#Accelerator

OIST: Building a Science and Innovation Hub in Okinawa

JETRO reports on the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), a pioneering graduate university in Japan that brings together researchers from around the world in an interdisciplinary environment designed to advance science and technology. Founded by the Japanese government, OIST was established not only to contribute to science and technology worldwide but also to help catalyze technology transfer, industrial innovation, and economic development in Okinawa.

TIB CATAPULT Spotlight: How MoRo Is Accelerating Real-World Adoption of Mobility and Robotics Technologies

MoRo is an industry cluster focused on next-generation mobility and robotics, operating under Tokyo's TIB CATAPULT startup support program. Led by DMM and supported by a diverse network of corporate and institutional partners including Haneda Future Development, MoRo is designed to support startups throughout the entire commercialization journey, from technology development and field testing to initial deployment and international expansion.

Powering Japan’s Next Generation of Global Startups: Inside NEDO’s Deep Tech Strategy

As Japan pushes to strengthen its position in deep tech—across robotics, AI, biotechnology, advanced materials, and energy—NEDO is shaping the next generation of globally competitive startups. One of Japan’s largest public R&D funding agencies, NEDO funds research, supports commercialization, builds ecosystems, and helps startups expand globally.

Four startups selected for phase 2 of J-StarX AI Medical Course

Interview with Nick Hafner, Refined Robotics

Today we sit down with Nick Hafner, CEO and co-founder of Refined Robotics, to talk about his startup journey in Japan—from academia in Osaka to boots on the ground in Tokyo.

Residency program by Asu Capital Partners & DeNA opens applications for batch 2

NEXUS:S DemoDay

Hokkaido-based deeptech startup creation program NEXUS:S DemoDay will be held online on Monday, February 16th.

Video games part 2: indie games and ecosystem support

In part 2 of our video game series of articles, we take a look at Japanese indie games and some of the support systems and accelerators helping them make their dreams into reality.

OSAP 20th cohort demo day in Osaka

US-based VC launches accelerator program for Japanese founders

Hokkaido F Village X hosts first demo day

Antler Japan invests JPY240M in 10 startups

19 Startups selected for J-Startup KANSAI 2025

SENDAI for Startups! promises month-long startup event in February

Interview with Jordan Fisher: co-founder and chairman of Zehitomo, venture partner at Antler Japan, mad genius of the Japan startup ecosystem

OK OK, he’s not actually mad. But he is a man beset by visions. Today Blackbox sits down with Jordan Fisher, a New-York–born engineer, longtime Japan resident, co-founder of Zehitomo, and a prominent voice in Japan’s evolving startup ecosystem.

JETRO establishes Japan–Singapore university deeptech accelerator

Creative Tech Shibuya 2026 coming in February

Shibuya Startup Support, in collaboration with urban art and technology event DIG SHIBUYA, will host Creative Tech Shibuya 2026: a five-day program for overseas creative tech startups considering entering the Japanese market.

SHIBUYA QWS builds bridges with Helsinki and Incheon

Applications open for Techstars Tokyo’s 2026 startup accelerator

Okayama Prefecture adopts new approach to startup support

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank to establish incubation center in Osaka

STATION Ai Reverse Pitch 2025 – Nagoya

Hokkaido F Village X launched

Startup Ecosystem in Yokohama City

Yokohama City has built a diverse ecosystem that provides support to both domestic and international entrepreneurs and startups, making it an attractive city, especially for foreign entrepreneurs.