Guide to Academia-Based Startup Support Programs
A summary of major public support programs available for academia-based startups in Japan
Major Support Agencies and Programs
JST
- Fund for Academia-Based Startup Creation
NEDO
- DTSU
- MPM
AMED
- Translational Research Program
- Various Grant Projects
MEDISO
- Expert Consultation
SMRJ
- Startup Challenge Support
TLO
- Patenting & Tech Transfer
JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency) Support
Fund for Academia-Based Startup Creation
Large-scale support for creating startups to commercialize outstanding research results from academic institutions.
About the Fund →Feasibility Validation
Supports R&D to validate the commercial potential of research seeds.
Details on Feasibility Validation →Project-based Entrepreneurial Demonstration
Supports specific R&D aimed at launching a new business.
Details on Project-based Support →Ecosystem Co-creation Program
Supports the formation of regional startup ecosystems centered around universities.
Program Details →- Hokkaido: Hokkaido Future Creation Startup Mutual Support Network (HSFC)
- Tohoku: Michinoku Academia Startup Co-creation Platform (MASP)
- Kanto: Greater Tokyo Innovation Ecosystem (GTIE)
- Chubu: Tokai Network for Global Leading Innovation (Tongali)
- Kansai: Kansai Startup Academia Coalition (KSAC)
- Chugoku/Shikoku: Peace & Science Innovation Ecosystem (Peace)
- Kyushu/Okinawa: Platform for All Regions of Kyushu & Okinawa (PARKS)
NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) Support
Deep Tech Startup Support Program (DTSU)
Supports R&D necessary for commercialization, from practical application to mass production trials.
Details on DTSU →Management Personnel Matching Program (MPM) for Academia-Based Startups
Promotes the building of management teams by matching startups with executive talent and supporting related costs.
Details on MPM →AMED (Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development) Support
Translational Research Program
Supports R&D to translate innovative basic medical research findings into practical applications.
Program Details →Core Clinical Research Centers for Innovative Medical Technology
A project that supports institutions with outstanding achievements among translational research support centers.
Program Details →Various Grant Projects
AMED also offers grant projects in various fields, including drug discovery, regenerative medicine, cancer, and intractable diseases.
List of Grant Projects →MEDISO (Medical-venture Total Support Office) Support
Operated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, MEDISO provides expert advice and information at all stages, from R&D to commercialization. With over 80 experts in various fields, it offers free, unlimited, centralized consultations. It also runs selective programs for overseas expansion and hands-on support.
Official Website →Other Major Agencies
SMRJ
Supports the launch and commercialization efforts of individuals and SMEs with tech seeds (pre-seed to seed stage).
Startup Challenge Support →TLO
An organization that facilitates the transfer of technology from universities to companies.
List of Approved TLOs →Support Use Cases by Growth Stage
| Growth Stage | Stage Definition | Recommended Key Programs | Key Points for Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-seed / Seed |
Research, PoC (Proof of Concept) at university, and pre/post-incorporation phases. |
|
Utilize TLO gap funds and AMED grants. Receive hands-on support from research centers and TLOs, while using MEDISO for specialized advice. Solidify IP strategy in consultation with the university's IP department. |
| Early Stage | Post-incorporation, Seed/Series A funding, and product/service development. |
|
Combine large grants from NEDO/JST or AMED grants with funding from AMED-certified VCs to accelerate R&D. Build the management team. |
| Growth / Scale-up |
Series B and later funding, business expansion, mass production, and global expansion. |
|
Utilize large grants like DTSU and VC funding for large-scale projects like mass production and overseas trials. Alternatively, seek exit through licensing-out or M&A. Accelerate global business expansion. |