The startup community "Venture Café Fukuoka" hosts "Thursday Gathering," a free and open-to-all weekly event. Various seminars are held at this event, allowing startups and companies to network. This time, a program titled "eSports together!! QTnet Group's Challenge in the eSports Business" by "QTnet Inc." was held.
"QTnet Group" Spoke at "Thursday Gathering #24 esports @ONE FUKUOKA BLDG.! & Sports x Regional Revitalization"
"ESPORTS ONE FUKUOKA BLDG.! & Sports x Regional Revitalization" was held at the Sky Lobby Square on the 6th floor of "ONE FUKUOKA BLDG."
Three programs were held at the "ESPORTS ONE FUKUOKA BLDG.! & Sports x Regional Revitalization" event:
- eSports together!! QTnet Group's Challenge in the eSports Business
- Middle East Markets: The Guide to Unlocking Growth for Japanese Businesses
- Sports x Regional Revitalization
"Thursday Gathering" is held every Thursday at the Sky Lobby Square on the 6th floor of "ONE FUKUOKA BLDG." At "Thursday Gathering," various people gather to create a community that fosters new businesses and cultures.
In the "eSports together!! QTnet Group's Challenge in the eSports Business" program, QTnet Inc. took the stage. A "game-style pitch battle" was held, where they actually played "Street Fighter 6" while discussing their esports business, introducing each company's vision and business through matches.
The venue also had equipment to actually play "Street Fighter 6"!
We were able to play "Street Fighter 6" using an arcade controller.
"eSports together!! QTnet Group's Challenge in the eSports Business" Held
"QTnet Inc." is headquartered in Fukuoka Prefecture. They provide services such as the internet line "BBIQ" and low-cost SIM "QTmobile" for consumers, and "QT PRO" for corporations. They also operate the professional esports team "QT DIG∞" and the comprehensive esports facility "esports Challenger's Park."
As part of their esports business development, they aim to place esports at the center of the community from both competitive and educational perspectives, with QTnet providing the environment for everyone to engage in esports, under the slogan "esports together!".
QT DIG∞ is a professional esports team operated by Sengoku Inc., based in Fukuoka Prefecture. "esports Challenger's Park" is the home stadium for "QT DIG∞."
"QT DIG∞" has 21 sponsors, including "Okawa Kagu," "ZONe ENERGY," and "NEC." They also have 22 supporter companies.
"QT DIG∞" participates in 9 titles, including "VALORANT," "League of Legends," and "Pokémon UNITE." In JEGT (Japan Electronic sports Grand Touring), which features Gran Turismo as a title, they achieved three consecutive victories between 2022 and 2024, and a 3rd place finish in VCJ2025 Split2.
In addition to operating the professional esports team "QT DIG∞," Sengoku Inc. also conducts esports education and regional contribution activities, holding events throughout Kyushu.
In addition to competitive scene activities, they also offer esports classes, esports experience sessions at community centers and for seniors, and events at public junior high schools. With the brand power of "QT DIG∞," they have established a business foundation centered on esports competitions.
"Game-Style Pitch Battle" Held Between Businesses and Startups!
A "game-style pitch battle" was held to introduce the visions and businesses of the companies and startups gathered for this session! They fostered interaction through esports.
Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. vs. aiESG, Inc.
Taro Inaba, Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.
We are collaborating with startup companies along with QTnet and our group companies. We are running an open innovation program called "Inspiration and Co-creation," and we are conducting about 5 PoCs from numerous applications. We are also seeking ideas from various business areas for fiscal year 2025, so please apply.
(Translated from Japanese)
Daikichi Seki, aiESG, Inc.
We are the first AI startup from Kyushu University. Our business involves ESG assessment for sustainability, researching the environmental impact of producing items like T-shirts and chairs.
(Translated from Japanese)
Taro Inaba chose Chun-Li, and Daikichi Seki chose Ryu!
The winner was Taro Inaba from Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.!
Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd. vs. GxPartners
Go Morinaga, Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd.
Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd. is developing a wide range of businesses with 85 group companies and 1 school corporation. Within that, as part of the New Business Development Department, I am focusing on and working in four areas—environmental resources, agriculture/fisheries, wellness, and regional solutions—to achieve the vision set forth in "Machiyume Vision 2035."
(Translated from Japanese)
Toshihiro Kishihara, GxPartners
We started StartupGoGo in 2014, and this year marks its 11th time, making it the largest event in Kyushu. Also, evolving from StartupGoGo, we started a venture capital firm in 2019. We operate it together with FFG Venture Business Partners, and our role is to invest the funded capital into startup companies. We are an organization that daily develops investment targets and supports their growth.
(Translated from Japanese)
Go Morinaga chose Manon, and Toshihiro Kishihara chose Akuma!
The winner was Toshihiro Kishihara from GxPartners!
Fukuoka Prefectural Government vs. Tensor Energy Co., Ltd.
Mr. Kinoshita, Fukuoka Prefectural Government
Global Connect Fukuoka is the first startup support hub for the Fukuoka Prefectural Government, and we have established our base within CIC on the 7th floor of "ONE FUKUOKA BLDG." It is an organization that connects people interested in Fukuoka to form a global ecosystem and support startups that will challenge the world, receiving specific consultations and making introductions.
(Translated from Japanese)
Nana Hori, Tensor Energy Co., Ltd.
We are a startup operating with the concept of a world where sustainable energy can be delivered to everyone, when and where it is needed. We provide intelligence to solar power plants and storage batteries, optimizing them using AI.
(Translated from Japanese)
Mr. Kinoshita chose Ken, and Nana Hori chose Blanka!
The winner was Mr. Kinoshita from the Fukuoka Prefectural Government!
For all things esports, head to Chalenge Park!
"esports Challenger's Park," a comprehensive esports facility operated by QTnet Inc., also accommodates corporate social gatherings using esports and events like the one held this time. Why not consider using esports when creating opportunities for connection and communication within your company or organization?
Also, at "ONE FUKUOKA BLDG.," the "Thursday Gathering" program of "Venture Café Fukuoka" is held every Thursday at the Sky Lobby Square on the 6th floor. Various events and seminars are held, so be sure to participate!
