Seed Flat LLC was established on March 5, 2026. The company is responsible for operating the research facilities of the Evaluation Laboratory for Next Generation Motors (Tanehira Lab) and undertaking commissioned evaluation testing from external organizations.
 
The company was founded as a “joint operation entity led by regional companies,” with local businesses investing in and participating in its management. By enabling regional companies to take a leading role in business operations, the structure is designed to maximize positive economic spillover effects within the region.
 
The investors are six entities: Kobayashi Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Yurihonjo City), Sanei Kikai Co., Ltd. (Yurihonjo City), Miyakoshi Seiki Co., Ltd. (Daisen City), Yokote Seiko Co., Ltd. (Yokote City), Yamada Power Unit Co., Ltd. (Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture), and Mr. Jun Ariake (Akita City, Representative Member).
 
The Joint Research Center for Electric ArchitectureThe is responsible for the maintenance and management of the Tanehira Lab’s testing facilities and will also participate in the company’s activities as an advisor.
 
The company has been certified as an invited company by Akita City, and a certificate award ceremony was held on March 23, 2026.
 
These initiatives are outcomes of the Cabinet Office’s “Program for Strengthening Innovation Creation Environment at Regional Core Universities” (FY2024–FY2025), awarded to Akita University.
 
The certificate award ceremony is also featured on the official Akita City business attraction website:
https://akitashi-kigyouyuchi.com/2026/03/23/%e4%bb%a4%e5%92%8c%ef%bc%97%e5%b9%b4%e5%ba%a6%e8%aa%98%e8%87%b4%e4%bc%81%e6%a5%ad%e3%80%8c%e5%90%88%e5%90%8c%e4%bc%9a%e7%a4%beseed-flat%e3%80%8d/
 


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