#Japan #Tokyo #AI Support #Patent Program

A New Era of Innovation: AI Patent Acquisition Support in Tokyo

The Tokyo metropolitan area, in collaboration with the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Management Support Center, has officially announced the launch of an initiative aimed at facilitating the acquisition of patents related to data utilization through technological innovations such as AI. Beginning from fiscal year 2022, this program not only enables aspiring entrepreneurs in the region to make their innovative ideas a reality but also supports them financially through grants.

Program Overview

Target Participants

This support program is designed for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises that are actively conducting business in Tokyo. The initiative seeks to empower these businesses to take the next steps in innovation by securing patents.

Program Structure

The initiative comprises two main components:

1. Hands-On Support
This part of the program provides targeted assistance from experts to help entities identify and refine their patent ideas, along with preliminary technical research. Experts will be available for advice and consultation to guide entrepreneurs through the process.

2. Grant Program
The program will also offer financial support for some of the expenses incurred during the patent application and registration processes. This includes costs such as application fees, examination request fees, agent fees, and registration costs. The support rate is set to cover up to half of the recognized eligible expenses, with an increased rate of two-thirds for smaller enterprises, up to maximum limits of ¥450,000 and ¥600,000 respectively.

Eligible Expenses

Applicants can receive funding for the following costs:

• - Application fees
• - Examination request fees
• - Intermediate procedural expenses
• - Agent fees
• - Registration fees

Grant Limits

• - Maximum subsidy of ¥450,000.
• - For micro-enterprises, the limit is ¥600,000.

Duration of Support

The support period will last up to one year from the date of grant approval. Applicants must ensure they meet all necessary prerequisites outlined in the detailed recruitment guidelines.

Application Process

Submission Period

There are three application rounds scheduled as follows:

• - First Round: June 27, 2023, to June 30, 2023, 17:00
• - Second Round: August 24, 2023, to September 30, 2023, 17:00
• - Third Round: November 24, 2023, to December 25, 2023, 17:00

Note that subsequent recruitment may not take place depending on the budget status.

Application Method

Applications are accepted exclusively through electronic submissions via J-Grants, the digital application system. For more information or to apply, visit J-Grants Portal.

Further Details

Interested applicants can access the recruitment guidelines and necessary application forms from the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Management Support Center’s official website here.

First Round Schedule (Tentative)

• - Submission Period: June 27, 2023 - June 30, 2023, 17:00
• - Review Period: July 2023
• - Grant Decision: Early August 2023
• - Support Implementation: Early August 2023 onwards.

Inquiries

For general inquiries about the program, contact:

• - Industry and Labor Bureau, Commerce Department, Start-up Support Section

Phone: 03-5320-4745

For application-related questions, reach out to:

• - Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Management Support Center

AI and Data Patent Acquisition Support Program Contact
Phone: 03-3832-3656