Chiba Prefecture's "Innovative Startup Growth Promotion Project" for FY2026 Awarded to CIC Catalyst APAC; Call for Applications for Supported Companies Begins
CIC Catalyst APAC has been commissioned by Chiba Prefecture to launch the "Innovative Startup Growth Promotion Project" and is now accepting applications from companies seeking support. This program offers tailored assistance, including mentoring and matching, to startups aiming to grow from seed to Series A.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 12:44 (2h 12m after Collected)
CIC Catalyst APAC (operated by CIC Japan Innovation Services LLC, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO Denise Medlenka, hereinafter "CIC") has been commissioned by Chiba Prefecture to launch the "Innovative Startup Growth Promotion Project" and is now accepting applications from companies seeking support.
Chiba Prefecture aims to provide intensive, short-term, hands-on support to startups facing challenges, encouraging them to grow into companies that drive the regional economy. The prefecture is currently recruiting companies that wish to receive this support.
This program targets startups (including pre-founding entities) that possess solid technology but lack management know-how, seeking support to overcome the "first big wall" of growth from seed to Series A.
Selected companies in this program will receive tailored support based on their needs, utilizing CIC's domestic and international networks, as well as resources from support organizations within Chiba Prefecture, including mentoring, matching, and seminars.
Click here for the application requirements and details of this program.
An online briefing session for this program will be held on Monday, May 11, from 17:00 to 18:00.
During this briefing session, in addition to explaining the program content, we will answer questions from those considering applying.
Click here for briefing session details and registration.
[Organizer]
Chiba Prefecture
[Application Requirements]
Companies eligible for support must meet all of the following requirements. Please note that past applicants, whether selected or not, are not precluded from applying again.
① A corporation or individual with a head office or business office in Chiba Prefecture.
② While the business field is not restricted, the applicant must possess innovative technology or ideas that are unprecedented.
③ Must be a company aiming for growth.
④ Must not have any outstanding prefectural taxes.
⑤ Must not fall under the definition of an organized crime group or member thereof as stipulated in Article 2 of the Chiba Prefecture Organized Crime Exclusion Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4 of March 18, 2011), or a person closely associated with an organized crime group as stipulated in Article 9, Paragraph 1 of the same ordinance.
⑥ Must not be found to violate laws or public order and morals, or have the potential to do so.
For past selected companies, regardless of whether they apply this year, certain continuous support will be provided to those who wish.
[Number of Selections]
A total of approximately 3 to 5 entities.
[Support Period]
From the support decision date (scheduled for July) to March 2027.
[Participation Fee]
Free
[Support Content]
[FY2026 Schedule]
[Application Period]
Friday, April 24, 2026 ~ Friday, May 29, 2026 (until 23:59)
[Past Selected Companies]
FY2024
FY2025
[About this Program]
CIC Catalyst APAC has been selected as the commissioned entity for Chiba Prefecture's "Innovative Startup Growth Promotion Project" and is proposing the planning for this program.
[Contact Information]
CIC Catalyst APAC Chiba Prefecture Innovative Startup Growth Promotion Project 담당: chiba-innovation@cic.com
Chiba Prefecture aims to provide intensive, short-term, hands-on support to startups facing challenges, encouraging them to grow into companies that drive the regional economy. The prefecture is currently recruiting companies that wish to receive this support.
This program targets startups (including pre-founding entities) that possess solid technology but lack management know-how, seeking support to overcome the "first big wall" of growth from seed to Series A.
Selected companies in this program will receive tailored support based on their needs, utilizing CIC's domestic and international networks, as well as resources from support organizations within Chiba Prefecture, including mentoring, matching, and seminars.
Click here for the application requirements and details of this program.
An online briefing session for this program will be held on Monday, May 11, from 17:00 to 18:00.
During this briefing session, in addition to explaining the program content, we will answer questions from those considering applying.
Click here for briefing session details and registration.
[Organizer]
Chiba Prefecture
[Application Requirements]
Companies eligible for support must meet all of the following requirements. Please note that past applicants, whether selected or not, are not precluded from applying again.
① A corporation or individual with a head office or business office in Chiba Prefecture.
② While the business field is not restricted, the applicant must possess innovative technology or ideas that are unprecedented.
③ Must be a company aiming for growth.
④ Must not have any outstanding prefectural taxes.
⑤ Must not fall under the definition of an organized crime group or member thereof as stipulated in Article 2 of the Chiba Prefecture Organized Crime Exclusion Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4 of March 18, 2011), or a person closely associated with an organized crime group as stipulated in Article 9, Paragraph 1 of the same ordinance.
⑥ Must not be found to violate laws or public order and morals, or have the potential to do so.
For past selected companies, regardless of whether they apply this year, certain continuous support will be provided to those who wish.
[Number of Selections]
A total of approximately 3 to 5 entities.
[Support Period]
From the support decision date (scheduled for July) to March 2027.
[Participation Fee]
Free
[Support Content]
[FY2026 Schedule]
[Application Period]
Friday, April 24, 2026 ~ Friday, May 29, 2026 (until 23:59)
[Past Selected Companies]
FY2024
FY2025
[About this Program]
CIC Catalyst APAC has been selected as the commissioned entity for Chiba Prefecture's "Innovative Startup Growth Promotion Project" and is proposing the planning for this program.
[Contact Information]
CIC Catalyst APAC Chiba Prefecture Innovative Startup Growth Promotion Project 담당: chiba-innovation@cic.com