Tokyo's APT Women Program Enrollment for 11th Cohort
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has initiated the recruitment of participants for the 11th cohort of the APT Women program, designed to promote the growth of female entrepreneurs. Managed by 01Booster, a company specializing in supporting open innovation and new business development, this program has produced remarkable results since its inception.
What is APT Women?
APT Women (short for Acceleration Program in Tokyo for Women) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at equipping aspiring female entrepreneurs with essential business knowledge, skills, and networks necessary for scaling their ventures. Over the past iterations, this program has helped 320 women entrepreneurs achieve a cumulative funding of approximately 28.7 billion yen and establish over 1,190 collaborations with major corporations.
With a vision to create an ecosystem of human resources, funding, and knowledge that fosters societal creation and transformation, the program collaborates closely with Globis, which operates the G-STARTUP accelerator program for MBA students and startups. Together, they leverage high-quality educators and successful investment experiences to enhance the support network for female entrepreneurs in Japan.
Program Structure
The APT Women program consists of a three-month curriculum that features group mentoring sessions and lectures tailored to the needs of women-led businesses seeking to scale and expand internationally. Selected participants may also have the chance to partake in overseas study programs in cities like New York and Singapore, designed to facilitate their global expansion endeavors.
The program will commence on September 9, 2026, with mandatory sessions spanning 11 classes over several weeks. Additionally, participants can expect further learning opportunities, including workshops on MVP development and tax consultations.
Kick-Off Event
A significant kick-off event for the 11th cohort will take place on September 11, 2026. This event will welcome 40 carefully selected participants who will share the stage with esteemed guests like Ayumi Chikamoto, CEO of ICHIGO. With a focus on networking, potential applicants, and anyone interested in supporting startups are encouraged to attend. The event will be available both onsite at Tokyo Innovation Base and via live stream on the APT Women official YouTube channel.
Application Details
The application process for the program runs from July 7 to August 3, 2026. Women entrepreneurs operating or looking to establish a business in Tokyo are invited to apply, irrespective of industry. The requirements permit applicants from various organization types including corporations, nonprofits, and sole proprietorships.
Interested applicants can find detailed application information and requirements on the APT Women official website. The selection will include both document screening and interviews to ensure the best candidates are chosen for the program.
Alumni Support
To aid potential applicants, “Alumni Consultation Meetings” will be held to provide insights and advice on the application process. Furthermore, a special lecture series on improving business plans and documentation will take place prior to the application period, offering attendees an insightful way to prepare.
About 01Booster
01Booster, the organization behind APT Women, is committed to changing the world through entrepreneurial innovation. Acting as a catalyst for business development through partnerships with diverse entities like government, universities, and startups, 01Booster plays a vital role in fostering a sustainable ecosystem for startup growth. Their efforts include media initiatives, venture investments, and accelerator programs tailored to nurture new business ventures across Tokyo and beyond.
For more information about the APT Women program and other related events, please visit their official site:
APT Women Official Site.
This initiative not only aims to empower female entrepreneurs but also seeks to inspire and cultivate a new generation of business leaders who can shape the future of both Japan and the global economy.