Mentoring, Matching, PoC Support, Global Expansion Support, PLUS R&D Funding! Applications Open for Aichi Deeptech Launchpad 2026 Startups

CIC Catalyst APAC (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Denise Medrenka) will begin accepting applications from startups wishing to participate in the FY2026 "Aichi Deeptech Launchpad," an Aichi Prefecture deeptech promotion project jointly operated with Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Yukihiro Maru) and for Startups, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Yuichiro Shimizu, Representative Director & COO: Yukiko Tsuneda). This program primarily targets deeptech startups in the pre-seed or seed stages, providing comprehensive growth support (mentoring, matching, PoC creation support, global expansion support, HR support, etc.). In addition, it aims to accelerate the growth of deeptech startups by providing R&D funding totaling 80 million JPY (up to 40 million JPY per company). An information session for this program will be held on May 12. Click here for details about the information session. Call for Participating Companies Click here for Application Guidelines. Click here for Application Form (Please read the guidelines carefully before applying.) Overview of the "Aichi Deeptech Launchpad" 2026 Program ● Overview of Support Selected companies will be provided with: 1. R&D funding and R&D support (Only for companies selected for the funding track) 2. Business growth acceleration through a multi-layered support system (mentoring, etc.) 3. Connection with Aichi Prefecture industries and PoC creation support 4. Global expansion support 5. HR support 6. Presentation opportunities at networking events and PR support ● 2026 Schedule Applications for the acceleration support will be accepted from April 23 to May 27. Intensive support via mentoring will be provided from July to January. Meetup events are scheduled for July, October, and February. Application Period: Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Wednesday, May 27, 5:00 PM Submission Deadline: Wednesday, May 27, 5:00 PM *Must arrive at the secretariat ● Application Requirements Companies that meet all the following requirements: - Field: Deeptech sector (cutting-edge research and technology fields from universities and research institutions that are highly original and difficult to replicate) - Stage: Primarily pre-seed and seed - Age: Founded within the last 10 years (in principle) - Must be commercially registered. (However, applicants for the "No R&D Funding" track may be unregistered.) - Location: Within Japan (Not limited to startups based in Aichi Prefecture) - Affinity with Aichi industries: Plans to conduct R&D within Aichi Prefecture or collaborate with companies located in Aichi Prefecture. - Compliance: No involvement with antisocial forces or related individuals. ● Number of Selections Approximately 5 companies, including those selected for the "With R&D Funding" track. ● How to Apply (Deadline: Wednesday, May 27, 5:00 PM) Click here for the application form (Please read the guidelines carefully before applying.) Click here for the application guidelines. 【Information Session Overview】 Recommended for: Pre-seed/seed stage deeptech startups inside and outside Aichi Prefecture. Pre-seed/seed stage deeptech startups planning to collaborate with companies located in Aichi Prefecture. Those supporting the growth of startups that meet the requirements (investors, business corporations, incubation facilities, government agencies, etc.). Those who already know about this project and are interested in the details of the content and application methods. Session Details: Name: "Aichi Deeptech Launchpad" 2026 Application Information Session Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 17:00-18:00 Format: Online (Zoom) Language: Japanese Participation Fee: Free Details and Registration: Click here for the Peatix pre-session page. *Participation in the information session is not mandatory for applying. Additionally, it will not be considered during the screening/selection process. 【What is Aichi Deeptech Launchpad?】 To maintain and develop its industrial competitiveness, Aichi Prefecture formulated the "Aichi-Startup Strategy" in October 2018 (revised in 2026), a new innovation creation strategy using startups as a catalyst. This strategy aims to continuously create startups and unicorn companies that are the main drivers of innovation, and to form and sustainably develop a startup ecosystem that implements innovation in society.