News
2026/07/13
[Deadline Extended!] We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the WISER GAP Fund 2026 (funding and hands-on support specifically for young female researchers).
*July 13, 2026: The deadline has been extended!
We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the WISER GAP Fund 2026 (Funding and Hands-On Support Specifically for Young Female Researchers)
Purpose and Objectives
- WISER is a program that supports networking and entrepreneurship among a community of early-career female researchers.
- The purpose of the WISER GAP Fund is to help early-career female researchers bring their ideas to life and support their growth toward commercialization. Furthermore, with a focus on expanding networks and future potential, we support researchers in broadening their vision and implementing it in ways that contribute to society.
- Even those with limited track records or ideas still in the conceptual stage are eligible for support if they demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to engage others; we will provide assistance to enhance the feasibility of their projects.
- GTIE, which fosters the university-based startup ecosystem in the Tokyo metropolitan area, is collaborating on this program.
Application Guidelines
1. Eligible Projects
The primary strength of the business must lie in research and development
2. Eligibility Requirements (Must meet both criteria ① and ② below)
① Young female researchers under the age of 40 who are individuals (not yet incorporated as a legal entity).This program is open tomaster’s degree students or individuals with equivalent research experience.
Examples: Master’s students, doctoral students, postdocs, university faculty, and private-sector employees, etc.
*1) For team applications, the team must not yet be incorporated, and the team leader must meet the above conditions
*2) Applications are open to all, regardless of affiliation.
② Applicants must be aiming to start a business within Tokyo.
3 . Support Details
・GAP Fund
・Funding for activities that contribute to commercialization
・1–5 million yen per project
*The amount will be determined by the administrative office based on a review
・Online hands-on support and mentoring
・Progress sharing sessions: Approximately once a month (planned)
・Mentoring: Approximately once every 1.5 to 2 months (planned)
4. Estimated Number of Selected Projects
10 projects
5. How to Apply
Please submit the following information via Google Forms bynoon on Monday, July 13, 2026, or by 11:59 PM on Monday, July 20, 2026.
To apply, you must join the community (register on Discord). Please see the Q&A for details.
Fill out the application form (Google Form)
*There is a field where you must enter the project name and overview (approximately 200 characters). Preparing this information in advance will make the process smoother.
Uploading Presentation Materials (1 PDF file)
*You will be asked to present using these materials during the interview. Please download and fill out the specified template below, then upload it via the Google Form.
*︎ Click here to download the presentation template
*︎ Click here for the application Google Form (Deadline: July July 13, 2026 (Mon) at noon July 20, 2026 (Mon) at 11:59 PM)
https://forms.gle/J6XrgkPSqSDqwmAD8
6. Schedule
Application Deadline:Must be received by noonon Monday, July 13 or by 11:59 PM on Monday, July 20
Online Information Session: Thursday , June 18 , 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
Document Review: Mid- to late July
Interviews: Late July–Early August*See details below
Notification of Selection Results: Wednesday, August 12 (tentative)
Program StartDate: September 1 (Tue)
Kickoff Event for Selected Participants: September 5 (Sat) in Tokyo (tentative)
DEMO DAY (Results Presentation): Scheduled to take place in February 2027
*Details regarding the kickoff event will be provided upon selection. Applicants are asked to set aside time for this event in advance.
7. Interview Details
・Scheduled Interview Date 1
Date: July 29, 2026, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (Tokyo Station area)
Selection Process: As a general rule, interviews will be conducted in person in Tokyo
*Travel expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
*If it is difficult for you to come to Tokyo, online interviews are also available on the dates listed above.
・Scheduled Interview Dates 2
Dates: Designated dates and times between August 3 (Mon) and August 7 (Fri) (tentative)
Screening Method: Online Interview
*Applicants must personally attend the interview.
*Interviews will be held during either Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. The interview date and time will be specified by the organizing office. Details will be provided to applicants at a later date.
8. Online Information Session *Now Closed
-
- Thursday, June 18, 2026, 12:00–13:30
*We have released a recording of the Q&A session from the online information session. We hope that those who were unable to attend on the day of the event will take this opportunity to watch it. https://youtu.be/8I5c5AjTm7M
9.Q&A*June 26, 2026: Questions and comments received from participants at the information session have been added
10. Inquiries
- tayo Co., Ltd. WISER Administrative Office: wiser-support@tayo.jp
- Please include [WISER GAP Fund] at the beginning of your email subject line
Operational Structure
- Operated by: tayo WISER Management Office, Inc.
- About WISER
- WISER is a program that supports entrepreneurship by female researchers through community building, event organization, and the provision of a GAP Fund specifically tailored to early-career female researchers.
- We are currently looking for new members to join our Discord community!!
WISER LP: https://wiser.tayo.jp/
Public Relations and Screening Support: GTIE
This program is being implemented after being selected for “TOKYO SUTEAM,” a startup support initiative operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and involving a diverse range of organizations.