to a global market.

> Kerrigan May said, “Through my recent activities, I am realizing the importance of community. Astar, which connects creators and audiences and provides opportunities for partnership and collaboration, is very helpful for artists' activities.”


[![](https://ipfs.subsocial.network/ipfs/QmUGnWtH7h9gt3DKcbeBWRGAjR1tuVBPH3Pyz5KH5YJhD8?type=.png)](https://twitter.com/OfficialWeple/status/1685950702093541376 )

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have gained popularity among visual and music artists as they allow for the monetization of art, addressing the old issues surrounding copying digital content. Plus, they allow any artist to go global and connect with the community, bringing their art to anyone with an internet connection. World-renowned Japanese artist Yoshitaka Amano–famous for his work in Speed Racer, Sandman, and concept art for Final Fantasy–also chose to curate his art on Astar to bring his art to the world.

Any artist can follow the footsteps of Yoshitaka Amano, and bring their art to the digital world.

Astar Foundation quickly got involved in the production of One Earth: Artpia to help Korean creators, like Kerrigan, and artists enter Japanese galleries and a global market. Japan is where artists in various fields are active, creating cultural innovations, and a diverse culture is alive and breathing. Astar is the network for global creators using different mediums to enter new markets and support their creative activities.

> "It was a very meaningful time to actively interact and form a network with members of the Web3 community through the 'Hello NFT' event, which is attracting attention from the NFT scene,” said a Wepple official. “I was happy to be able to reveal it and encourage more people to participate. In the future, we want to support the creative activities of more artists.”

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A successful conclusion of the ‘Hello NFT Festival’: Astar Foundation proudly sponsors

The Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto is collaborating with Mizuho Bank, Cosmize, Startale Labs Japan, and Blue Lab to tap into Astar's web3 technology to teach and promote the 500-year tradition of making Kuma Shochu.


-----



[COSMIZE](https://www.cosmize.io/), the virtual social platform on Astar Network, together with Startale Labs Japan, Mizuho Bank, and Blue Lab, have been selected by the Kumamoto Prefecture to be part of its "Reiwa 5 Web3 Advanced Technology Demonstration Project." This initiative focuses on leveraging digital collectibles and the metaverse to enhance Kumamoto’s Shochu (liquor) brand recognition. 

Advanced digital technologies such as blockchain and NFTs are expanding business and administration, transforming traditional services and mechanisms and offering new solutions to regional challenges. The collaboration with COSMIZE, Startale Labs Japan, Mizuho Bank, and Blue Lab will promote the Kuma Shochu using NFTs and run on top of Astar Network.

**Background:**
At the heart of Kumamoto Prefecture lies Hitoyoshi Kuma, a hidden gem among the Kyushu mountains. Clear water from these peaks forms the Kumagawa River, the major river that makes Hitoyoshi Kuma the hub for rice farming in the Kumamoto region. It's also home to the unique tradition of making Kuma Shochu, an esteemed liquor made only in the 27 distilleries of the area.

In Japan, Kumamoto Prefecture is well known for initiatives to boost tourism, among other things, by creating a famous bear mascot. Unafraid to explore new creative ideas. In June 2022, the prefecture established the Kumamoto DX Promotion Consortium to promote digitalization in collaboration with industry, academia, and finance.

The primary focus of this project is to amplify the presence of Kuma Shochu. This includes expanding its sphere of influence and cultivating an engaged community using NFTs.  

Throughout the project, there will be three different NFTs issued: 
* Base NFTs: Issued to anyone interested in exploring the world of the Kuma Shochu and Web3.

* Parts NFTs: Contributors actively involved in promoting Kuma Shochu will be rewarded with "Parts NFTs." 

* True NFTs: Holding enough "Base NFTs" and "Parts NFTs" will unlock exclusive "True NFTs." These come bundled with exciting perks, such as tickets for Kuma Shochu and exclusive access to tasting events. 

Using multiple NFTs this way engages sake drinkers on a deeper level. It teaches them more about Kuma Shochu while allowing them to connect and have proof of their contributions that unlock exclusive experiences, exclusive offers, and other valuable benefits.

Furthermore, the project will leverage Cosmize to enter the Metaverse and capture new enthusiasts, including younger generations that otherwise wouldn’t interact with Shochu. 

Below is an outline of the process of making loyal customers through a series of events, digital marketing and education, and exclusive sales opportunities at local stores:
![](https://ipfs.subsocial.network/ipfs/bafybeid36nis32rdecfzy5a7ijfbud2ew7y6u3knn7y2fe2lpa7dwpak7q?type=.png)

The four organizations have come together to boost awareness of this tradition by leveraging the skillsets of each other.

