About the Program

1. What is the OIST Innovation Accelerator and how is it different from other accelerator programs?

The OIST Innovation Accelerator is a competitive 10-month entrepreneurship residency for scientists and researchers turning deep technology into market-based solutions. Based at OIST’s campus in Okinawa, it fuses focused R&D with structured go-to-market work: validating your Problem-Solution Fit, building early traction that demonstrates Proof-of-Business, and positioning you as investment-worthy for your next growth stage.

What makes it different:

• Depth over speed. Ten months, not three. Building something real in a new market takes time.
• R&D and market access under one roof. OIST’s world-class lab facilities sit alongside a structured go-to-market program.
• Traction before pitch. We spend the bulk of the program building the commercial evidence that makes you investment-worthy, rather than rushing to investment readiness.

2. Who is eligible for the program?

The program is designed for entrepreneurial scientists and researchers with a novel deep-tech solution and a clear ambition to test it in the Japanese market. Mandatory requirements include:

• Core technology at TRL 4–6 (validated in lab through demonstrated in a relevant environment)
• Innovation Readiness Level between IRL 2–3: a commercial application identified and market need confirmed at a conceptual level, with field validation in Japan still ahead
• Clear IP ownership: core technology owned or exclusively licensed by the applying entity, with no unresolved conflicts
• At least one researcher or scientist on the founding team
• Clear and specific ambition for the Japanese market
• Ability for at least one co-founder or C-suite to relocate to Okinawa for the full 10-month program
• Solution aligned with one or both program themes (see Q8)

We are particularly interested in deep-tech ventures in life sciences, marine and environmental technology, quantum computing, AI, or sustainable energy and materials. Startups with existing connections to OIST research are a plus, but strong ventures from anywhere in the world are welcome. You do not need to be an OIST researcher or alumnus to apply.

We do not fund projects requiring pharmaceutical/drug clinical trials (although some pre-clinical studies may be eligible), or companies selling third-party products.

TRL Level	Description
TRL 4	Technology validated in a laboratory environment
TRL 5	Technology validated in a relevant environment
TRL 6	Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment

3. How much funding can we receive?

Selected projects are awarded up to 10,000,000 Japanese Yen of non-dilutive project funding, depending on the project plan.

4. How much equity do you take?

None. The funding is entirely non-dilutive. Our goal is to support early-stage, pre-commercial deep technologies that can make a significant impact in Okinawa and the world.

5. Who owns IP that the team might generate during the program?

IP you create on your own during the program remains yours. OIST does not claim ownership of it.

During the Onboarding Week, you will complete a Background IP Disclosure to formally establish what IP you bring into the program. This protects your existing IP and excludes it from OIST’s IP policy.

The one exception: if your R&D involves direct collaboration with an OIST researcher or staff member, the resulting IP may qualify as Joint IP under OIST’s policies, and ownership will be handled accordingly. OIST can provide guidance on IP filing, and filing costs are covered from a separate OIST budget.

6. Are there specific rules on the use of funds?

Use of funds are subject to rules and regulations of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and its sponsors. In general, funds can be used for:

• Personnel (salary, social insurance, etc.) as determined by the employment agreement
• Lab and office supplies/consumables (excluding equipment with a unit price over ¥100,000)
• Outsourcing (excluding orders to your own startup or affiliated vendors, capped at ¥1.5M per contract)
• Business travel

A rental laptop and monitor are provided by OIST. Company formation procedures and IP filing are supported from a separate OIST budget.

7. What else do I get?

In addition to the project funding, selected teams receive:

Funding & Setup

• Startup VISA and relocation support to operate in Japan
• Access to OIST’s world-class lab facilities and shared research equipment
• Rental laptop and monitor
• Incubator space in Okinawa post-graduation (subject to traction)

Program Support

• Structured coaching and practicum across all three program phases (Discover, Design, Go)
• Japan-specific customer discovery fieldwork support
• De-risked first Japanese hire support
• Company formation and IP filing supported from a separate OIST budget

For Your Next Growth Stage

• Network and pitch at Startup Elevate, OIST’s flagship international startup event
• Introductions to Japanese VCs and corporate partners
• Data room, pitch deck, and materials prepared for your next round and/or program

The OIST Ecosystem

• Access to OIST’s global industry network
• Potential connections to OIST research units and researchers
• Visibility to potential lead investors, including the OIST-Lifetime Ventures Fund

8. What are "themes"?

The 2027–2028 program has two themes. Your solution must align with at least one:

• Okinawa Sandbox — For startups with solutions that address Okinawan economic, social, or environmental challenges, using Okinawa as a testbed for broader Japanese and global impact.
• Bioconvergence — For startups with technologies that promote the sustainable development of mental and physical health, and the environment, aligned with the One World, One Health concept (OIST COI-NEXT).

We accept ventures across all technology fields within these themes.

9. Is there a predetermined period of time for this program?

The residency runs from June to March of the following year — ten months in total. The 2027–2028 edition runs from June 2027 to March 2028. Selected teams should plan for a relocation period between February and May 2027 preceding the program start.

Application & Selection

10. What is the application process and schedule?

All sessions are conducted in English.

Stage	What Happens
Apply Apr – Jul 3, 2026	Submit your application online. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged.
Online Interview Mid-July 2026	Top 16 teams are invited to a 45-minute online interview: a 5-minute pitch followed by a 40-minute Q&A. Top 8 advance.
In-Person Bootcamp Nov 1–7, 2026	Top 8 teams come to Okinawa for an immersive bootcamp (activities Nov 2–6), culminating in Startup Elevate (Nov 4–6). Final proposals due January 3, 2027.
Program Start Jun 2027	Four winning teams notified by end of January 2027. Relocation runs February–May 2027. The 10-month residency begins.

