#Japan #Tokyo #Space Industry #Tokyo Grants #Innovation Support

Tokyo's Space Innovation Grant Program

The aerospace sector is rapidly evolving, and Tokyo is keen to harness this potential by supporting its local small businesses. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, has initiated a grant program titled "Subsidy for Development Costs of Space Products." This initiative is designed to assist small enterprises engaged in the development or improvement of products and technologies related to space, aiming to create favorable business opportunities in this promising market.

Overview of the Grant Program

Recently, the government announced the outcome of its review, unveiling eight projects that will receive financial support under the program. The granted projects are divided into two categories: Equipment Development Subsidies and Solution Development Subsidies, aimed at encouraging innovative advancements within the sector.

Equipment Development Subsidies

The following projects were selected:
1. Aibit, Inc. - Development of a satellite communication module for CubeSats.
2. SUIHO SPACE INNOVATIONS, Inc. - Creation of reusable propulsion technology applicable to rockets, satellites, and probes.
3. Daimon, Inc. - Development of a lunar rover with multiple unit coordination for resource exploration and self-positioning capabilities.
4. Japan Material Research Institute, Inc. - Development of MXene charge transport layers for ultra-lightweight thin-film solar cells.
5. Red Edge Technology, Inc. & Wiz Aqua, Inc. - Development of a fully closed-loop aquaculture system for space.

Solution Development Subsidies

The chosen projects under this category include:
1. Aqunia, Inc. - Development of a global flood prediction system leveraging satellite data.
2. JAOPS - Implementation of automated scheduling and AI integration for satellite mission control.
3. Space Shift, Inc. - Development of a system for detecting illegal fishing vessels through multi-SAR integration.

These projects represent a significant step towards enhancing Tokyo’s position in the global space industry, particularly as the sector anticipates significant market growth.

Support Overview

The subsidy targets small businesses actively operating within or planning to establish in Tokyo. Both corporate entities and individual entrepreneurs are eligible for support if they intend to engage in related business activities.

Grant Categories

• - Equipment Development Subsidies: Focus on the development and improvement of rockets, artificial satellites, exploration vehicles, and associated equipment.
• - Solution Development Subsidies: Aim to enhance data-utilization services related to communications, observations, and positioning through artificial satellites.

Financial Assistance Limits

• - Equipment Development Subsidies: A maximum subsidy of 100 million yen is available, covering up to 66.67% of the costs.
• - Solution Development Subsidies: A maximum limit of 20 million yen is granted, also covering up to 66.67% of the expenditures.

This initiative aligns with the city’s long-term vision, the "Tokyo Strategy 2050," particularly focusing on promoting entry and investment in growth sectors.

For further inquiries regarding the subsidy program:

• - Industry and Labor Bureau, Tokyo Government (Commercial Department, Startup Support Section)

- Phone: 03-5320-4762

• - Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center (Grants Section)

- Phone: 03-3251-7894