21 July 2026

Proof of Concept (POC) Program — Call for applications (Round 15)

The call for applications for Round 15 of the OIST Innovation Proof of Concept (POC) Program has opened and it will conclude on 1 October 2026. New projects accepted in the POC Program will receive support, funding, mentoring and the community needed to develop ideas into technologies, products and services to make an impact in Okinawa and globally.

The OIST Innovation Proof of Concept (POC) Program is a competitive funding program for OIST researchers designed to help bridge the gap between lab discoveries and commercialization. The POC Program provides project teams with funding, mentoring, opportunities for industry collaborations, and a supportive community that helps turn lab discoveries into technologies, products or services.

The POC Program continues to mature each year, and after 99 accepted POC projects, we would love to see yours become number 100!

This call for applications is open to current and incoming OIST researchers. To find out about all the details of the Round 15 call for applications for the POC Program, you are invited to visit one of the OIST Innovation Open Hours — our team is available for you every Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the OIST Innovation Lounge (Lab 2, in front of B600).

The funding call for Round 15 of the POC Program will conclude on 1 October 2026.

Find all POC Program guidelines and application documents here, get inspired by some of our ongoing POC projects here. You are welcome to the info session on July 29 to learn more.