English 
Toshiba Corporation has introduced a new global initiative designed to assist startups in the development of next-generation digital solutions using real-time data processing capabilities. The recently introduced GridDB Startup Program will enable startups to access Toshiba’s GridDB Cloud technology, as well as receive technical support and business development opportunities, as part of Toshiba’s strategy to promote innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart infrastructure, and data technology.
This initiative is being launched against a backdrop where businesses across different sectors are generating huge amounts of data through connections made by devices, sensors, industrial systems, and other digital applications. As organizations increasingly try to make sense of all that data in real time, the need for data infrastructure able to process large time-series datasets becomes more important.
In offering its GridDB Cloud technology to startups from 26 different countries and regions, Toshiba is positioning itself not only as a provider but also an innovator in the fast-developing world of data.
こちらもお読みください： 楽天、日本国内で衛星から携帯電話への通信サービスを提供し、全国的なモバイル通信網を拡充します
Addressing the Growing Demand for Real-Time Data Processing
Today, companies need to be able to handle and analyze their data in real time. When observing machines in factories, monitoring logistics channels, performing transactions, or implementing any AI technologies, companies need databases that will ensure low latency along with reliability in terms of the growing scale.
GridDB, which is a time-series distributed database developed by Toshiba, was created to solve these problems. The system allows companies to store, process, and analyze huge amounts of time-series data that comes from IoT devices, sensors used in industry, and digital systems. It is horizontally scalable, which means companies can add more resources when they need to increase data volume.
The startup program is evidence of the changing approach in the industry.
Supporting Innovation Across High-Growth Technology Sectors
Toshiba’s new project aims to help startups that are creating products in some of the most innovative areas of the technology sector.
The list of the possible participants includes companies that create their solutions in AI and machine learning, smart infrastructure, industrial IoT, healthcare technology, fintech, predictive analytics, and cyber-physical systems. These fields often need platforms that can handle streams of structured and unstructured data as well as facilitate real-time decisions.
With the possibility to use GridDB Cloud for free, startups will be able to concentrate on the development of their products instead of constructing sophisticated infrastructures. This can considerably save expenses and decrease the period from idea to implementation.
In addition to technological resources, GridDB experts and cooperation with GridDB on marketing activities will be offered to the participants.
Strengthening Japan’s Startup Ecosystem
The Toshiba program itself is another indication of Japan’s strategy of developing an innovation ecosystem and stimulating closer cooperation between big companies and innovative startups.
Traditionally, Japan has always been known for its quality manufacturing, electronics, and industrial innovations. Nevertheless, today, the country pays much attention to the development of startups in such spheres as artificial intelligence, cloud services, software, and digitalization.
Thanks to such programs as those of Toshiba, it becomes possible for startups to work with corporate level technologies and the industry experience that would not have been available otherwise. At the same time, it is useful for the corporation to know about emerging technologies and innovations.
For the Japanese technology sector, there is an opportunity to create an innovative ecosystem which will be able to compete globally.
Opportunities for AI and IoT Development
Among the many implications of the initiative is the possibility that it might facilitate the use of AI and IoT technology.
The artificial intelligence technologies rely on substantial amounts of data for training, making inferences, and optimizing processes. The IoT technologies are also built on huge volumes of sensory information, which must be effectively captured, stored, and analyzed.
Time series databases like GridDB have become highly important as companies implement IoT technologies for various uses, such as manufacturing, transport, healthcare, energy, smart cities, and others. Facilitating access to such technology could allow Toshiba to enable startups to build innovations solving actual problems.
As AI and IoT merge, platforms able to support both these technologies are going to become crucially important.
Expanding Business Opportunities Beyond Japan
The global nature of the GridDB Startup Program showcases Toshiba’s aspirations going beyond its native markets.
By having applications opened up for 26 countries and regions, the program allows international cooperation and technological development. Participating startups in the program will not only get access to technical capabilities but will also get to join the overall business environment of Toshiba, which will include connecting to its corporate venture capital fund.
Toshiba will have a way of finding new technologies and forming partnerships that will result in future commercialization through the program.
Participating startups will be able to test their solutions on enterprise-level infrastructure and enter the global market at the same time.
Building the Foundation for Future Digital Transformation
In the introduction of the GridDB Startup Program, we see the growing trend of leading technology companies focusing their resources on collaborative innovation beyond pure R&D within their organization.
With digital transformation becoming the norm across sectors, real-time data infrastructures will become an enabling factor for AI, automation, and cyber-physical systems. Companies capable of processing and analyzing huge streams of data would be able to build new products, increase efficiency, and generate business value from them.
Through enabling startup companies to leverage the best data technology, Toshiba is creating the base for innovation in the digital age. At the same time, through supporting such initiatives, Japan would be able to position itself as a leader in shaping the future of AI, IoT, and intelligent infrastructure.
日本語