#Tokyo #FemTech #Women's Health

Introduction

With the continuous rise of working women, there's an urgent need to address specific health issues and challenges faced by women. The FemTech sector has gained significant attention, driven by the increasing demand for products and solutions that alleviate these concerns. To further promote the development and dissemination of FemTech innovations, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched a funding program aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tokyo engaged in developing or improving services and products that resolve women's health issues.

In this article, we delve into the details of this funding initiative, aimed at fostering a society where women can thrive and advance in their careers, while also supporting the development of SMEs in Tokyo.

Overview of the Funding Initiative

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Corporation (referred to as the Corporation), offers financial support to Tokyo-based SMEs and individuals who plan to establish businesses in the region. This initiative aims to expedite the realization of a women's active participation society by addressing the following areas:

1. Product Development and Improvement - This includes the creation of products aimed at solving issues related to menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum care, menopause, gynecological disorders, and health literacy.

2. Expansion Support - Newly introduced this year, funding is available for costs associated with market development and user adoption, in addition to R&D support.

Eligible Applicants

• - Small and Medium Enterprises (companies and sole proprietorships) that are registered and actively conducting business in Tokyo.
• - Individuals with concrete plans for starting a business in Tokyo that align with the funding criteria.

Funding Period

The funding is applicable from November 1, 2023, to July 31, 2025, covering a span of one year and nine months, with the expectation that projects will have a developed or improved product within one year after the funding phase.

Financial Details

• - Maximum Grant Amount: Up to 20 million yen, with additional specific limits of 3.5 million yen for user adoption and market expansion initiatives.
• - Support Rate: Funding covers two-thirds of eligible expenses for R&D phases and half for market expansion efforts.

Eligible Expenses

The funding can cover a variety of costs, including:
1. Raw materials and ancillary materials
2. Machinery, equipment, and tools
3. Outsourcing and commission costs
4. Expert consultancy fees
5. Industrial property applications and implementation costs
6. Direct employee costs
7. Participation fees for exhibitions
8. Advertising costs

Please note that applications can only be made under the development and improvement phases as standalone submissions for market expansion will not be accepted. For more detailed guidelines, please refer to the Corporation's official website.

Targeted Health Themes

Funding will be allocated to projects focusing on one or more of the following themes related to women’s health:

• - Menstruation
• - Pregnancy and infertility
• - Postpartum care
• - Menopausal health
• - Gynecological diseases
• - Health literacy

Application Timeline

The timeline for the application process is as follows:

• - Application Submission: June 15 - June 30, 2023
• - First Screening: Document review from mid-July to mid-August, with results announced in late August.
• - Second Screening: Interviews scheduled for mid-September.
• - Grant Award Decision: Can be expected by late October.

Application Process

Applicants can download the program guidelines and application forms from the Corporation's website. It’s crucial to read the guidelines thoroughly and apply before the deadline.

For online applications, the Corporation mandates the use of the national electronic application system, J-Grants. A GBiz ID Prime account is necessary to apply, which can take 2-3 weeks to set up, so applicants should plan accordingly.

For additional details, feel free to contact:

• - General Questions: Tokyo Industrial Labor Bureau, Commerce Division - 03-5320-4694
• - Grant and Project Specific Queries: Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Corporation – 03-3251-7894.

Conclusion

This initiative is part of the broader