*COSMIZE (Co-founder: Akira Song)*: Will provide technical support for creating and issuing the metaverse space and NFTs.

*Startale Labs Japan Inc. (CEO: Mikito Ebishima)*: Comprehensive technical support in the areas of blockchain and NFTs.

*Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (President: Katsuhiko Kat)*: Support the promotion of the entire demonstration project, provision of information related to Kuma Shochu, planning, implementation, and awareness of events (with Kumamoto prefecture as the event organizer).

*Blue Lab, Inc. (President: Makoto Umemiya)*: Issuance of NFTs (with Kumamoto prefecture as the issuer) and provision of benefits related to Kuma Shochu for NFT holders.

![](https://ipfs.subsocial.network/ipfs/bafybeie36v2ewsrbh2t7tg6i2obhhbg62v2ywzygwy5g6vmhak53zban7y?type=.png)

This plan to use NFTs on Astar is only the first step of a long-term partnership. These companies have committed to continue collaborating with local brewers of Kuma Shochu in the future and grow the business and tradition of making Kuma Shochu with web3 solutions on Astar Network.

About COSMIZE:
COSMIZE is a metaverse project developed on the Astar Network with the vision of "A place for connecting your passion." It is operated by a team with over 8 years of experience in the XR domain. COSMIZE has established partnerships with nearly 20 projects centered around the Astar ecosystem and has collaborated with companies like Toyota Motor Corporation and Sony Network Communications Inc.

About Startale Labs Japan:
Startale Labs envisions a society where Web3 is commonly used and develops essential infrastructure and dApps towards that vision. Based on the knowledge and achievements of developing the Astar Network, Japan's first public blockchain, they conduct research and development. They established a subsidiary, Startale Labs Japan, on January 31, 2023, and are expanding their Web3 business development and consulting services in Japan. In June 2023, they formed a capital alliance with Sony Network Communications Inc.

About Mizuho Bank:
Mizuho Bank is a leading bank with one of the largest customer bases in Japan, a domestic and international branch network, and the capability to provide advanced services. Amid the accelerating trend of Digital Transformation (DX) triggered by the COVID-19 crisis, Mizuho Bank offers solutions from both financial and non-financial perspectives to address the diverse challenges faced by society and its customers. In the web3 domain, which can be a driver for DX, the bank will continue to learn about societal and customer challenges and needs through collaboration with local governments, and will explore unique solutions that leverage the strengths of the Mizuho Group.

About Blue Lab: 
Blue Lab was established in June 2017 as an incubator company for new businesses, primarily by venture capital firm WiL and Mizuho Bank. Through the practical application of advanced technologies, Blue Lab aims to revitalize regions and address societal challenges, thereby creating new ways of doing business in a new societal lifestyle.



-----


The original release was made here: 
https://www.mizuhobank.co.jp/release/pdf/20230927_4release_jp.pdf 

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Kumamoto Prefecture Enters The Metaverse To Boost a Local Tradition Of Shochu Production

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Astar Network

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Kahori

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Jerad Banyan

The Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto is collaborating with Mizuho Bank, Cosmize, Startale Labs Japan, and Blue Lab to tap into Astar's web3 technology to teach and promote the 500-year tradition of making Kuma Shochu.



COSMIZE, the virtual social platform on Astar Network, together with Startale...

Astar Network provides the infrastructure for building dApps with EVM and WASM smart contracts offering developers true interoperability with cross-consensus messaging (XCM) and a cross-virtual machine (XVM). Astar’s unique Build2Earn model empowers developers to get paid through a dApp staking...

Demo Day for the incubation program, co-hosted with Sony Network Communications, will be held at both offline and online venues



Sony Network Communications Inc. (Tokyo, Japan; Jun Watanabe, President & CEO), together with Startale Labs Pte Ltd (Singapore CEO Sota Watanabe) will hold a demo day...

I'm a believer in the values of blockchain: transparency, decentralization, and immutability of data stored. We're hear to build a better future with web3 tech, like PolkaVerse.
Core member of Astar Foundation.

The 'HELLO NFT' is a festival that intersects culture and technology, attracting many Korean companies interested in high fashion, music, and NFT technology.

The exciting event happened at Peaches D8NE in the Seongdong District of Seoul, with the theme of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). A crowd came...

Astar Foundation, a group of builders behind Astar Network, the smart contract platform for multichain, is excited to announce a strategic Web3 partnership with NTT Digital.

Astar Foundation is the main contributor and maintainer of the Astar source code, and as a core contributor, has...

Great things being built everyday

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and even more next week...

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