JST Early Dawn Program 2026

About

An incubation program designed to support deep-tech startups by facilitating collaboration with university researchers in Japan, providing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to enhance innovation and commercialization efforts.

Benefits

• 💰Funding Support
  Funding up to ¥600,000 for exploration and networking support
• 💰R&D Funding
  Funding up to ¥5,000,000 for research and development support
• 🎓Mentorship Program
  Mentorship from entrepreneurs and investors
• 🌐Networking Opportunities
  Startup ecosystem networking opportunities
• 📈Training Program
  Training in venture creation and commercialization
• 🔍Technology Access
  Support in identifying and accessing technology seeds
• 🤝Research Collaboration
  Matching with university researchers and labs

Eligibility Criteria

• Technical domain expertise
• Business experience or formal training such as MBA, MOT (Management of Technology), or equivalent experience
• Ability to collaborate with academic researchers
• Skills in business model development
• Capability to identify and evaluate technology seeds
• Experience in early-stage venture building or innovation management
• Must reside in Japan during the program period
• Must carry out all program activities within Japan
• Employer approval required if currently employed
• Proposals must be submitted in Japanese
• Strong communication ability in Japanese is required

Participation Commitments

• Must participate in all program activities within Japan
• Must submit proposals in Japanese
• Must collaborate with academic researchers

Target Region

Japan

Target Sector

Deep-Tech