#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Innovation #Development Support #Strategic Program

Tokyo's Strategic Innovation Program

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has initiated the "TOKYO Strategic Innovation Promotion Program," designed to foster development projects that are set to shape the next generation of industries. This initiative, which has been in operation since the fiscal year 2021, aims to identify and address urban challenges while promoting technological and product innovations that align with the vision laid out in the "2050 Tokyo Strategy."

Overview of the Program

This program will provide grants and hands-on support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tokyo that collaborate with universities and other businesses on specified development themes. The newly identified development support themes for fiscal year 2028 have recently been published, and applications for grants are now being accepted.

Target Participants

• - SMEs conducting substantial business activities through their main offices or branches within Tokyo.
• - Individuals planning to start a new business in the Tokyo area.

Support Offered

• - Grants up to 800 million yen, with a minimum of 15 million yen.
• - Up to two-thirds reimbursement of eligible expenses.
• - Continuous hands-on support for up to one year after project completion if necessary.

Eligible Costs

Eligible expenses include:

• - Costs for raw materials and auxiliary materials.
• - Machinery and tool costs.
• - Outsourcing costs.
• - Expert consultation fees.
• - Direct labor costs.
• - Certification and registration fees.
• - Costs associated with intellectual property rights.
• - Participation costs for trade shows and advertising expenses.

Additionally, collaboration with other businesses, universities, and public research institutions is a mandatory criterion for participation in the program.

Application Schedule

Below is the tentative schedule for the application process:
1. July 9 - August 12: Application entry (required before submitting documents).
2. Mid-July: Publication of the Innovation Map.
3. August 14 - September 3: Submission of application documents via electronic application (J-Grant).
4. September - December: Initial document review.
5. January: In-person interview for select candidates.
6. March: Announcement of grant recipients.

Online Seminars and Informational Meetings

To assist applicants, the program will host online seminars focusing on the Innovation Map and guidelines for grant applications. Details on these meetings can be found on the program's official website.

Topics and Schedule for Seminars

1. Innovation Map Seminar 1: July 23, 13:30 - 15:00.
2. Innovation Map Seminar 2: August 4, 10:30 - 12:00.
3. Grant Explanation Meeting 1: July 23, 10:30 - 12:00.
4. Grant Explanation Meeting 2: August 4, 14:00 - 15:30.

Development Support Themes for FY 2028

The program encourages projects in several key areas, including:

• - Disaster Prevention and Recovery: Systems for confirming safety, collecting disaster information, and more.
• - Infrastructure Maintenance: Innovations in inspection and monitoring technologies.
• - Public Safety and Security: Advanced surveillance systems and intrusion detection technologies.
• - Support for Sports and Disabilities: Technologies that assist competitive sports and promote accessibility.
• - Childcare and Elderly Care: Innovative tools and technology to support families and caregivers.
• - Health and Medical Devices: Technologies that enhance medical monitoring and care.
• - Environment and Energy: Solutions for energy management and renewable energy development.
• - Tourism and Finance: Leveraging AR/VR and blockchain for a dynamic tourism experience.
• - Transport and Logistics: Innovations in supply chain management and vehicle technologies.

Conclusion

This initiative exemplifies the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's commitment to driving industrial growth and supporting SMEs as they develop new technologies and solutions. For comprehensive details on the application process, visit the official website of the Tokyo SME Promotion Corporation here.

For further inquiries, contact:

• - General questions about the program: Tokyo Industrial and Labor Bureau.
• - Questions about the grants: Tokyo SME Promotion Corporation.