Media KYOTO Makers Garage (Shimogyo -ku, Kyoto Prefecture) that understands new manufacturing

by Ochi Taketo

2020/10/13 07:30

"FAB Navi" introduces fab facilities all over Japan.This time is "KYOTO MAKERS GARAGE" (kmg) in Kyoto city.It is a fab facility renovated from the garage next to the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market.

KMGは乾物屋の倉庫だったスペースをファブ施設として改装し、2017年9月にオープンした。オーナーは京都市、京都市外郭団体の京都高度技術研究所(ASTEM)、大阪ガス傘下の京都リサーチパーク、そしてハードウェアスタートアップに特化したVC（ベンチャーキャピタル）であるMonozukuri Venturesの4社で、運営は主にMonozukuri Venturesが担う。

Monozukuri Venturesは京都のVCであるDarma Tech Labsと、アメリカでスタートアップ支援を行っていたFabFoundryが2017年に合併して誕生した会社で、KMGは合併前にDarma Tech Labsが立ち上げた。

The reason for launching the KMG is to increase the number of startups, says Makino Makino.

「私たちは2015年にハードウェアスタートアップに特化した育成プログラム『Makers Boot Camp』を立ち上げ、投資と同時に量産化試作を支援しています。スタートアップを増やすためには、優れたエンジニアやデザイナーが不可欠です。そして、そういった人材を増やすには、ものづくりをたしなむ人たちを増やすことが必要だと考えました」（牧野さん）

Workshops and events are also actively held based on the concept of hoping the skills and developing what they have developed as a base that leads to business.Due to the influence of the new colon virus, it is mainly held online, but it is said that there are many participants outside the Kansai area.

In addition, the use of facilities is wide, from children to seniors, and it is also characterized by free use for students."Now (September 2020) is restricted in the number of users, and the focus is on contract production of prototypes.We support startup prototypes and new products for SMEs "(Mr. Makino)

緊急事態宣言が終了してからは試作の相談も増えているという。KMGが製造支援した新型コロナ対策グッズ「ふっく君」は多くのメディアで紹介され、ヒット商品となった。企画・開発したのは屋外看板を手掛ける滋賀県の企業「広宣」で、電車通勤する社員が「つり革に直接触れたくない」という動機から開発。6の字にカットしたアクリル板の表面に塩化ビニールシートを貼ったものだ。

"In KMG, the acrylic is cut with a laser cutter, and the seat is set up and shipped at Hironobu's factory. It has been manufactured more than 3000 pieces so far.However, I think that it is a merit unique to fab facilities that we were able to quickly support new product development of local companies. "

As a function that supports local manufacturing, the use of equipment and technical staff, such as technical staff, is likely to be an important theme in the operation of fab facilities for corona.

In the future, Mr. Makino is enthusiastic that he wants to exchange not only KMG but also surrounding facilities to revitalize the region.

"I would like to renovate the market and warehouses into an area where artists and creators are gathered, such as SOMA in San Francisco and New York, such as San Francisco and New York.A hotel with a gallery and a renovated restaurant that has been dormant around the market is standing up, and we plan to be involved in building towns in cooperation with surrounding facilities. (Makino).

It is said that the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market is declining year by year, and revitalization, including surrounding areas, is a major issue.KMG aims to contribute to creating a creative city from the role of fab facilities.Why don't you visit when you visit Kyoto?

Overview

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