OIH Startup Acceleration Program (OSAP), Boasting Over 47.1 Billion JPY in Total Funding and Kansai's Largest Support Record, Begins Recruitment for its 21st Term!

The "OIH Startup Acceleration Program (OSAP)", operated by the Osaka Industrial Promotion Organization, has been providing specialized hands-on support tailored to the unique challenges of early-stage companies since its renewal in 2022, aiming to accelerate the emergence of middle and later-stage companies.

This program targets startups aiming for business expansion and rapid growth before and after achieving Product Market Fit (PMF). With the decision to implement the 21st term, applications are now open nationwide.

Participants will aim to accelerate their business growth through mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists (VCs), and large corporations over approximately four months, starting from late June 2026.

【Main Support Contents of This Program】 We provide menus to break through the "wall of business expansion" and "wall of fundraising" faced during the transition from early to middle stage.

Recruitment and Organizational Design (HR) We provide hands-on support for practical matters related to recruitment and organization, led by CHROs (Chief Human Resource Officers) of startups and secretariat members with extensive experience in recruitment consulting.

Sales Channel Expansion (Business Development and Sales) We offer mentoring to maximize sales results by sales managers active in leading Japanese startups, introductions to potential customers headquartered in Osaka, and refinement of proposal documents to improve contract rates.

Exit and Capital Policy Experts provide multifaceted support for refining a "winning equity story" for the next round of fundraising and building diverse exit strategies, including M&A.

*Support will primarily be conducted online, but some events such as training camps are planned to be held offline.

【OIH Startup Acceleration Program (OSAP)】 21st Term Program Application Overview

Eligibility (Startups must meet all of the following requirements) (1) Possess products or services (2) Have achieved Product Market Fit (PMF) or have a prospect of achieving PMF (3) Are in the early stage (aiming for IPO or M&A generally within a few years) (4) Desire growth in anticipation of the next round of funding *Companies outside Osaka City are also eligible to participate. Industry sector is not restricted.

Application Deadline June 10, 2026 (Wednesday) 5:00 PM JST

Selection Results Will be announced later on the OIH Startup Acceleration Program (OSAP) website. https://www.innovation-osaka.jp/acceleration/

OSAP Implementation Schedule (Planned) ・May 27, 2026 (Wednesday) 21st Term Selected Companies Recruitment Event Program details explanation, sessions on know-how for business collaboration with large corporations, etc. Details: https://www.innovation-osaka.jp/acceleration/events/events_20260527.html

・June 10, 2026 (Wednesday) 5:00 PM JST Application Deadline

・June 25, 2026 (Thursday) (Planned) Kick-off Meeting

・Late June to Early July 2026 2-day OSAP Training Camp Intensive mentoring with entrepreneurs and top VCs *Detailed schedule will be posted on the application page around May 22

・Late June to Early October 2026 Approximately 4-month Intensive Support Period Hands-on support by the secretariat, support for securing investment from VCs, etc.

・October 6, 2026 (Tuesday) (Planned) Results Presentation (Demo Day) A venue to showcase 4 months of achievements and business growth

Details and Application Application guidelines and other information will be posted, and applications will be accepted, on the OIH Startup Acceleration Program (OSAP) website. https://www.innovation-osaka.jp/acceleration/program.html

Organizer Osaka Industrial Promotion Organization

Co-organizer Osaka City

Operator For Startups Co., Ltd.

Cooperation Osaka Startup Ecosystem Consortium