#Japan #Yokohama #Deep Tech #WISER #GAP Fund

Introduction to the WISER Program

In a bold move to empower young women researchers in Japan, the WISER program (Women In Science Excellence and Revolution), operated by Tayo Inc. based in Yokohama, has established a GAP fund totaling 30 million yen. Collaborating with GTIE (a regional startup ecosystem promoter), the fund aims to nurture startups originating from universities in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Applications for this initiative opened on June 2.

Addressing the Gender Gap

Japan’s deep tech startup ecosystem faces significant challenges, particularly regarding the low participation rate of women. According to a survey conducted in 2022, only 5.9% of deep tech startup founders in Japan are women, the lowest among 13 countries studied. Furthermore, the Financial Services Agency's proposals highlight a worrying trend: as startups progress through stages such as incorporation, fundraising, and IPO, the representation of women continues to decline.

Recognizing these issues, the GAP fund will provide financial support for commercializing projects by young female researchers and hands-on assistance to the selected recipients. This effort aims to help these researchers bring their ideas and research seeds to fruition, making strides toward gender equality in the deep tech field and promoting a diverse range of innovations. The program encourages applicants who may have little experience or are still at the idea stage, emphasizing that passion and the ability to engage others are crucial for selection.

Overview of the Fund

Eligible Challenges

• - The main strength of the business must be research and development-oriented.

Application Criteria

• - Under 40 years old and a young female researcher.
• - Applications are welcome even from those outside GTIE-affiliated universities.

Support Offered

• - Funding for activities aimed at commercialization (up to 5 million yen per project).
• - Online hands-on assistance and mentoring.

Number of Proposals Accepted

• - A maximum of 10 projects.

Operational Framework

• - Operated by Tayo Inc.’s WISER administration office.
• - Collaboration on promotion and evaluation will be conducted with GTIE.

For detailed application instructions, please visit here.
*The program is part of the “TOKYO SUTEAM” initiative, supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, dedicated to expanding diverse startup support.

Comments from Tayo

Yurika Doi, Executive Officer and WISER Program Head, highlighted the severe underrepresentation of women in Japan's deep tech startup scene, where only 5.9% of founders are female. Despite the recent increase in women entrepreneurs to a record 25.5% across all new businesses in Japan, the scarcity of women in deep tech remains glaring.

"Through years of engaging with women researchers interested in entrepreneurship, we have been inspired by their ideas and determination to implement research results into society. I am thrilled that, in partnership with GTIE, we can now provide concrete support for these researchers to realize their ideas and unlock business opportunities," Doi stated.