Ibaraki Prefecture Opens Applications for 2026 'Venture Startup and Growth Acceleration Support Program (Growth Program)'
Ibaraki Prefecture, in partnership with CIC Institute and Tsukuba Research Support Center, has begun recruiting startups for its 2026 Growth Program targeting deep-tech ventures. The program offers tailor-made support, including mentoring and global networking, to help regional startups achieve rapid growth and international expansion.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 00:02 (5h 2m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 01:45 (1h 43m after Collected)
CIC Institute (HQ: Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Denise Melenka) and Tsukuba Research Support Center (HQ: Tsukuba, Ibaraki; President: Hiroaki Minowa) have launched the 'Venture Startup and Growth Acceleration Support Program,' a project promoted by Ibaraki Prefecture to support deep-tech startups.
This project consists of two main tracks: the 'Startup/Business Acceleration Program,' which discovers cutting-edge technological seeds within the prefecture and assists in company formation, and the 'Growth Program,' which targets early-stage deep-tech ventures looking to accelerate growth toward global expansion or an exit (IPO/M&A).
Applications are now open for the FY2026 Growth Program. Information regarding the Startup/Business Acceleration Program will be provided as soon as the application period begins.
*Deep-tech sectors: Life sciences (medical, drug discovery, medical/welfare equipment, agriculture, food, etc.), environment/energy, electronic devices, materials, etc.
**Program Overview**
The program leverages CIC's domestic and international networks to provide mentors, matching events, seminars, and introductions to overseas supporters. Support is customized to the specific needs of each selected company.
**Organizer**
Ibaraki Prefecture
**Application Period**
April 22, 2026 (Wed) – June 10, 2026 (Wed), 5:00 PM JST
**Selection Volume**
Approximately 5 companies
**Support Period**
Selection date – March 31, 2027 (Wed)
**Support Content**
The program effectively boosts growth by arranging individualized support menus based on the needs of each venture, such as mentoring, matching events, and community building with major corporations and global support organizations. Selected companies also receive priority participation in project-related seminars.
Example support areas:
- Capital policy and fundraising support
- R&D and intellectual property strategy support
- Talent acquisition support
- Market strategy and sales channel development support
**Eligibility**
1. Must be a seed or early-stage company.
2. Generally, must have a base in Ibaraki Prefecture or have ties to research institutions or universities within Ibaraki.
3. Must operate in deep-tech fields (Life sciences, environment/energy, electronic devices, materials, etc.).
**How to Apply**
After reviewing the application guidelines, please submit the required information and a pitch deck via the application form (Google Forms). If you cannot access the form, contact the secretariat (startup-support@cic.com).
This project consists of two main tracks: the 'Startup/Business Acceleration Program,' which discovers cutting-edge technological seeds within the prefecture and assists in company formation, and the 'Growth Program,' which targets early-stage deep-tech ventures looking to accelerate growth toward global expansion or an exit (IPO/M&A).
Applications are now open for the FY2026 Growth Program. Information regarding the Startup/Business Acceleration Program will be provided as soon as the application period begins.
*Deep-tech sectors: Life sciences (medical, drug discovery, medical/welfare equipment, agriculture, food, etc.), environment/energy, electronic devices, materials, etc.
**Program Overview**
The program leverages CIC's domestic and international networks to provide mentors, matching events, seminars, and introductions to overseas supporters. Support is customized to the specific needs of each selected company.
**Organizer**
Ibaraki Prefecture
**Application Period**
April 22, 2026 (Wed) – June 10, 2026 (Wed), 5:00 PM JST
**Selection Volume**
Approximately 5 companies
**Support Period**
Selection date – March 31, 2027 (Wed)
**Support Content**
The program effectively boosts growth by arranging individualized support menus based on the needs of each venture, such as mentoring, matching events, and community building with major corporations and global support organizations. Selected companies also receive priority participation in project-related seminars.
Example support areas:
- Capital policy and fundraising support
- R&D and intellectual property strategy support
- Talent acquisition support
- Market strategy and sales channel development support
**Eligibility**
1. Must be a seed or early-stage company.
2. Generally, must have a base in Ibaraki Prefecture or have ties to research institutions or universities within Ibaraki.
3. Must operate in deep-tech fields (Life sciences, environment/energy, electronic devices, materials, etc.).
**How to Apply**
After reviewing the application guidelines, please submit the required information and a pitch deck via the application form (Google Forms). If you cannot access the form, contact the secretariat (startup-support@cic.com).