Explore - Focus - Build
Welcome to OIST Innovation Accelerator Program, a transformative journey for entrepreneurs shaped by a dynamic competition-based format. This startup launchpad will propel you through a series of stages while providing an immersive entrepreneurship training designed to help you refine your idea and business plan. The winners of the competition will be funded to come to Okinawa, Japan, to build their product and launch their startups.
Once you have secured your spot in the competition, the excitement begins!
Stage 1: Explore - Online Training Program
August - September 2025
Once applications open in summer 2025, we will select 25 promising teams to join an online course starting in August. This training will challenge you to dig deep into your startup idea, uncover market opportunities, and develop a compelling narrative around your venture. At the end, you'll submit a short video pitch. The top 12 teams will be selected to advance to the next stage: the in-person bootcamp in Okinawa.
Dates: Sessions will begin in the late summer/fall of 2025. Exact dates and times to be announced.
Note: All sessions will be conducted in English
Stage 2: Focus - Startup Bootcamp in Okinawa
December 2025
The finalists will be invited to Okinawa for an immersive bootcamp here at OIST. The teams will receive financial support for travel and hotel costs (based on OIST's travel rules) for up to 2 members from each team to attend.
Finalists will receive expert-led workshops in:
- Technology and product development
- Customer discovery and market strategy
- Fundraising and financial planning
- Team culture and leadership
- Intellectual property and legal essentials
The bootcamp ends with a live pitch competition, where 4 teams will be chosen to enter the final phase: a year-long accelerator residency in Okinawa.
Dates: Early December 2025. Exact dates to be announced.
Stage 3: Build - Accelerator Program in Okinawa
The 4 winning teams will relocate to Okinawa to build, test, and launch their startups with full backing from OIST.
Winners will receive:
- Up to 10 million JPY of non-dilutive funding
- Visa to build your startup in Japan
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities, equipment, and workspace
- Entrepreneurship training and mentoring
- Connections to our global network of scientists, investors, government leaders, and industry experts
- Travel support to attend the startup bootcamp in Okinawa
- A year in one of Japan's most beautiful and inspiring regions
Graduation and Launch
March 2027
By the end of the program, your company will be investor-ready and positioned for global growth. Whether you stay in Japan or scale internationally, you'll leave with a venture build on deep tech, rigorous validation, and a powerful network.
Questions? Have a look at our Frequently asked questions
For all other questions, please contact us at accelerator@oist.jp