- Driving business creation through real-time processing of large-scale time-series data -
KAWASAKI, Japan, June 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba Corporation today announced the launch of the GridDB Startup Program, a strategic initiative that will empower startups in building and scaling real-time industrial solutions on GridDB Cloud, Toshiba's distributed time-series database for Big Data and IoT systems. Applications are open here from June 24, 2026.
In a business world driven by constantly growing flows of information, identifying and extracting value requires systems that can accurately and reliably analyze massive volumes of data in real time with no disruption to operations. GridDB, Toshiba's distributed time‑series database, addresses these challenges by delivering strengths in reliability, low latency, and horizontal scalability.
The launch of GridDB Startup Program is part of Toshiba's broader effort to foster long-term partnerships with startups that advance co-development of solutions and bring new ideas to life. The program aims to combine Toshiba's expertise in data infrastructure with the creativity and agility of startups in generating new use cases and technology breakthroughs in IoT, AI and machine learning, smart infrastructure, healthcare, finance, real-time analytics, and other areas.
The program provides participants with essential technology, reduces barriers to innovation, and enables collaborative experimentation. Access to GridDB Cloud and GridDB's technical expertise gives the participants ability to concentrate solely on product development rather than infrastructure management, and to rapidly prototype, validate, and scale concepts. The program also delivers resources and incentives to foster early-stage growth, supporting startups in accelerating time-to-market and taking solutions to the global level.
Key Incentives of the GridDB Startup Program:
- Complimentary access to GridDB Cloud
- Dedicated technical support from GridDB's experts
- Opportunities for joint marketing and promotional activities with Toshiba's GridDB team
- Potential connection with Toshiba Corporate Venture Capital
Applications are open from June 24, 2026 for 26 countries and regions where GridDB Cloud is available. Details and application form are here.
Through collaborations nurtured in the GridDB Startup Program, Toshiba will continue to contribute to the advancement of digital transformation (DX) and the realization of future cyber-physical systems.
About GridDB Cloud
GridDB Cloud, is Toshiba's high-performance database offered as a fully managed cloud service, combining time-series data management, petabyte-scale scalability, and high reliability with dual NoSQL/SQL interfaces for flexible development. It is available on Microsoft Azure Marketplace, offering seamless integration with tools like Azure IoT Edge and Grafana, intuitive GUI-based cluster management, and elastic scaling—reducing setup times, infrastructure costs, and operational overheads. With global availability in 26 countries and regions, GridDB Cloud enables enterprise-scale real-time analytics with ease.
GridDB Product Website
https://www.global.toshiba/ww/products-solutions/ai-iot/griddb.html
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Toshiba Launches GridDB™ Startup Program to Collaborate with Innovators and Co-Create Future Technologies
NOTO, Japan, June 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rooted in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa Biyori is a regional media platform dedicated to sharing the living culture of this area — not only its celebrated destinations, but also the people, creativity, and spirit of renewal that continue to shape life here.
This summer, Noto welcomes an airport unlike anything the world has ever seen.
A World First, Created for Noto
On July 7, 2026, Noto Satoyama Airport will reopen as the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport — the only airport in the world to officially bear the Pokémon name.
Running through the end of September 2029, this limited-period project is the result of a partnership between Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation, an initiative established to bring smiles and renewed energy to communities affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
Deeply connected to the landscape and spirit of Noto, this is a project that could only have emerged from this region.
Step Inside: Pokémon at Every Turn
From the moment visitors arrive, Pokémon appear throughout the airport. Original decorations line the entrance, while a newly designed airport logo welcomes guests at the terminal entrance.
Inside the first-floor arrival lobby, visitors will find a large-scale installation based on Akarui Mirai ("A Bright Future"), an artwork created in 2024 in support of Noto's recovery efforts. Pikachu, Plusle, and Minun appear as three-dimensional monuments greeting arriving travelers.
Throughout the airport, guests can also access three original short videos, including a special story featuring Dreepy.
Above the second-floor atrium floats a giant Pikachu riding an airplane balloon, surrounded by Pokémon soaring across the sky. Across the airport, all 111 Flying-type Pokémon discovered as of May 2026 are featured in the décor (excluding Mega Evolutions, Regional Forms, and similar variants) — an astonishing level of detail that fans will appreciate.
Shop, Eat, and Take in the View
On the second floor, the gift shop Serendipity offers original merchandise inspired by Kibou no Sora ("Sky of Hope"), a new artwork created to commemorate the airport's opening. Items include T-shirts, keychains, and luggage tags designed as memorable souvenirs from Noto.
On the third floor, Restaurant Annon plans to serve two original pancake dishes and two original drinks inspired by the project. Guests ordering a set menu will also receive an exclusive original placemat.
Outside, the observation deck Pikachu no Satoyama presents one of the airport's most memorable sights: countless Pikachu gathered together to form a satoyama landscape inspired by Noto itself — a scene that feels both playful and deeply connected to the region's identity.
Explore Noto by Pokémon Bus
Beginning in mid-July, two buses operated by the Hokuriku Tetsudo Group will begin service in full Pokémon wrap designs.
The existing Noto Express Bus connecting Kanazawa Station, the airport, and Wajima City will operate one daily round trip in a full Pokémon wrap design.
In addition, a new Noto Circular Bus will connect the airport with destinations including the Wakura Pokémon Footbath at Wakura Onsen in Nanao City, which opened on May 12, 2026, and the Nymphia with LOVE monument in Suzu City.
The circular bus will operate on weekends and public holidays (excluding winter), as well as during the summer holiday period beginning in mid-July.
Discover Noto
Visiting Noto this summer offers an opportunity to experience a region rediscovering its energy, creativity, and warmth following the 2024 earthquake.
Through stories like this, Kanazawa Biyori continues its commitment to sharing the culture, people, and evolving identity of Hokuriku with audiences in Japan and beyond.
Whether traveling with family, friends, or fellow Pokémon fans, Noto invites visitors to discover a place unlike anywhere else in the world.
■ Information Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport Opening Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Period: July 7, 2026 – End of September 2029 (limited-period project) Organizers: Ishikawa Prefecture / Pokémon With You Foundation Enquiries: www.kanazawabiyori.com
©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. Pocket Monsters, Pokémon, and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc.
Media Contact
Kanazawa Biyori Co., Ltd.
Sunpia Izumigaoka 511, 255 Fushimishinmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0964, Japan
Email: info@kanazawabiyori.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
A World-First Pokémon Airport Opens in Noto This July
