Event
Applications are now being accepted for the GTIE Incubation Program for FY2026!
[ Application Guidelines for the FY2026 “GTIE Incubation Program” ] GTIE (Greater Tokyo Innovation Ecosystem) is now accepting applications for the “GTIE Incubation Program” for FY 2026.
– Purpose and Intent This program is part of the Japan Science and Technology Agency’s (JST) “Startup Ecosystem Co-creation Program,” a fund for the creation of new industries originating from universities. The purpose of this program is to promote the creation and social implementation of university-launched startups by providing support for the commercialization of research results to researchers belonging to universities participating in the GTIE platform in preparation for their application for the next GTIE GAP Fund STEP2.
– Program Outline 1) Proposals to be solicited The research and development eligible for this program must fall into one of the following categories. 1. (1) Those that aim to create university-launched startups with innovative technology seeds at their core and that are oriented toward the global market. 2. that aim to create startups with high social impact that also contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. *Academic research that does not aim at commercialization or activities that only aim at administrative procedures such as the establishment of a corporation are not eligible. 2. 2. goals to be achieved at the end of the program Application and Adoption to GTIE STEP2
– Application Outline 1. eligibility requirements Applicants must meet all of the following requirements: 1. 1. belong to one of the following GTIE participating institutions Lead institutions: The University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Tokyo University of Science Joint Institutions for SU creation: University of Tsukuba, Chiba University, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanagawa University of Health and Welfare, Yokohama City University, Keio University, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo University of Science, University of Electro-Communications, Ibaraki University, Tokai University, RIKEN, Yokohama National University, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo Denki University, and Kogakuin University. 2.
2. be a staff member engaged in research at the organization to which the applicant belongs (Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Postdoctoral Fellow, etc.) 3.
3. one of the following is applicable Those who have been selected for GTIE STEP1 and wish to apply for STEP2. GTIE STEP1 applicants who have applied for GTIE STEP2 in the past and were not accepted. *1 STEP1: GTIE GAP Fund Program Entry Course, University of Tokyo GAP Fund Program *2 Applicants who have been selected for the University of Tokyo GAP Fund Program and who have been selected for this program cannot apply for the University of Tokyo GAP Fund Program under the same theme. *3 If the same PI and research theme are supported by other fund programs sponsored by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and there is a possibility of violating the duplication restriction at the time of GTIE STEP2 application through this program, the PI and research theme may not be eligible to apply. For details, please contact “7. Contact Us” below.
4. plans to develop business overseas
5. ability to communicate at a working level in English (In addition to reading and writing, the applicant must be able to discuss and communicate in English. 2.)
2. application period and selection schedule (tentative) Application deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026 (noon) Document review: Mid-May, 2026 Notification of results: Late May 2026 Start of mentoring: Around June 2026 3.
Number of applications to be adopted Approx. 6 projects *Overseas mentors will conduct selection based on the pitch materials. *Some may be matched with EIRs (CXO candidates)
4. support (mentoring, etc.) Mentoring by overseas mentors (affiliated with accelerators and consulting firms) 90 minutes per session, twice a month (for about 6 months, 10-12 sessions in total) Lectures by overseas lecturers Lectures by overseas lecturers twice during the period Implementation period: June – November 2026 (Targeting GTIE GAP Fund application in December) 5.
Application Documents 1. application form Download location: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8sm98ktrjinquopcccf5d/ADZenS0YLGLsauaMNJB4SlE?rlkey=syxtwopa26qrg2qotmmijjexa&st=jjcnjzbj& dl=0
2. pitch materials (must include the following items) Title (research title) Problem / Opportunity Value Proposition (What is your value proposition?) Underlying Magic (What kind of change will it bring about?) Business Model (the business model to be envisioned) Go-to-market plan Competitive Analysis Management Team (internal and external members) Financial Projections Current Status & Needs
6. how to submit Please fill out the application form below and upload your application and pitch materials. Application Form: https://forms.gle/ymk4XwN7jhnudwxw7 Submit to: https://www.dropbox.com/request/5W7R2Fd27DPJ3nEN7Sgn
7. inquiries If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact the following office. GTIE Tokyo University Office Email: utgtie@ducr.u-tokyo.ac.jp
8. notification of selection results Final selection results will be notified by e-mail in late May 2026 (tentative).