#Japan #Tokyo #SME support #Product Development

Funding Opportunities for Innovators in Tokyo

The Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center (located in Chiyoda, Tokyo) is offering an exciting opportunity for local innovators. Entrepreneurs and businesses aiming to develop new products and technologies can apply for the "Product Development Support Grant". The pre-entry period for submissions is until November 18, 2025, at 5 PM.

What is the Product Development Support Grant?

This initiative aims to assist small businesses in Tokyo and prospective entrepreneurs by covering a portion of their expenses associated with technical research. These expenses might include selecting materials, determining functionalities, and choosing methodologies necessary for product development.

Who Can Benefit from This Program?

This grant is designed for anyone who is planning to create new products, including:

• - Those looking to assess various materials and select appropriate components
• - Innovators wanting to confirm operational principles
• - Designers examining development methods and specifications
• - Engineers considering the most efficient computational approaches using different engines and algorithms.

Key Points of the Grant

1. Open to New Entrepreneurs: There are no restrictions on the number of years in business or type of industry. Individuals with concrete plans to start a business in Tokyo can apply.
2. Market Research Costs Covered: Applicants can receive a maximum of ¥250,000 for costs related to market research, such as marketing strategies and customer need assessments. This is essential for ensuring the proposed product aligns with market demands.
3. Encouragement of Exploration: The nature of this grant encourages trials and evaluations. If the research yields unexpected results, it remains fully eligible for support, highlighting the focus on the process rather than just the outcomes. Therefore, any changes in direction due to research findings are acceptable.

Overview and Application Details

• - Eligibility: Small businesses, including sole proprietorships actively operating in Tokyo as of November 1, 2025. Aspiring entrepreneurs planning to establish a business in Tokyo are also welcome.
• - Funding Duration: Support covers activities from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027 (up to one year).
• - Maximum Grant Amount: ¥1,000,000 (with a minimum request of ¥100,000).
• - Grant Rate: Up to 50% of recognized eligible expenses.

Eligible Expenses Include:
1. Material and auxiliary material costs.
2. Contracted and outsourcing costs for;
- Contracted work
- Outsourced services
- Joint research costs
3. Market research costs.

Note: Applications that request materials and auxiliary materials alone will not be accepted; at least one type of outsourced service must be included.

For more detailed requirements, please refer to the official application guide here.

Important Dates

• - Pre-entry Deadline: November 18, 2025, at 5 PM.
• - Application Submission: Through the government’s electronic application system, "J-grants". A "G-Biz ID Prime Account" must be generated beforehand, as it might take time for the government to issue the ID. Please prepare in advance to avoid any issues.

Start Your Application

For steps on how to apply and detailed information about the support program, please check the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center's website here.

Contact Information

For questions or clarifications, please reach out to the dedicated contact at the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, Assistance Section for Product Development Support, at 03-3251-7894 (available weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) or via email at [email protected].