IBM BlueHub is an incubation program by IBM Japan in partnership with Tokyo-based startup incubator Samurai Incubate. Prior to the start of the program in January 2015, the five startups that will join the first batch were unveiled on Tuesday.

• Yamap (by Sefuri)

Designed for mountain climbers, this mobile map app keeps climbers updated on their location even when out of cellphone service coverage.

• BrandPit

Analytics tool for brands that leverages image recognition technology to see how brands are trending in the real or social media spaces (See this article for details).

• Terrace Mile

Data-driven platform to help farmers make their agricultural activities more profitable.

• Gene Quest

Internet-based genome analytics service for consumers.

• Link Sports

Question-and-answer website/app for sports-minded people, helping them understand how to better manage themselves from a sports science perspective.

During the program, these incubatees will further develop their technologies especially around data analytics as well as improve user experience and interface with assistance from IBM Japan. The participating startups expect being allowed to partner with big businesses in addition to IBM Japan. Some startups like Sefuri (from Fukuoka) or Terrace Mile (from Miyazaki) flew all the way to Tokyo to participate in the program.

Through the program, IBM Japan aims to help these startups develop their services as masterpieces of the Japanese startup scene by 2020, the year of the Tokyo Olympic Games. We will see how they fare during the batch at a demo day event scheduled for April or May 2015.