Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success: The EO Tokyo Central Innovation Program 2025

The EO - Entrepreneurs' Organization Tokyo Central, located in Minato City, Tokyo, is excited to announce that it will start accepting applications from August 12, 2025, for its 8th "EO Tokyo Central INNOVATION PROGRAM 2025." This initiative taps into the collective wisdom of founders with a combined market capitalization exceeding 1 trillion yen, offering invaluable experience sharing among participants.

Japan's government, in addition to its "Five-Year Startup Growth Plan" established in 2022, aims to bolster support for entrepreneurs, including startup founders, with a review set for 2025. Key measures will focus on enhancing fundraising environments, supporting global market entry, and creating systems that enable entrepreneurs to make comebacks after setbacks. These efforts reflect a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage, from inception to growth.

Moreover, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, where EO Tokyo Central operates, is working to strengthen its suite of entrepreneurs – not only startups but also small businesses and community ventures. Their strategic plan aims to improve business sustainability and growth rates significantly over the next five years, thus creating a dynamic entrepreneurial environment that is rapidly evolving.

While the landscape for starting a business is improving, many founders still struggle with the daily pressures of decision-making and often feel isolated in their journeys. Since its inception in 1995, EO has held firmly to the belief that the challenges faced by entrepreneurial leaders can only be understood by their peers. This philosophy has allowed EO to create a safe space for growth and learning.

To foster a nurturing environment, EO provides opportunities like the "Forum," where trusted peers share candidly their challenges, and the "Mentorship Program," where budding entrepreneurs gain insights from seasoned leaders. Today, EO is a community of 412 driven entrepreneurs who motivate each other and propel each other's growth.

The program equips startup founders with access to multiple curriculum offerings, including "Startup Academies" and "Startup Forums," aimed at providing critical insights and experiences that can directly influence their future management approaches. Moreover, participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and experienced EO mentors who can offer guidance and support.

The program will be led by Hiroshi Asao, the CEO of For A-Career, taking on the role of Director of EO Tokyo Central's Accelerator. Asao brings a wealth of knowledge gained through prior experiences, ensuring a rich learning environment for all participants.

Overview of the Program

- Name: EO Tokyo Central INNOVATION PROGRAM 2025 (EOIP2025)
- Official Website: EO Tokyo Central INNOVATION PROGRAM 2025

Application Requirements

1. Must be an entrepreneur (founder and CEO).
2. Annual revenue must be under 100 million yen.
3. Commitment to pay the annual fee of 150,000 yen.
4. Must commit to participating in all program activities (Startup Academies, Startup Forums, 1-minute Pitch, FINAL DEMO DAY selection pitch, EO ALL Japan FINAL DEMO DAY).
5. Must be available for the entire program duration of two years (from October 2025 to October 2027).

Schedule

- Application and Selection Start: August 12, 2025
- Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
- Program Kickoff: October 1, 2025
- Startup Academy Sessions:

- December 1, 2025
- February 4, 2026
- April 14, 2026
- June 1, 2026

- Startup Forum (including initial training): From October 2025 to October 2027
- 1 Minute Pitch: November 13, 2025
- FINAL DEMO DAY Selection Pitch: February 6, 2026
- EO ALL Japan Accelerator FINAL DEMO DAY 2026 in Nara: March 19, 2026

About EO Tokyo Central

EO - Entrepreneurs’ Organization, established in 1987, is a global network for young entrepreneurs leading companies with annual revenues exceeding $1 million (approximately 100 million yen). With over 19,531 members across 220 chapters in 62 countries, EO provides a rich environment for entrepreneurial growth and collaboration. The first EO chapter in Asia, EO Japan, was established in October 1995, and currently, EO Tokyo Central hosts 412 entrepreneurs. Its high member retention rate underlines the strength and uniqueness of the organization consisting solely of founders, making it an exceptional community both in Japan and around the world.