Participants Wanted for "Kagawa Prefecture Business Challenge Competition 2026"!!
Kagawa Prefecture is recruiting participants for the "Kagawa Prefecture Business Challenge Competition 2026". This initiative aims to foster startups and revitalize the regional economy by supporting innovative business plans with subsidies and incubation.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 23:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 3, 2026 at 17:10
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 03:01 (345h 50m after Collected)
Kagawa Prefecture is recruiting participants for the "Kagawa Prefecture Business Challenge Competition"!
Details such as application guidelines and forms are published on the Kagawa Prefecture website.
https://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/sangyo/shinki/bijikon_r8.html
What is the "Kagawa Prefecture Business Challenge Competition"?
In Kagawa Prefecture, we aim to create and accelerate the growth of startups that will lead the prefectural economy by soliciting and evaluating original business plans that create new value with innovative technologies and ideas, and by intensively supporting entrepreneurs with growth potential.
Eligibility:
Must have an original business plan and meet all of the following (1) to (3).
(1) Be a small and medium-sized enterprise, general incorporated foundation, general incorporated association, or specified non-profit organization (※) falling under any of the following:
a) As of April 1, 2026, have been in business for 5 years or less and have their head office or main business location within the prefecture.
b) As of April 1, 2026, have been in business for 5 years or less, and will relocate their head office or main business location to within the prefecture by July 1, 2026.
c) Will start a business with their head office or main business location within the prefecture by February 28, 2027.
(2) Must not fall under the definition of a "Bōryokudan" (organized crime group), a "Bōryokudan member" as defined in Article 2, Item 6 of the Act on the Prevention of Inappropriate Acts by Bōryokudan Members (Act No. 77 of 1991), or be recognized as having socially reprehensible relations with a Bōryokudan or its members.
(3) Must not be in arrears with Kagawa prefectural taxes.
※For sole proprietors, the requirements for (1) are as follows:
a) As of April 1, 2026, have been in business for 5 years or less, reside in the prefecture (meaning their registered address is in Kagawa Prefecture), and have registered the commencement of individual business operations within the prefecture.
b) As of April 1, 2026, have been in business for 5 years or less, and will relocate their residence to within the prefecture and register the commencement of individual business operations (relocation) within the prefecture by July 1, 2026.
c) Will reside in the prefecture and register the commencement of individual business operations within the prefecture by February 28, 2027.
※"Small and medium-sized enterprises" refers to small and medium-sized enterprises as defined in Article 2, Paragraph 1, Items 1-7 of the Act on the Small and Medium Enterprise Organization.
However, the following SMEs (deemed large enterprises) are excluded:
- SMEs where more than half of the total issued shares or total capital is owned by the same large enterprise.
- SMEs where more than two-thirds of the total issued shares or total capital is owned by large enterprises.
- SMEs where more than half of the total number of directors are concurrently serving as officers or employees of large enterprises.
※For general incorporated foundations, general incorporated associations, and specified non-profit organizations, the following apply:
① Businesses that contribute to the promotion of SMEs and are carried out in cooperation with SMEs.
② Those established by SMEs to conduct businesses that support SMEs.
Application Period (Eligibility Confirmation):
March 30, 2026 (Monday) - June 1, 2026 (Monday)
You can apply by entering the necessary information via the Kagawa Prefecture Electronic Application/Notification System, or by downloading the application form from the Kagawa Prefecture website and submitting it via email.
[Kagawa Prefecture Electronic Application/Notification System]
https://apply.e-tumo.jp/pref-kagawa-u/offer/offerList_detail?tempSeq=12418
[Kagawa Prefecture Website]
https://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/sangyo/shinki/bijikon_r8.html
Schedule:
(1) Application Deadline... June 1 (Monday) - Receipt deadline
The secretariat will confirm eligibility and notify you of the confirmation results via email. We will also provide information on the necessary submission documents for the document screening.
(2) Business Plan Sheet Submission Deadline... June 22 (Monday) - Receipt deadline
Please submit the business plan sheet via email.
(Email address: sangyo@pref.kagawa.lg.jp)
The contents will be reviewed by a document screening committee established by the prefecture, and approximately 6 applicants will be selected for the document screening.
Selection results will be notified around late July. Selected applicants will be provided with information on necessary items for the final selection and submission documents.
(3) Final Selection (Public Presentation Judging) and Awards Ceremony
A public presentation judging will be held to decide the Grand Prize, Excellence Award, and Encouragement Award, one for each.
[Date] Saturday, September 5, 2026
[Location] Takamatsu Symbol Tower, Hall Building 1F "Exhibition Hall"
Benefits:
(1) Subsidies (Grand Prize, Excellence Award, Encouragement Award)
Grand Prize: Within ¥5,000,000
Excellence Award: Within ¥3,000,000
Encouragement Award: Within ¥2,000,000
*Expenses for projects completed by February 28, 2027, from the grant decision date are eligible for subsidies (subsidy ratio within 10/10).
