Call for Participants: Manufacturing Startup Incubation Program "TIB FAB Makers Challenge 2026"!

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government operates "Tokyo Innovation Base" (TIB), a major hub where startups and their supporters from Japan and abroad gather and interact, aiming to spark innovation from Tokyo. At "TIB FAB," a demonstration field for manufacturing startups located within TIB, support is provided including the use of equipment such as 3D printers and consultations with resident technical advisors. This time, we are starting recruitment for the "TIB FAB Makers Challenge 2026," a program that provides intensive support for individuals aiming to commercialize their ideas and seed/pre-seed stage manufacturing startups. We look forward to your participation. 1. Program Overview The program will conduct training to learn the knowledge necessary for hardware product development, know-how for commercializing ideas, and methods for advancing prototype development step by step towards mass production. Then, after completing a prototype, we will provide comprehensive, one-stop support over seven months, including support for mass production and implementation through partner collaboration and matching. ● Provision of Manufacturing Activity Base You can use digital fabrication equipment including 3D printers, electronic work equipment capable of circuit design and electronic board mounting, machine tools capable of metal processing, electronic measuring instruments necessary for IoT device development, and testing equipment capable of environmental tests such as temperature and humidity tests, all free of charge. ● Seminars & Workshops for Acquiring Specialized Knowledge We provide practical programs led by entrepreneurs with product development experience. ● Accompanying Support for Development We provide support tailored to the participant's stage, including technical consultations, mentoring, and development of principle prototypes and mass production prototypes. ● Participation in the Manufacturing Community We help build horizontal connections centered on entrepreneurs, which are essential for manufacturing. ● Provision of Commercialization Matching and Promotion Opportunities We provide opportunities for matching with stakeholders necessary for commercialization and public relations for products and results. ● Results Presentation Event We provide opportunities to present in front of numerous stakeholders such as investors, financial institutions, and support companies. 2. Recruitment Overview Individuals or corporations that meet all of the following requirements: ● Considering a manufacturing business and have a hardware product idea or prototype ● Aged 15 or older and have graduated from junior high school at the time of application ● Have the intention to develop the product ● Have the intention to achieve prototype development by February 2027 ● Have the intention to participate consistently in the program Free (food, transportation, and some material costs are to be borne by each participant) Approximately 15 teams (Up to 2 people per team can participate) Principally on-site (venue planned to be TIB FAB or a space within TIB) 3. Future Schedule (Planned) (1) Application Period: Wednesday, June 3 – Friday, July 3, 10:00 AM (2) Selection (Document Screening, Presentation Screening): July (3) Program Participant Kick-off: August (4) Program Period: August – February (7 months) (5) Results Presentation Event (Demo Day): February *Please note that you may not be able to participate depending on the selection results. 4. Details of Recruitment For details on recruitment, including the application guidelines, and for program entry, please check the TIB FAB Makers Challenge website. Please refer here for last year's results. https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tibfab/program-2026 https://forms.gle/urAkSDevqSG9Q4jW8 This is a demonstration field equipped with hardware development equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters, and staff who provide technical and business support. By serving as a place for supporting the growth and expanding the network of manufacturing startups, it aims to create challengers who advance society with innovative ideas and technologies. In operating TIB FAB, we receive free provision of over 2,000 pieces of equipment from the general incorporated association DMM.make TOKYO. [Provided Services] Prototyping environment including 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D scanners, UV printers Equipment usage support by technical staff, advice for mass production [Operator] General Incorporated Association DMM.make TOKYO [Reference] TIB: https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/ TIB FAB: https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tibfab This initiative is part of the "2050 Tokyo Strategy." Strategy 10 Startup: "Build a field where startups are born and grow"