#Japan #Startup Ecosystem #Shinagawa #Shinagawa Innovation #Social Issues

Shinagawa Social Innovation Accelerator 2025 Program Opens for Applications

Shinagawa City is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Shinagawa Social Innovation Accelerator 2025. This program aims to support startups and entrepreneurs who are focused on solving social challenges. The accelerator program will begin on May 9, 2025, and will conclude with stakeholders' presentations of their projects in March 2026.

Objectives and Program Details

Starting in 2025, Shinagawa will implement a Startup Ecosystem Promotion Project to foster an environment where both startups and local industries can thrive, contributing to the revitalization of community industries. The aim is to collaborate with Gotanda Valley, a general incorporated association dedicated to creating a better future through tackling social issues via startups.

The Social Innovation Accelerator will provide participants with support in growing their businesses, especially in solving social issues. Over the course of six months, participants will engage in six training sessions collaboratively designed with Zero One Booster.

The program will include:

• - Individualized Mentoring: Tailored mentoring by experts in specific fields based on the unique needs of each participant.
• - Group Mentoring: Participants will share their challenges and provide feedback to each other under the guidance of facilitators, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

In addition, the program will be supported by Campus Create, which will assist in planning and managing events throughout the accelerator's duration.

Schedule and Application Period

Applications for the program are being accepted from May 9, 2025, to July 9, 2025. Please note that inquiries should be made by 5:00 PM on July 7, 2025. The program will be carried out from September 2025 to March 2026.

Who Can Apply

This program targets individuals and businesses utilizing IT solutions to address social challenges, specifically startups in the seed to early-stage phases aiming for exit strategies such as IPOs or M&As.

• - Eligible participants should have been established for approximately five years or less.
• - Participants must primarily be based in Shinagawa or have plans to establish their businesses there.
• - Note that students are welcome to participate.
• - Recipients of funding for existing or new business initiatives, divisions, or related ventures are excluded.

Participation Details

The program anticipates accommodating 20 businesses. Each company may have up to two participants. Selections will be made based on a written application followed by an interview. For evaluation criteria and selection procedures, please refer to the application guidelines.

Program Costs

Participation in the accelerator is free of charge, though there may be additional costs for networking events that include meals and refreshments.

Partner Companies

For details on partner company benefits, please visit the designated page.

To apply, please visit the special website by clicking on “Apply for the Program”.

We eagerly await your applications!

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Contact Information

• - Organizer (For inquiries regarding the program): Shinagawa City, Regional Promotion Department, Regional Industrial Promotion Section, Startup and Entrepreneurship Support Division, 1-28-3 Nishishinagawa, Shinagawa, Tokyo 141-0033.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-5498-6333 (direct line)

• - Operating Contractor (For all inquiries about application contents and program management): Campus Create, Open Innovation Promotion Department, Email: [email protected], Phone: 042-490-5728.