Discover · Design · Go
A competitive 10-month entrepreneurship residency for global deep-tech founders ready to build and expand in Japan.
2027-2028 Cohort | Okinawa, Japan | Up to ¥10 million in non-dilutive funding
Applications open April – July 3, 2026
AT A GLANCE
Months Residency |
Non-dilutive Project Funding |
Teams Selected |
Technology Readiness Level |
Innovation Readiness Level |
10 |
¥10M |
4 |
TRL 4–6 |
IRL 2–3 |
Think you qualify? See Eligibility Criteria below.
THE PROGRAM
Built for Entrepreneurial Researchers and Scientists Ready to Commercialize in the Japanese Market
The OIST Innovation Accelerator is a competitive 10-month entrepreneurship residency for scientists and researchers turning deep technology into market-based solutions. 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.
Based at OIST’s oceanside campus in Okinawa, it stands apart as a unique entry point into the Japanese market for global founders today.
WHY OIST IS DIFFERENT
Depth Over Speed
- Ten months because building something real in a new market takes time.
Traction Before Pitch
- We spend the bulk of the program building the commercial evidence (i.e. validated customers, signed agreements, a working prototype, etc.) that lends credence to your growth and investment-worthiness narrative.
R&D and Market Access Under One Roof
- OIST’s world-class lab facilities sit alongside a structured go-to-market program, a combination that is rare anywhere in the world.
Japan, Done Right
- Japan rewards commitment, but commitment has a price: incorporation, minimum paid-in capital, visa obligations, and a market that moves on trust built over time. The program is designed to help you validate Japan is the right bet for your venture, and to put you on track to secure what you will need to stay long-term.
The OIST Ecosystem
- Beyond the program itself, you gain access to OIST’s global industry network, potential connections to active research units, and visibility to potential lead investors, including the OIST-Lifetime Ventures Fund.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Three Phases. One Market.
The program runs across three phases, each with concrete deliverables anchored to the realities of building and selling in Japan.
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DISCOVER Months 1–4 |
DESIGN Months 4–6 |
GO Months 7–10 |
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You will go deep into the Japanese market before selling anything. Through structured fieldwork and expert guidance, you will validate your problem-solution fit with real customers and stakeholders, and build a clear strategy around your intellectual property. You leave this phase knowing exactly what to build and for whom. |
With validated insights in hand, you use OIST’s world-class lab facilities to build a customer-facing MVP, prototype, or demo. Your business model and go-to-market strategy are refined around what discovery actually showed, not what you assumed coming in. |
You go to market. The focus is on securing real proof of traction: early customers, Letters of Intent, MOUs, and paid pilots. You leave this phase investment-worthy, with a data room, a growth narrative, and the introductions to match. |
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Everything You Need to Validate Business in Japan
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Funding & Setup • Up to ¥10 million in non-dilutive project funding • VISA and relocation support to operate in Japan • Access to OIST’s world-class lab facilities • Incubator space in Okinawa post-graduation (subject to traction) |
Program Support • Structured coaching and practicum across all three program phases • Japan-specific customer discovery fieldwork support • De-risked first Japanese hire support |
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For Your Next Growth Stage • Network and pitch at Startup Elevate, OIST’s flagship international startup event (November 2026) • 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 • Life and work on one of the world’s most remarkable research campuses: oceanside Okinawa |
ELIGIBILITY
Who Should Apply
The OIST Accelerator is designed for a specific kind of founder: an entrepreneurial scientist or researcher who has built a novel solution and is committed to testing it in the Japanese market.
Mandatory Requirements
- Core Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between TRL-4 and TRL-6: a technology validated in a laboratory setting and demonstrated in a relevant environment, but has not yet been tested in real-world market or field conditions with actual users
- Innovation Readiness Level (IRL) between IRL-2 and IRL-3: a commercial application has been identified and a 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 with prior employers or institutions. Where IP has not yet been formally filed, applicants must demonstrate a clear path to filing and a willingness to do so with support from OIST
- At least one researcher or scientist on the founding team
- Clear and specific ambition for the Japanese market, with one or more identified market opportunities
- Ability for at least one co-founder or C-suite to relocate to Okinawa for the full 10-month program (June 2026 – March 2027)
- Solution aligned with one or both program themes:
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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). |
Preferences (as a plus)
- Deep-tech ventures in life sciences, marine and environmental technology, quantum computing, AI, or sustainable energy and materials
- Startups with existing or potential connections to OIST research, researchers, or Research Units
- Two or more co-founders with complementary technical and business skill sets, already committed full-time
Note: The program is open to global founders, including Japanese founders. You do not need to be an OIST researcher or alumnus to apply. Teams with existing links to OIST’s research ecosystem will find the program particularly valuable, but strong ventures from anywhere in the world are welcomed.
