Application Opens for Subsidies for Large-Scale Technology Demonstrations by Startups in the Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Food Sectors

AgVenture Lab, Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Tomoko Tsuchida) is pleased to announce that, as the secretariat for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' "FY2025 Startup Large-Scale Technology Demonstration Support Program" (hereinafter referred to as "the Program"), we have commenced accepting applications from startups to become implementing entities for the Program starting today, March 31 (Tuesday). In conjunction with the opening of applications, we have also released the application guidelines and necessary documents on the following dedicated website.

https://startup-daikibo.agventurelab.or.jp/>

Program Overview The purpose of this Program is to support startups in overcoming the "valley of death," one of the major hurdles they face, and to facilitate the social implementation of their technologies and products. It aims to support the large-scale demonstration of technologies and the smooth commercialization of their results for startups that aim to commercialize technologies directly linked to solving on-site challenges, thereby promoting agricultural structural transformation, such as improving agricultural productivity through smart agriculture. Selected applicants can receive subsidies of up to 320 million yen per entity (subsidy ratio of 2/3) and support from the secretariat.

Eligibility for Application This Program targets businesses that implement initiatives to challenge the resolution of issues with speed and risk-taking, using innovative technologies created from unique perspectives and flexible ideas, to address challenges faced by the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food sectors, such as strengthening domestic production capacity for national security. For details, please refer to "3. Requirements for Implementing Entities of this Program" in the "FY2025 Supplementary Budget Startup Large-Scale Technology Demonstration Support Program Application Guidelines" (hereinafter referred to as "Application Guidelines") posted on the dedicated website.

Subsidy Details Subsidy: Expenses directly necessary for the implementation of the project, as defined in Table 2 of the Application Guidelines. Support: Creation of opportunities for the social implementation of the implementing entity's technologies and products (e.g., matching with companies and agricultural organizations).

Application Schedule Application Period Opens: March 31 (Tuesday) Application Briefing Session: April 7 (Tuesday) ※ After the briefing session, questions will be accepted on the dedicated website. Question Deadline: April 24 (Friday) Application Deadline: April 30 (Thursday) Noon Selection Notification (Scheduled): June

Application Briefing Session (Advance Registration Required) (1) An information session regarding the application (online) will be held on the following date and time.

Date and Time: April 7 (Tuesday) 14:00 - 15:00 (2) Those who wish to attend must apply via the following application form by noon on April 6 (Monday), the day before the session.

After applying, a participation URL will be sent via an automatic reply email. Application Form (External Link: https://forms.gle/svL2d8k65cb4a9gJ8) Attendance at the briefing session is optional and not a requirement for application. (3) Questions will be accepted and answered via the inquiry form on the dedicated website starting after the briefing session.

AgVenture Lab, Inc. (https://agventurelab.or.jp/) AgVenture Lab was established on May 27, 2019, jointly by eight national organizations: the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, the National Mutual Aid Agricultural Cooperative Federation, Norinchukin Bank, Ie no Hikari Association, The Japan Agricultural News Co., Ltd., the National Federation of Agricultural Mutual Aid Cooperatives, and JA Kanko Co., Ltd. With the concept of "cultivating agriculture for future generations, supporting local life, and connecting places and people," the organization aims to create new businesses, develop services, and solve regional issues by collaborating with startups, partner companies, universities, and government agencies, utilizing various knowledge and technologies. Through its activities at AgVenture Lab, the JA Group is strengthening cooperation with external companies and actively challenging the creation of new value that can lead to the resolution of social issues faced by the primary industry and rural areas.