11. How can I apply?

Check the program page for the application procedures and the link to the application portal.

12. What if I have team members?

Under the program, participants will engage in intensive business development, fundraising, and R&D activities. We strongly prefer teams of two or more co-founders with complementary technical and business skill sets. Funding for the entire team, including personnel costs, must be managed within the funding allocated.

13. What do you look for in a successful team?

We evaluate teams on the following:

• Japanese market ambition: Do you have a clear, specific reason to be in Japan? We’re looking for founders who have identified real market opportunities here, not teams treating Japan as one option among many.
• Technology and IP: Is your technology at TRL 4–6 with clear IP ownership? Do you understand what your IP is worth and how to protect it?
• Team: Is there at least one researcher or scientist on the founding team? Do you have complementary technical and business skills? Solo founders can apply, but teams of two or more are strongly preferred.
• Thematic fit: Does your solution align with one or both program themes (Okinawa Sandbox or Bioconvergence)?
• Commercial potential: Have you identified a commercial application and confirmed market need at a conceptual level? We don’t expect validated Problem-Solution Fit at entry — that’s what the program is for.
• Commitment: Is at least one co-founder or C-suite ready to relocate to Okinawa for ten months?

Technology & Readiness

14. What if we only have an idea, but no technical expertise/skills?

We expect you to have the necessary expertise and technical skills within the team to commercialize your product/service. There is no expectation that other researchers at OIST will be available to collaborate on or provide technical support to your project. We also discourage applications where the majority of the project plan is outsourced.

15. Do I need to have a prototype before I apply?

Your core technology should be between TRL 4 (validated in a laboratory environment) and TRL 6 (demonstrated in a relevant environment). At minimum, you should be able to show data that your technology works as intended beyond the conceptual stage. We discourage applications for technologies that are only at the idea stage or where feasibility has not been established.

16. We already have a startup company. Can we still apply to the program?

Yes. If your goal is to start a new company, relocate your company to Japan, access the Japanese market, you can still apply to our program.

17. We have already raised funding. Can we still apply to your program?

Yes, you can still apply to our program which will afford you additional financial, physical, and educational support from OIST.

Logistics & Operations

18. Can we participate without relocating to Okinawa?

No. The program is an in-residence program at OIST. Access to lab facilities, structured coaching, and the local business development network all require physical presence. At least one co-founder or C-suite member must relocate to Okinawa as an OIST employee for the full 10-month program duration.

19. How does the process work for relocating to Okinawa and onboarding at OIST?

OIST provides support to help selected teams relocate to Okinawa, including one-way relocation travel, finding housing, setting up bank accounts, and orientation to life at OIST and in Okinawa. Regarding housing during the program period, OIST can offer on-campus apartments (paid) upon request from participants. In such cases, participants will be assigned a shared 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom unit with other program participants, following OIST’s housing arrangements.

20. Do I need to be a Japanese citizen or have a work visa before participating in the program?

No. Selected participants join OIST as employees for the program duration, and OIST sponsors the necessary work visa. After the program, OIST will support you in obtaining a Startup VISA to continue building your business in Japan, including covering the consultant and application fees. The Startup VISA provides a runway to complete incorporation and other setup requirements — these are program outcomes, not entry conditions.

21. What kinds of facilities and equipment at OIST will be available for our project?

OIST has state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities available to support a range of research activities, including imaging, DNA analysis, nanofabrication, mechanical engineering, and many others.

22. Will you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement?

OIST does not sign separate NDAs with applicants. However, application materials are treated as confidential and reviewed only by the selection panel.

Once selected, participants join OIST as employees for the program duration and sign an employment agreement that includes binding clauses on confidentiality and IP ownership. This covers the handling of all sensitive materials generated or shared during the program, including pitch decks, data rooms, and investor communications. A Background IP Disclosure is completed during the Onboarding Week to formally establish what IP you bring into the program.

After the Program

23. After the program, are we required to start a company in Okinawa?

No. Whether you set up in Okinawa is a decision made during the program based on the traction you build. If your outcomes demonstrate a real business case for staying, OIST will support you through incorporation, Startup VISA, and access to incubator space. If the evidence points elsewhere — back to your home country, another Japanese city, or a pivot — that’s a valid outcome too. The program is designed to help you make that decision with data, not assumptions.

24. What happens after graduation?

Graduation is your launchpad, not the finish line. Teams with strong traction can access incubator space in Okinawa to continue operations, have a growth narrative prepared for your next funding round or mainstream acceleration program — whether you stay in Okinawa, expand across Japan, or scale internationally.

Events

25. What happens at the Bootcamp in Okinawa?

The top 8 teams are invited to OIST’s campus for an immersive bootcamp (November 1–7, 2026). Over several intensive days, you will work through your problem-solution fit, product benefits, market opportunity, target customers, traction, and the ask — with structured feedback from coaches and peers.

The bootcamp culminates in Startup Elevate (November 4–6), OIST’s flagship international startup event, where all 8 teams pitch publicly and connect with investors and ecosystem players. OIST covers airfare (capped by region), accommodation, and ground transportation (from the Hotel to OIST) for one representative per team.

Final proposals are due January 3, 2027. Four teams are selected for the full residency.

26. What is Startup Elevate?

Startup Elevate is OIST’s flagship international startup event, held annually in November at the OIST campus in Okinawa. It brings together founders, investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem players. During the event, all bootcamp teams pitch publicly, participate in networking sessions, and gain visibility with potential investors and partners. For the 2026 edition, Startup Elevate runs November 4–6.