Tokyo Launches Call for Startups and Data Center Operators for Unused Heat Utilization Project

Key facts

  • Tokyo Launches Call for Startups and Data Center Operators for Unused Heat Utilization Project
  • Tokyo is launching a call for startups with innovative ideas and data center operators willing to collaborate on demonstration projects to utilize waste heat from data centers. The initiative aims to promote the effective use of unused heat and its social implementation.
  • Source: PR Times
  • Date: June 9, 2026

Direct answer

Tokyo is launching a call for startups with innovative ideas and data center operators willing to collaborate on demonstration projects to utilize waste heat from data centers. The initiative aims to promote the effective use of unused heat and its social implementation.

Citation
Tokyo Launches Call for Startups and Data Center Operators for Unused Heat Utilization Project (June 9, 2026), PR Times
Source
PR Times
Date
June 9, 2026
Tokyo is launching a call for startups with innovative ideas and data center operators willing to collaborate on demonstration projects to utilize waste heat from data centers. The initiative aims to promote the effective use of unused heat and its social implementation.
キャンペーン出典:PR Times

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: June 9, 2026 at 23:00
  • 🔍 Collected: June 9, 2026 at 14:21
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:51 (74h 30m after Collected)
Urban areas with dense buildings generate significant artificial heat, contributing to the heat island phenomenon. In recent years, the expansion of data centers, which operate ICT equipment 24/7, has raised concerns about increased heat emissions from servers.

Therefore, we are seeking startups with new ideas and technologies for utilizing unused heat, as well as data center operators willing to cooperate in demonstrations, to implement collaborative (demonstration, PoC) projects.

1. Purpose of this Project

The purpose of this project is to enhance the reliability of technologies and products that contribute to the effective utilization of unused heat by matching startups possessing new ideas and technologies for utilizing unused heat, such as data center waste heat, with data center operators who have the actual sites, and by promoting collaborative (demonstration, PoC) initiatives, thereby leading to social implementation.

2. Implementation Structure of this Project

(1) Startups

Will be responsible for technology provision, demonstration execution, and results reporting as the main body of the demonstration.

(2) Data Center Operators

Will cooperate in demonstrations, such as providing demonstration fields.

*Implementing Organization (Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC)

Will be responsible for the formation and operation of collaborative projects, supportive assistance, and public relations.

Business Structure Diagram

3. Eligibility for Application

(1) Startups

Businesses possessing technologies and products related to the utilization of unused heat, aiming for social implementation in collaboration with data center operators.

(2) Data Center Operators

Operators managing data centers located within Tokyo, in principle, who can cooperate in demonstrating the utilization of unused heat in collaboration with startups.

4. Selection Method, etc.

- Startups and data center operators will be recruited separately, and collaborative projects will be formed through document screening and matching.

- Business plans created for each collaborative project will be reviewed, and two projects will be selected.

- The collaboration period for this project extends until the end of fiscal year 2027 (Reiwa 9).

- For startups, expenses required for demonstrations will be provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, up to a maximum of 20 million yen (tax included) per company in fiscal year 2026 (Reiwa 8).

*Costs related to application (entry) are not eligible.

5. Application Period

From June 9, 2024 (Tuesday) to July 10, 2024 (Friday) at 5:00 PM.

6. Schedule

- June 9, 2024: Entry reception begins

- July 10, 2024: Application deadline

- Mid-July 2024: Document-based requirement confirmation

- Late July 2024: Matching conducted

- Mid-August 2024: Collaborative project formation

- Mid-September 2024: Review meeting conducted, collaborative projects selected

- Thereafter, supportive assistance for collaborative projects

- Late March 2025: Interim results report

- Late March 2026: Final results report

7. Application Guidelines

Detailed information regarding the requirements for the application and selection of startups and data center operators can be found on the project website (URL: https://dc-heat-reuse.tokyo).

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Environment, Climate Change Countermeasures Division, Planning Section

[Contact Information]
Phone: 03-5388-3524

FAQ

What problems does this project aim to solve?

It aims to alleviate the urban heat island phenomenon in Tokyo and promote the effective utilization of unused heat emitted from data centers, contributing to improved energy efficiency and the realization of a sustainable society.

What are the benefits for startups?

Startups gain opportunities for demonstrating innovative technologies, collaboration with data center operators, financial support for demonstrations from Tokyo (up to 20 million yen), and a pathway towards social implementation.

What are the benefits for data center operators?

Benefits include improved energy efficiency through waste heat utilization, reduced environmental impact, enhanced business competitiveness by adopting new technologies, and contributions to CSR activities.

How will the project's outcomes be utilized?

Demonstrated technologies and products will aim for social implementation after their reliability is improved, thereby promoting the effective use of unused heat.

What are the required documents and procedures for application?

Details can be found on the project website (https://dc-heat-reuse.tokyo). The application period is until July 10, 2024 (Reiwa 8).