OIH Startup Acceleration Program (OSAP), boasting over 47.1 billion yen in cumulative 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 focusing on providing hands-on support tailored to the unique challenges of early-stage startups 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 receive mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists (VCs), and large corporations for approximately four months, starting from late June 2026, with the goal of accelerating business growth.

【Main Support Contents of This Program】

We provide a menu designed to overcome the "wall of business expansion" and "wall of fundraising" that early-stage startups face when transitioning to the 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 leading Japanese startups and secretariat members with extensive experience in recruitment consulting.

Market Expansion (Business Development and Sales)
We offer mentoring aimed at maximizing 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 within approximately a few years)

(4) Desire growth anticipating the next round of funding

*Companies outside Osaka City are also eligible to participate. Industry is not restricted.

■Application Deadline

June 10, 2026 (Wednesday) 5:00 PM

■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
Explanation of program details, 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 Application Deadline

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

・Late June to Early July 2026 2-day/1-night 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 months of intensive support period
Hands-on support by the secretariat, investment acquisition support from VCs, etc.

・October 6, 2026 (Tuesday) (Planned) Results Presentation (Demo Day)
A venue to showcase the results and business growth over four months.

■Details and Application

Application guidelines and other information are posted, and applications are 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, Inc.

■Cooperation

Osaka Startup Ecosystem Consortium