(2) Free Provision of Incubation Facilities (Grand Prize, Excellence Award)
If you move into the incubation workshops of "IT Square" or "Next Kagawa" provided by the Kagawa Industry Support Foundation, the usage fees will be reduced for a maximum of 5 years. (Free for the first year. Limited to those who move in by the end of March 2028. Eligibility depends on facility availability and screening results.)
Kagawa Prefecture New Industry Creation Support Center (Next Kagawa)
(3) Support from Financial Institutions in the Prefecture (Grand Prize, Excellence Award, Encouragement Award)
For the awarded projects, the following support can be received based on the screening by each financial institution. Please note that support details may change due to various circumstances.
*This does not guarantee a loan. Please inquire with each financial institution for details.
[The Shikoku Bank]
- Loans through the regional revitalization product "114 Regional Industry Growth Loan"
(Up to 0.5% reduction from the standard interest rate*)
[Kagawa Bank]
- Loans through "Kagawa New Business Support Loans"
- Loans through "Kagawa Startup/Second Startup Support Loans"
(For the above two, up to 0.5% reduction from the standard interest rate* depending on conditions)
[Takamatsu Shinkin Bank]
- Loans through the startup support product "Advance"
(0.5% reduction from the standard interest rate*)
[Kannonji Shinkin Bank]
- Loans through "Kanshin Chamber of Commerce and Industry Collaboration, Frontier Loan"
(Up to 0.5% reduction from the standard interest rate*)
*Standard interest rate... may change due to fluctuations in market interest rates.
(4) Support from Accelerators (Selected applicants for document screening)
Receive approximately 4 free mentoring sessions from a "Kagawa Prefecture Startup Accelerator" with extensive experience and network in supporting startups.
(5) Membership of Setouchi-i-Base (Selected applicants for document screening)
Membership to the prefecture's open innovation hub "Setouchi-i-Base" will be granted (until the end of March 2027).
*Separate procedures are required.
[Reference] Setouchi-i-Base
Screening Criteria:
Phase | Screening Method | Evaluation Items
---|---|---
Document Screening | Document Review | 1. Purpose/Content, 2. Novelty, 3. Feasibility,
4. Growth Potential/Marketability, 5. Sales/PR Strategy,
6. Progress Status/Future Development, 7. Social Impact of Business
Final Selection | Public Presentation | (Same as document screening)
Notes:
(1) The names, business names, and project summaries of document screening passers will be publicly announced.
(2) The final selection will be conducted publicly and also broadcast on the Kagawa Prefecture Industrial Policy Division's YouTube channel. Applicants are responsible for taking legal protection for special know-how or confidential information, and for ensuring that they do not infringe on the rights of others.
(3) If it is found that the application details are contrary to the facts, or if any violation of laws or regulations is confirmed, the applicant may be disqualified or the award may be revoked.
(4) Winners of previous "Kagawa Prefecture Business Challenge Competition" or "Kagawa Business Model Challenge Competition" conducted by the Kagawa Industry Support Foundation cannot apply with the same business.
(5) Individual inquiries regarding the screening results cannot be answered.
Other:
Scenes from last year's Business Challenge Competition are available on the Kagawa Prefecture Industrial Policy Division's YouTube channel.
Kagawa Prefecture Industrial Policy Division YouTube Channel
In addition, the prefecture operates the "Kagawa Prefecture Startup & Entrepreneurship Support Site," which centralizes support information for startups in the prefecture. Please utilize it for creating and implementing your business plan.
Kagawa Prefecture Startup & Entrepreneurship Support Site
Contact:
Kagawa Prefecture Commerce, Labor and Industry Department, Industrial Policy Division, Entrepreneurship Promotion & Growth Support Group
760-8570 4-1-10 Bancho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
TEL: 087-832-3353 E-mail: sangyo@pref.kagawa.lg.jp
Details such as application guidelines and forms are published on the Kagawa Prefecture website.
https://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/sangyo/shinki/bijikon_r8.html
What is the "Kagawa Prefecture Business Challenge Competition"?
In Kagawa Prefecture, we aim to create and accelerate the growth of startups that will lead the prefectural economy by soliciting and evaluating original business plans that create new value with innovative technologies and ideas, and by intensively supporting entrepreneurs with growth potential.
Eligibility:
Must have an original business plan and meet all of the following (1) to (3).
(1) Be a small and medium-sized enterprise, general incorporated foundation, general incorporated association, or specified non-profit organization (※) falling under any of the following:
a) As of April 1, 2026, have been in business for 5 years or less and have their head office or main business location within the prefecture.
b) As of April 1, 2026, have been in business for 5 years or less, and will relocate their head office or main business location to within the prefecture by July 1, 2026.
c) Will start a business with their head office or main business location within the prefecture by February 28, 2027.
