Call for Entries: The 8th Japan Open Innovation Award for Excellence

Call for Entries: The 8th Japan Open Innovation Award

The Cabinet Office of Japan is now accepting submissions for the 8th Japan Open Innovation Award. This program aims to recognize outstanding initiatives that exemplify leadership and originality, setting a benchmark for open innovation practices in the nation. We encourage organizations or individuals engaged in impactful, sustainable, and collaboration-driven projects to participate in this prestigious award.

Purpose and Intent of the Award

The Japan Open Innovation Award emphasizes the importance of open innovation, which combines knowledge, technology, and resources from various sectors to create new value. It targets a broad range of collaborations—including startups, SMEs, large enterprises, universities, research institutions, and government agencies—focusing on innovative practices and effective mechanisms that stand out as role models. Established in 2018, this award has now reached its eighth edition.

Open innovation promotes collaborative efforts outside traditional frameworks, enabling entities like businesses, academia, and governmental organizations to synergize their resources for efficient and effective innovation development.

Eligibility Criteria for Nomination

The award is open to any instance of collaboration that demonstrates:

1. Innovative Collaborations
Recognizable ingenuity and uniqueness in constructing systems and partnerships when collaborating externally, particularly in the realm of science and technology innovation.

2. Transformational Potential
Initiatives expected to bring significant innovations to the future of society and industry. These projects should address current or anticipated societal needs and challenges, aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

3. Contribution to Innovation
Cases that greatly contribute to advancing scientific and technical innovation activities and serve as exemplary models for others.

Award Categories

Prizes will be awarded across various government ministries with designations such as Ministerial Awards and Director-General Awards. The most distinguished winner will receive the Prime Minister’s Award. The categories of awards include:

- Prime Minister’s Award
- Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Award
- Minister of Internal Affairs Award
- Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award
- Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award
- Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award
- Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
- Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award
- Minister of the Environment Award
- Sports Agency Commissioner Award
- Chairman Award of Japan Business Federation
- President Award of the Japan Academy

Application Process

Details and submission formats for application documents can be accessed through the official Japan Open Innovation Award website. Please ensure your entries are submitted by August 4, 2025 (Monday), 5:00 PM JST.

For additional information regarding application requirements and inquiries, please contact: