[Okayama Prefecture Industrial Promotion Foundation] Startup HARE-RISE Project "Application Open for Acceleration Program Support Companies" and "Business Briefing Session (Kick-off Seminar)" to be Held on July 16

Okayama Prefecture and the Okayama Prefecture Industrial Promotion Foundation (a public foundation) will support the accelerated growth of startups and university-originated ventures within the prefecture that possess excellent technologies and business models. This will be achieved through an acceleration program led by experienced entrepreneurs and experts, as well as by providing opportunities for funding acquisition and business matching.

We are now opening applications for support companies through the acceleration program and will hold a business briefing session (kick-off seminar) for recruitment.

1 Supporting Entrepreneurs with Passion!

We will fully support the challenges of entrepreneurs who aspire to make an impact on society with new business models and services.

As the first step in paving the way for entrepreneurs' futures, the "Startup HARE-RISE Project" acceleration program will consist of 12 group training sessions held twice a month and individual mentoring.

We aim to accelerate business growth and achieve Product-Market Fit by providing comprehensive support, from enhancing entrepreneurial appeal and customer understanding to prototyping, business strategy, fundraising, and investor pitches.

Furthermore, we will hold a "Demo Day" where program participants can present their business models and services to corporations and venture capitalists, and aim for funding acquisition and business matching by presenting at pitch events held in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Eligible Companies: Startup companies or university-originated ventures within approximately 10 years of establishment that meet either of the following requirements:

(1) Companies based in Okayama Prefecture

(2) Companies (including those planned) working on new businesses in collaboration with companies in Okayama Prefecture

Application Period: June 26, 2026 (Fri) - July 22, 2026 (Wed)

2 Business Briefing Session (7/16) Overview

Date and Time: July 16, 2026 (Thu) 15:00 - 16:40

Venue: Okayama University Co-creation Innovation Lab KIBINOVE, 5th Floor

(3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City)

Format: Hybrid

Participation Fee: Free

Capacity: 40 on-site participants

Organizers: Okayama Prefecture, (Contracted Organization: Okayama Prefecture Industrial Promotion Foundation)

Application Deadline: July 15, 2026 (Wed)

3 Business Briefing Session (7/16) Schedule

15:00 Opening

15:05 Business Overview

15:15 Lecture by Startup Entrepreneur

15:45 Acceleration Program Introduction

Cross-talk Session

16:40 Closing

17:00 Individual Consultations (for those interested)

4 Business Briefing Session (Held on 7/16)

5 How to Apply

Application Method: Application Form ↓

https://www.optic.or.jp/event/event_detail/index/12237.html

≪Contact Information≫

Startup HARE-RISE Project Office

5301 Haga, Kita-ku, Okayama City 701-1221 (Techno Support Okayama)

Okayama Prefecture Industrial Promotion Foundation, Business Support Department, Small and Medium Enterprise Support Division, Contact: Yasuhara, Fujita

TEL: 086-286-9626 FAX: 086-286-9627 E-mail: svinfo@optic.or.jp