Plug and Play Japan Selects 42 Startups for Summer 2026 Batch Accelerator Program

Plug and Play Japan K.K. announced that it has selected a total of 42 startups from Japan and overseas for its 'Summer 2026 Batch' accelerator program, which will run from June to September 2026. The program aims to promote open innovation by connecting large corporations with startups. Leveraging its track record of supporting over 1,200 startups and a network spanning more than 60 global locations, Plug and Play provides diverse content including individual meetings, workshops, mentoring, networking, and study sessions to support the business growth of both startups and large corporations. Starting this term, the company will launch new initiatives to strengthen connections with regional industrial clusters by utilizing its domestic bases in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Tokai, and Fukuoka. This term, startups with advanced technologies and solutions were selected across six business areas, including the 'AI Center of Excellence' established on May 21. A total of 42 startups were selected from over 260 applicants. The cohort consists of 21 Japanese companies (50%) and 21 international companies (50%), with 9 from the Americas, 9 from Europe/Middle East/Africa, and 3 from the Asia-Pacific region.