Naturepreneur Japan Launches Full-Scale Support for Natural Capital Regeneration with 7 Partner Companies, Totaling 25 Million Yen in Grants

May 8, 2026

Key facts

Naturepreneur Japan Launches Full-Scale Support for Natural Capital Regeneration with 7 Partner Companies, Totaling 25 Million Yen in Grants
Naturepreneur Japan (NPJ), a general incorporated foundation, has officially launched a grant program to support "Naturepreneurs" who drive natural capital regeneration, in collaboration with seven companies and with a total grant amount of 25 million yen. NPJ aims to build Japan's first nature-positive ecosystem by offering multi-layered support programs including fellowships for young researchers, startup grants, and scenario development support.
Source: PR Times
Date: May 8, 2026

Direct answer

Naturepreneur Japan (NPJ), a general incorporated foundation, has officially launched a grant program to support "Naturepreneurs" who drive natural capital regeneration, in collaboration with seven companies and with a total grant amount of 25 million yen. NPJ aims to build Japan's first nature-positive ecosystem by offering multi-layered support programs including fellowships for young researchers, startup grants, and scenario development support.

Citation: Naturepreneur Japan Launches Full-Scale Support for Natural Capital Regeneration with 7 Partner Companies, Totaling 25 Million Yen in Grants (May 8, 2026), PR Times
Source: PR Times
Date: May 8, 2026

Naturepreneur Japan (NPJ), a general incorporated foundation, has officially launched a grant program to support "Naturepreneurs" who drive natural capital regeneration, in collaboration with seven companies and with a total grant amount of 25 million yen. NPJ aims to build Japan's first nature-positive ecosystem by offering multi-layered support programs including fellowships for young researchers, startup grants, and scenario development support.

提携NQ 0/100出典：PR Times

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📰 Published: May 8, 2026 at 20:00
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The General Incorporated Foundation Naturepreneur Japan (NPJ), based in Nishiawakura Village, Okayama Prefecture, and represented by Masamine Fukao, is officially launching its operations with a grant program as its core, aiming to build a platform to support "Naturepreneurs" who balance natural capital conservation with economic activities. Currently, driven by the global trend of nature-positive initiatives (nature restoration), it is essential for companies to contribute to biodiversity. This year, focusing on this societal challenge, seven partner and supporter companies that endorse NPJ's vision have been selected. With an initial year's total grant amount of 25 million yen (planned), NPJ will commence multi-layered support programs, including "Fellowships" to support young researchers, "Startup Grants," and "Scenario Development Support." Concurrently, NPJ will accelerate the construction of Japan's first full-fledged nature-positive ecosystem, organically connecting researchers, local communities, and corporations. ■ List of Participating Companies for FY2026 (in no particular order) We will walk alongside the following companies as pioneering partners leading nature-positive initiatives into societal implementation. Partner Companies: PwC Consulting LLC, Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. Supporter Companies: Development Bank of Japan Inc., Nippon Television Network Corporation, PLUS SOCIAL Inc., Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., JECC Co., Ltd. ● Masakazu Yasui, Representative Executive Officer CEO, PwC Consulting LLC "As new challenges emerge in engaging with nature and local communities, the movement to create positive change in society aligns with the direction we aim for. We hope that as the environment surrounding Naturepreneurs expands and diverse individuals and organizations continue to show interest, new dialogues and possibilities will emerge." ● Kayoko Sakai, Group CSuO Executive Officer and Senior Managing Executive Officer, SOMPO Holdings, Inc.; Senior Managing Executive Officer, CCuO and CSuO, Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. "The power of 'people' is indispensable for realizing a nature-positive society. For many years, our company has collaborated with diverse stakeholders and focused on human resource development in the environmental field. Through our partnership with Naturepreneur Japan, we will co-create a resilient future with all those who take on challenges and strongly support their endeavors." ■ Full Scope of NPJ's "Nature-Positive Ecosystem" Promotion In addition to the grant program, NPJ will develop the following initiatives as a "social infrastructure (platform)" connecting researchers, local communities, and corporations. 1. "Multi-layered Grant Programs" tailored to the phase of challenge ○ Next-Generation Fellowship Grant: Support for young researchers and practitioners aged 29 and under. (Already started) ○ Startup Grant: Discovery, nurturing, and support for the next generation of entrepreneurs in the natural capital regeneration and nature-positive domain. ○ Model Project (Scenario) Grant: Support for business design and strategy formulation aimed at social implementation. 2. Academia Collaboration: Nature-Positive Research Group With the cooperation of Professor Akira Mori's Laboratory at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, study sessions and workshops are regularly held for companies and local governments to learn the latest scientific knowledge and connect with on-site practices. 3. Visualization of Human Capital: Talent Platform Building a platform to match researchers and practitioners with specialized skills with companies and local communities that possess resources. ■ Status of "Next-Generation Naturepreneur Fellowship" Adoption After rigorous selection from over 70 pre-entries, next-generation fellows who are taking on business, research, and studies utilizing local natural resources have begun to be selected. These next-generation fellows range widely from university students to young working professionals. This fellowship grant initiative is made possible through the cooperation of senior Naturepreneurs active in various regions. This year, we are working with over 15 organizations tackling various themes in fields such as forests, villages, rivers, and oceans. We will deepen our collaboration with local communities and work on this domain across all of Japan. ■ Seeking Partners to Co-create a "Nature-Positive" Future NPJ aims to certify 200 fellows, nurture 50 entrepreneurs, and create over 20 model projects within the next five years. To connect "on-site passion" with "corporate resources" and realize a society where natural capital is appropriately valued and circulated, "all-Japan co-creation" transcending specific frameworks is indispensable. NPJ welcomes diverse forms of collaboration, not only through donations and sponsorships but also through joint business development, provision of demonstration fields, and sharing of knowledge. Companies that wish to seriously engage in nature-positive initiatives, or those who are at the stage of "just wanting to consult on what can be done," are encouraged to feel free to contact us.

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PR Times: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000166115.html | May 8, 2026

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