Protostar Inc., a company dedicated to supporting innovators (Headquarters: Chuo City, Tokyo; Representative Director: Eimaru Maekawa), will host a pitch event featuring young successors of small and medium-sized enterprises (Atotsugi) on July 3 (Fri), 2026, as the 17th installment of the City of Kyoto's event series "KYOTO Innovation Studio." ▼ Registration (Free) https://kisvol17.peatix.com ※ Registration may close once capacity is reached. Early registration is encouraged. Background and Objectives "KYOTO Innovation Studio" is a collaborative public-private co-creation project launched by the City of Kyoto in FY2022 as a platform for "exploring knowledge." The 17th edition will be held in collaboration with "Atotsugi Ennichi," a festival created by young successors of SMEs. How can we preserve the valuable assets and traditions passed down from previous generations, and how can we grow them for the future? The next generation of Atotsugi will passionately present their business visions. They will face a panel of distinguished judges actively leading in their fields, who will deliver candid, no-holds-barred "serious feedback" from their unique perspectives. This event showcases unique survival and growth strategies only possible through Atotsugi—strategies distinct from typical startups. It marks the beginning of a transformative "rebellion" that redefines traditional business succession and opens the door to the future. Recommended for: - Young successors (Atotsugi) and SME leaders seeking next-generation management insights - Those interested in open innovation - Individuals interested in business succession and traditional culture - Anyone wishing to support and encourage Atotsugi-led businesses Speakers, Judges, and Facilitator ■ Facilitator Akie Iriyama (Professor, Graduate School of Business Administration, Waseda University; Kyoto City Urban Management Strategy Advisor) ■ Judges Chie Yamano (Representative Director, General Incorporated Association Venture-