#Japan #Tokyo #SMEs #Innovation Grant

Tokyo Grants for New Product and Technology Development

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, through the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, has recently opened applications for a grant program designed to foster innovation in local industries. With funding of up to 25 million yen available, this initiative aims to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing new products and technologies.

Overview of the Grant Program

The grant, which is known as the New Product and Technology Development Grant, is aimed at boosting the technological capabilities of SMEs and encouraging them to explore new markets. The application process opened on March 27 and will close on April 17 at 5 PM.

Key Features of the Grant

1. Substantial Funding: Businesses can receive up to 25 million yen to cover direct labor costs, materials for prototypes, and the expenses related to machinery and tools used in the research and development phases.
2. Generous Grant Rate: If a wage increase plan is formulated and implemented, the maximum grant rate can rise significantly: from one-half normally, to three-quarters for small enterprises, and up to four-fifths for micro-enterprises.
3. Electronic Application System: To streamline the application process, submissions are accepted exclusively through the J-Grants electronic system. Applicants must obtain a G Biz ID Prime Account beforehand.

Eligibility and Duration

Eligible applicants include:

• - SMEs actively conducting business in Tokyo through a main office or branch
• - Individuals planning to establish a business in Tokyo

The covered grant period extends from September 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, allowing a maximum duration of 1 year and 9 months for grant-supported projects.

Eligible Expenses

The grant can cover a wide range of costs, including:

• - Materials and supplies for creating prototypes
• - Machinery, tools, and equipment expenses
• - Outsourcing costs
• - Costs associated with applying for intellectual property rights
• - Specialized consulting fees
• - Direct labor costs

Application Process

The application consists of several steps:
1. Obtain a G Biz ID Prime Account: As the first step, applicants must get this account, which can take time due to the government’s verification process, so early preparation is advisable.
2. Prepare Application Documents: Download the necessary documents from the public corporation's homepage and fill in the required information. Ensure that all supporting documents are ready for submission.
3. Submit Application via J-Grants: Applications must be submitted electronically through the J-Grants system before the deadline on April 17 at 5 PM. Other submission methods such as mail or email cannot be accommodated.

Additional Information

For more details regarding the program, including eligibility criteria and instructions, applicants can refer to the official Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center website.

• - Detailed Application Guidelines
• - View Previous Year’s Selected Companies

Should you have any inquiries, feel free to reach out to the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center:

• - Phone: 03-3251-7894
• - Email: [email protected]

Take advantage of this opportunity to secure funding for your innovation projects and contribute to the vibrant tech landscape of Tokyo!