#Japan #Innovation #Tokyo #Startup Awards #Japan Startup

Japan Startup Awards 2026: Call for Applications

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has officially launched the application process for the Japan Startup Awards 2026, aiming to spur innovation and development in the communications and information technology sector. These prestigious awards will celebrate entrepreneurs and startups that create impactful new businesses that can serve as role models for the next generation.

What are the Japan Startup Awards?

The Japan Startup Awards is a recognition platform designed to honor entrepreneurs and startups that have made significant contributions to creating new businesses with an impact, thereby encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit within society. By raising awareness of the importance of entrepreneurship and enhancing the societal evaluation of entrepreneurs, the awards seek to cultivate a culture supportive of startups across the country.

The awards are a collaborative effort among several government ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Winners will be selected by a panel of experts from various fields, and applications can be submitted either directly by the startups or through nominations.

Award Categories

The Japan Startup Awards consist of multiple categories:

1. Japan Startup Award (Prime Minister's Award): For the most outstanding startups based on their vision, novelty, challenges taken, and growth potential.
2. Excellent Startup Award (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry): For excellent startups that can serve as role models for future entrepreneurs.
3. Agriculture Startup Award (Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries): For startups contributing to innovation and advancement in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors.
4. University-originated Startup Award (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology): For startups originating from university research that successfully commercialize academic achievements.
5. Healthcare and Welfare Startup Award (Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare): For startups driving innovation in healthcare and welfare services.
6. Transport and Infrastructure Startup Award (Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism): Recognizing contributions to innovation in the transportation and infrastructure sectors.
7. Information and Communications Startup Award (Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications): Specifically aimed at recognizing excellence in the information and communications sector.
8. Defense Startup Award (Minister of Defense): For startups that contribute to evolution and innovation in the defense sector.
9. Special Jury Award: This is awarded to companies demonstrating exceptional qualities, including vision and innovation, beyond the main categories.

Application Period and Schedule

• - Start Date: December 23, 2025
• - End Date: January 23, 2026 (Must be submitted by this date)
• - Judging Period: March 2026, during which winners will be determined.

How to Apply

For detailed application guidelines and necessary documents, interested parties can visit the website of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, individuals can reach the International Strategy Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, specifically the Startup Support Division:

• - Contact Persons: Assistant Noma, Assistant Hamaguchi, Section Chief Masuda, Officer Sato
• - Phone: 03-5253-5725
• - Email: ict_su_off/atmark/ml.soumu.go.jp (Please replace '/atmark/' with '@' to send your email)

This award presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups to gain national recognition and contribute to the broader innovation landscape in Japan. Eligible applications are encouraged to step forward and share their innovative ideas with the world.