FAQ
Questions, answered.
Who should apply?
Practicing AI/software engineers and technical founders who can contribute independently, enjoy collaboration and want to share their skills. Local engineers, teams and businesses interested in exploring AI are also welcome.
What contribution is expected?
Attend the core sessions agreed before the event, help a local team explore a problem and develop an achievable prototype, share a skill through a short demo, workshop or mentoring session, and contribute to Friday's showcase. Contributions are matched to your skills, local needs and availability.
Can I continue my normal work?
Yes. The week includes protected work time for your normal job and existing commitments. Core collaboration sessions are agreed with the cohort before arrival, and we ask you to join those.
How do you accommodate meetings and timezones?
You tell us your timezone, normal working hours and fixed commitments when you apply. We'll aim to protect them and find useful shared time. Some sessions will have fixed times (JST, UTC+9); we'll discuss conflicts before confirming your place.
What if my work schedule changes?
That's expected. Accepted participants get a private link to update their availability, and if you opt in, our AI scheduling assistant may email you before the event to reconfirm. You review the proposed schedule before it's finalized.
Who sees my calendar information?
Only authorized organizers and the scheduling service used for this purpose. It never appears in public participant profiles or another attendee's calendar, and nothing is changed in your own calendar. Busy times are enough — you don't need to share meeting details.
Do I need an existing project?
No. Projects come from scoped local challenge briefs and participant-proposed ideas relevant to Hokkaido.
Can I present my own work?
Yes. Personal projects are welcome during open time and at Friday's showcase.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. Five nights in a private room are included with the participation fee: check-in November 23, checkout the morning of November 28.
What does the US$250 cover?
Five nights in a private room, coworking and program venue access, facilitated collaboration and community sessions, one dinner per program day (November 23–27), and the Friday showcase. Payment, cancellation and any taxes or fees are to be confirmed.
Are dinners mandatory?
No. One dinner each evening, November 23–27, is included and is an easy way to connect — it's not another workshop. Other meals are self-funded.
Are flights included?
No. Flights, transfers and personal transport (unless explicitly confirmed), other meals, extra nights and personal expenses are self-funded.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
Yes. We recommend arriving November 22 or the morning of November 23. Arriving November 22, or staying past checkout on November 28, needs self-booked accommodation.
What language is used?
English is the main working language, with Japanese-language support planned for local business sessions and demos. Specific arrangements to be confirmed.
Who owns project outputs?
Ownership and sharing expectations are agreed within each project team before work begins. There are no blanket terms.
Can local businesses participate?
Yes. Businesses can bring a specific challenge and someone available for briefing and feedback. Submitting a challenge doesn't guarantee a project team or finished software.
Is this a route to living or starting a company in Hokkaido?
It can be a starting point. We plan to share information on coworking, housing, company setup and immigration pathways, but we can't promise visas, eligibility, housing, jobs or approvals.