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Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award 2025

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has officially announced the opening of applications for the Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award 2025, aimed at acknowledging the contributions of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in leveraging advanced digital technologies such as AI, XR, and the metaverse. This initiative kicks off on April 16, 2025, and aims to promote the resolution of social challenges facing Tokyo by utilizing cutting-edge technological solutions.

Overview of the Award

The Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award is structured to support the following goals:

• - Recognize innovative digital solutions and content that employ AI, XR, and other advanced technologies.
• - Facilitate the resolution of specific social issues that Tokyo faces.
• - Ensure that the solutions have been developed and are actively marketed under the company's name prior to the application deadline, or are expected to be introduced by the end of March 2026.

Key Application Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• - Must be a small or medium enterprise, an individual entrepreneur, or a group formed by such entities in Tokyo.
• - The applying party must primarily be involved in the planning and production of the proposed solution, possess full or a portion of intellectual property rights, and have the decision-making authority necessary for business expansion.

Prizes and Incentives

The award offers substantial incentives:

• - Grand Prize: ¥3 million for one company.
• - Excellence Award: ¥1.5 million for up to two companies.
• - Merit Award: ¥500,000 for approximately six companies.
• - Technology Special Award: ¥500,000 for up to two companies.

Award recipients will also benefit from various support measures, including:

• - Assistance in market development and publicizing their solutions.
• - Free exhibition space at the TOKYO DIGICONX (the 3rd Tokyo XR & Metaverse & Content Business World).
• - Promotional support on the official business website.

Application Process

Application Period

• - The application window is open from April 16, 2025 to June 13, 2025.

Application Documents

Prospective participants can download the required application documents from the official website: Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award.

Submission Method

Applications should primarily be submitted online via the designated application form on the project website, necessitating the uploading of necessary documents as specified in the application guidelines.

Information Session Details

Date and Time

An informative session will be held on May 14, 2025, from 14:00 to 15:05, with an additional slot for individual questions running from 15:05 to 16:35.

Venue

The event will take place at Hibiya International Building Conference Square 8C (8th floor, Hibiya International Building).

Registration

Interested parties can register through this form: Registration Form.

Target Audience

The session is designed for:

• - SMEs based in Tokyo.
• - Individual entrepreneurs.
• - Entities capable of introducing eligible businesses to applicants, such as large corporations, venture capitalists, financial institutions, university representatives, and local government officials.

Timeline Ahead

• - Application Acceptance: April 16 – June 13, 2025.
• - Company Presentation Phase (1st Review): June – July 2025.
• - 2nd Review: Late August 2025 includes presentations and Q&A sessions.
• - 3rd Review: User experience assessments during September to mid-October 2025.
• - Award Ceremony: Planned for January 2026.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change based on the project's progression.

Administrative Office

For additional inquiries and support, the Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award administrative office has been established to manage public relations and assist recipients.

Contact Information

• - Office Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (excluding weekends and holidays).
• - Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC
• - Address: Marunouchi Nijubashi Building, 3-2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
• - Phone: 03-6633-3553
• - Email: info@tsi-tech-award.jp

With the Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award, the future looks bright for SMEs innovating through advanced technologies while addressing local social challenges.