[ Apply Now ]
THE JOURNEY
Selection Process & Timeline
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# |
Stage |
What Happens |
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1 |
Apply Apr – Jul 3, 2026 |
Submit your application online. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged. OIST selects 16 promising startups for online interviews beginning the week of August 3rd. |
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2 |
Online Interview Early Aug 2026 |
The top 16 teams are invited to a 45-minute online interview: a 5-minute pitch followed by a 40-minute Q&A. You will be challenged on your solution, your business model, your Japanese market opportunity, and your fit with OIST and Okinawa. Submit a revised pitch deck at the end. Top 8 advance to the bootcamp. |
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3 |
In-Person Bootcamp Nov 1–7, 2026 |
The top 8 teams are invited to Okinawa for an immersive bootcamp (activities November 2–6). Over two intensive days, teams dive deep into their businesses through problem-solution fit, product benefits, market opportunity, target customers, traction, and the ask. The bootcamp culminates in Startup Elevate (November 4–6), OIST and Lifetime Ventures’ flagship international startup event, where all 8 teams pitch publicly and connect with investors and ecosystem players. Final proposals are due January 3, 2027. Four teams are selected for the full residency. |
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4 |
Accelerator Program Jun 2027 – Mar 2028 |
The 4 winning teams are notified by end of January 2027. Relocation arrangements run February to May 2027. The full 10-month program then begins: structured discovery, design, and go-to-market sprints with full backing from OIST. |
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5 |
Graduation & Spin-Out Mar 2028 |
Graduation is your launchpad, not the finish line. You leave with real traction, a data room, and a growth narrative that make you ready for your next funding round or top-tier accelerator, whether you stay in Okinawa, expand across Japan, or scale internationally. |
All sessions are conducted in English.
Travel & Accommodation Support
OIST provides the following support for one representative per team invited to the bootcamp:
- Airfare reimbursement: A fixed stipend is provided to cover round-trip airfare from your home location to Okinawa, capped by region of departure and reimbursed upon completion of the bootcamp against proof of travel.
- Accommodation: OIST will arrange and cover accommodation in a hotel close to the OIST campus for the duration of the bootcamp (November 1–7).
- Ground transportation: Daily transportation between the hotel and the OIST campus is provided.
Full details on reimbursement amounts and procedures will be communicated to selected teams upon confirmation of their participation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I apply if I am not currently based in Japan?
Yes. The program is open to global founders. You will be expected to relocate to Okinawa for the full program duration. Startup VISA support and relocation assistance are included for selected teams.
Does my company need to already be incorporated?
No, but incorporate should be in the near future. Ideally, in Okinawa or Japan.
What stage does my technology need to be at?
Between TRL-4 (technology validated in a laboratory environment) and TRL-6 (technology demonstrated in a relevant environment). Earlier-stage research and fully commercial products fall outside the program’s scope.
What level of commercial readiness do I need to have?
The program requires an Innovation Readiness Level (IRL) between IRL-2 and IRL-3. This means you have identified a commercial application for your technology and have some early conceptual evidence of market need, but you have not yet validated it through field work in Japan. That validation is precisely what the Discover phase is designed to achieve.
Can a solo founder apply?
Yes, but the program strongly prefers teams with two or more co-founders bringing complementary technical and business skills. Solo founders may be encouraged to present a plan for building out their founding team.
Is the ¥10 million funding dilutive?
No. The project funding is non-dilutive. It supports your project plan in Okinawa, including remuneration, R&D, operational costs, consumables, and GTM activities during the residency. Investment connections are facilitated separately. These funds are to be used according to OIST’s accounting rules.
What happens after the program ends?
Teams with strong traction can access incubator space in Okinawa to continue operations. OIST supports introductions to VCs and corporate partners, with the goal that you leave ready for your next serious funding round.
Questions? Have a look at our Frequently asked questions
For all other questions, please contact us at accelerator@oist.jp
Sponsors
Proudly sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government and the OIST Global Bioconvergence Center of Innovation (COI-NEXT)
Ready to Enter the Japanese Market?
Applications close July 3, 2026. Only 4 spots available.
[ Apply Now ] [ Full FAQ ] [ Contact Us ]
Questions? Contact us at accelerator@oist.jp