Call for Applicants: 'Origin Japan 2026 × KSAC' Acceleration Program for Researchers Targeting Global Expansion in Healthcare and MedTech

The Kansai Startup Academia Coalition (KSAC), a platform for creating university-born startups in the Kansai region operated by the Osaka Foundation for Promotion of Industry, is partnering for the first time with MedTech Actuator, a specialized accelerator in the medical and healthcare field. As part of this collaboration, KSAC will launch the acceleration program 'Origin Japan 2026 × KSAC' in August 2026, and today marks the beginning of participant recruitment.

While expectations for university-born startups continue to grow, bringing medical and healthcare research innovations to market faces challenges such as evidence generation for products and services, and collaboration among universities, medical institutions, and local governments. Additionally, international expansion presents unique hurdles, including the need to rebuild clinical and market evidence in each target country or region, differing from domestic requirements. (※1)

To overcome these challenges and bring Japan’s innovative research to the global stage, 'Origin Japan 2026 × KSAC' has been launched. This program will support the commercialization and international expansion of research-driven innovations through activities in Osaka and Singapore—a hub for medical and healthcare startup ecosystems. (※2)

※1 Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), “Healthcare Startup Policy” https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/mono_info_service/healthcare/startupseisaku/startupseisaku.html

※2 Source: Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), “Medical Technology” https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/our-industries/medical-technology.html

Key Features of the 'Origin Japan 2026 × KSAC' Program

The program consists of two phases—Osaka and Singapore—and provides end-to-end support from developing a global mindset to on-the-ground implementation.

Osaka Program Participants will intensively learn essential skills for international expansion and travel. The curriculum includes concentrated lectures on English pitching, cultivating a global entrepreneurial mindset, and refining business plans.

Singapore Program Participants will travel to Singapore, recognized as a hub for medical innovation, to attend practical workshops on international expansion and visit key institutions supporting the local healthcare ecosystem. On the final day of the Singapore program, participants will join a pitch event attended by numerous local healthcare professionals and ecosystem stakeholders, offering direct networking opportunities with key decision-makers. Outstanding participants selected from the cohort will have the opportunity to deliver English-language pitches at this event.

Program Overview

Eligibility: Researchers and graduate students (Ph.D. and master’s programs) from KSAC-participating universities who aim to launch startups with global ambitions.

Target Fields: Healthcare, biotechnology, medtech, regenerative medicine (excluding drug discovery)

Capacity: 3–5 teams (up to 2 members per team)

Participation Fee: Free of charge

Note: There is no fee to apply or participate in the program. However, applicants should refer to the official guidelines for details on cost coverage for travel, accommodation, meals, and local transportation.

Application Deadline: Monday, July 13, 2026

Application Details: Please visit the official website below https://ksac.site/206/

Schedule and Venues

Osaka Program (In-person)

Dates: Tuesday, August 4 – Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Venue: Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH) 3-1-100 Ogimachi, Kita-ku, Osaka Knowledge Capital Tower C, 7th Floor, Grand Front Osaka

Singapore Program (including travel days)

Dates: Sunday, September 20 – Friday, September 25, 2026

Location: Within Singapore

【About KSAC (Kansai Startup Academia Coalition)】 KSAC is a platform for creating university-born startups, with over 100 participating institutions—including universities, industries, financial organizations, and local governments across the Kansai region (as of May 2026). It aims to connect academic knowledge with real-world implementation through regional collaboration. Website: https://ksac.site

【About MedTech Actuator】 Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2018, MedTech Actuator is a specialized accelerator for medical and healthcare startups. Following its expansion into Singapore, it established a new Osaka hub in September 2024. Collaborating with Japanese public institutions, it actively supports the global expansion of startups and their entry into the Japanese market. Website: https://medtechactuator.com/

Organizers: Kansai Startup Academia Coalition (KSAC), Osaka Foundation for Promotion of Industry

Partner: MedTech Actuator