Call for Applications: STARTUP NAGASAKI – Nagasaki Prefecture's Initiative to Support Business Expansion with Major Tokyo-Area Corporations (Application Deadline: July 10)

Nagasaki Prefecture will host 'STARTUP NAGASAKI,' an individualized support program designed to provide local startups with opportunities for business expansion and collaboration with major corporations in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Companies selected through this program will receive pre-event mentoring and will pitch at the 'Morning Pitch' event (http://morningpitch.com/) held in Tokyo on Thursday, November 5, to facilitate business matching.

1. Eligible Companies

Startups based in Nagasaki Prefecture that have completed the feasibility study phase and have established a certain level of PMF (Product-Market Fit—the state in which a product or service meets the needs of a specific market). Companies should be in the early to middle stage of growth, entering the expansion phase.

2. Application Deadline

July 10 (Friday), Reiwa 8, by 17:00

3. How to Apply

Please complete all required fields and submit your application via the online application form.

4. Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by experts based on the following criteria. Additional interviews may be conducted if necessary.

<Review Criteria> • Business Growth Potential: Whether the business has the potential for significant growth, not just small-scale operations • Program Relevance and Suitability: Potential for collaboration, adoption, or business discussions with corporations in the Tokyo area • Competitive Advantage and Uniqueness: Potential to become a leading company in its industry sector • Impact on Nagasaki Prefecture: Expected positive impact on employment and regional issue resolution in Nagasaki after growth • Clarity of Business Objectives: Clear articulation of business growth goals during and after the program period * After document screening, top-scoring applicants will be evaluated against the 'Morning Pitch' stage criteria to determine final selections.

5. Number of Selected Companies

5 companies

6. Schedule

Application Period: June 15 (Monday) to July 10 (Friday), 17:00 Review Period: July 13 (Monday) to July 14 (Tuesday) Selection Notification: July 15 (Wednesday) Kickoff Event: July 22 (Wednesday), 15:00– (tentative)

Venue: CO-DEJIMA Startup Exchange Hub

Mentorship Support Period: From kickoff to November 4 (Wednesday) Pitch Event Participation: November 5 (Thursday)

Post-Event Follow-up: November 6 (Friday) to end of February

7. Flyer

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Front of STARTUP NAGASAKI Flyer Back of STARTUP NAGASAKI Flyer

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Morning Pitch?

A: Morning Pitch (https://morningpitch.com) is a weekly pitch event held every Thursday at 7:00 AM, designed to foster business partnerships between startups and major corporations. Each week, five startups pitch to an audience of approximately 250 attendees, including major corporations, venture capital firms, and media. Since its launch in January 2013, Morning Pitch has held around 570 sessions by January 2026, with approximately 2,800 venture companies having participated. The event is co-organized by Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co., Ltd. and Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.

Q: I'm unsure if my company qualifies.

A: A startup is defined as a company aiming for rapid growth by capturing markets and acquiring significant demand outside its home prefecture through innovative products, services, or new business models. Companies operating in industries with high growth potential, typically referred to as the 'J-curve,' and capable of presenting their products or services to major corporations or venture capital firms are broadly eligible.

Q: We don't have a base in Nagasaki but would like to apply. What should we do?

A: Applicants must have a physical base in Nagasaki Prefecture at the time of application.

Q: We have a base in Nagasaki Prefecture but are not officially registered there. Is this acceptable?

A: Registration status is not a requirement for this program.

Q: Our company has already been selected for another program. Can we still apply?

A: Yes, provided you can attend all scheduled program activities during the project period. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Q: What kind of support will be provided?

A: Each selected company will be assigned a dedicated advisor who will provide support up to the pitch day, including business refinement and third-party feedback to improve pitch effectiveness. Additional support, such as external network introductions, will be flexibly provided as needed.

[Contact]

STARTUP NAGASAKI Organizing Committee (Contact: Fukuoka) startup.nagasaki@tohmatsu.co.jp

Organizer: Nagasaki Prefecture

Operator: Tohmatsu Limited, West Japan Advisory