Tokyo's TIB CATAPULT Initiative: A Launchpad for Global Innovation

Tokyo Metropolitan Government is set to kick off an ambitious project called the TIB CATAPULT starting from fiscal year 2024. This initiative aims to cultivate innovation by establishing the Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) as a focal point for technological and industrial advancement. With a strategic focus on promising sectors, TIB CATAPULT will gather multiple stakeholders, including large corporations, investors, and global support entities, to facilitate collaborations that generate impactful innovations.

The Recruitment of Innovation Clusters

The initiative plans to recruit six innovation clusters, which will consist of businesses dedicated to launching joint projects between startups and established enterprises. Among these, one cluster will be handpicked to collaborate with prestigious international support organizations, such as overseas universities and accelerators, to create a Global Promotion Cluster. This selected cluster will receive special recognition for its robust international support capabilities.

Commitment to Startup Support

Those selected will enter into a partnership agreement with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to form a cooperative network dedicated to discovering and nurturing startups over a timeline of approximately two years and seven months. They will implement concrete support measures aimed at fostering startup development, ensuring that specific performance criteria are met. In recognition of their success, they will be eligible for funding, with a maximum allocation of up to 300 million yen over three fiscal years for the six chosen clusters. Notably, the Global Promotion Cluster will have the opportunity to receive additional funding of up to 300 million yen to bolster its activities.

To enhance collaboration among clusters, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will also facilitate networking opportunities and mentorship programs, which are crucial for knowledge exchange and growth.

Timeline for Recruitment

The recruitment period for clusters is set from June 2, 2026 to July 14, 2026, at 5 PM. Following this, the selected clusters will be announced by the end of August 2026, with contracts finalized by September 2026. This agreement will serve as the launching point for collaborative endeavors and startup support methods that will commence thereafter.

Looking Ahead

This initiative is projected to continue until the end of the fiscal year 2028. For detailed recruitment information and application guidelines, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official TIB CATAPULT website. The Global Innovation Cluster announcement not only opens avenues for startups and corporates to collaborate but also underscores Tokyo's commitment to nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem aligning with its 2050 Tokyo Strategy.

In essence, TIB CATAPULT signifies Tokyo's vision of becoming a global innovation leader by harnessing collaborative potential among local startups and international players. The initiative aims not just to create impact locally but to position Tokyo as a cradle for startups thriving on the global stage.

For further insights, past cluster success stories, and other necessary documentation, please visit TIB CATAPULT.