(2) Must not fall under the definition of a "Bōryokudan" (organized crime group), a "Bōryokudan member" as defined in Article 2, Item 6 of the Act on the Prevention of Inappropriate Acts by Bōryokudan Members (Act No. 77 of 1991), or be recognized as having socially reprehensible relations with a Bōryokudan or its members.
(3) Must not be in arrears with Kagawa prefectural taxes.
※For sole proprietors, the requirements for (1) are as follows:
a) As of April 1, 2026, have been in business for 5 years or less, reside in the prefecture (meaning their registered address is in Kagawa Prefecture), and have registered the commencement of individual business operations within the prefecture.
b) As of April 1, 2026, have been in business for 5 years or less, and will relocate their residence to within the prefecture and register the commencement of individual business operations (relocation) within the prefecture by July 1, 2026.
c) Will reside in the prefecture and register the commencement of individual business operations within the prefecture by February 28, 2027.
※"Small and medium-sized enterprises" refers to small and medium-sized enterprises as defined in Article 2, Paragraph 1, Items 1-7 of the Act on the Small and Medium Enterprise Organization.
However, the following SMEs (deemed large enterprises) are excluded:
- SMEs where more than half of the total issued shares or total capital is owned by the same large enterprise.
- SMEs where more than two-thirds of the total issued shares or total capital is owned by large enterprises.
- SMEs where more than half of the total number of directors are concurrently serving as officers or employees of large enterprises.
※For general incorporated foundations, general incorporated associations, and specified non-profit organizations, the following apply:
① Businesses that contribute to the promotion of SMEs and are carried out in cooperation with SMEs.
② Those established by SMEs to conduct businesses that support SMEs.
Application Period (Eligibility Confirmation):
March 30, 2026 (Monday) - June 1, 2026 (Monday)
You can apply by entering the necessary information via the Kagawa Prefecture Electronic Application/Notification System, or by downloading the application form from the Kagawa Prefecture website and submitting it via email.
[Kagawa Prefecture Electronic Application/Notification System]
https://apply.e-tumo.jp/pref-kagawa-u/offer/offerList_detail?tempSeq=12418
[Kagawa Prefecture Website]
https://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/sangyo/shinki/bijikon_r8.html
Schedule:
(1) Application Deadline... June 1 (Monday) - Receipt deadline
The secretariat will confirm eligibility and notify you of the confirmation results via email. We will also provide information on the necessary submission documents for the document screening.
(2) Business Plan Sheet Submission Deadline... June 22 (Monday) - Receipt deadline
Please submit the business plan sheet via email.
(Email address: sangyo@pref.kagawa.lg.jp)
The contents will be reviewed by a document screening committee established by the prefecture, and approximately 6 applicants will be selected for the document screening.
Selection results will be notified around late July. Selected applicants will be provided with information on necessary items for the final selection and submission documents.
(3) Final Selection (Public Presentation Judging) and Awards Ceremony
A public presentation judging will be held to decide the Grand Prize, Excellence Award, and Encouragement Award, one for each.
[Date] Saturday, September 5, 2026
[Location] Takamatsu Symbol Tower, Hall Building 1F "Exhibition Hall"
Benefits:
(1) Subsidies (Grand Prize, Excellence Award, Encouragement Award)
Grand Prize: Within ¥5,000,000
Excellence Award: Within ¥3,000,000
Encouragement Award: Within ¥2,000,000
*Expenses for projects completed by February 28, 2027, from the grant decision date are eligible for subsidies (subsidy ratio within 10/10).
(2) Free Provision of Incubation Facilities (Grand Prize, Excellence Award)
If you move into the incubation workshops of "IT Square" or "Next Kagawa" provided by the Kagawa Industry Support Foundation, the usage fees will be reduced for a maximum of 5 years. (Free for the first year. Limited to those who move in by the end of March 2028. Eligibility depends on facility availability and screening results.)
Kagawa Prefecture New Industry Creation Support Center (Next Kagawa)
(3) Support from Financial Institutions in the Prefecture (Grand Prize, Excellence Award, Encouragement Award)
For the awarded projects, the following support can be received based on the screening by each financial institution. Please note that support details may change due to various circumstances.
*This does not guarantee a loan. Please inquire with each financial institution for details.
[The Shikoku Bank]
- Loans through the regional revitalization product "114 Regional Industry Growth Loan"
(Up to 0.5% reduction from the standard interest rate*)
[Kagawa Bank]
- Loans through "Kagawa New Business Support Loans"
- Loans through "Kagawa Startup/Second Startup Support Loans"
(For the above two, up to 0.5% reduction from the standard interest rate* depending on conditions)
[Takamatsu Shinkin Bank]
- Loans through the startup support product "Advance"
(0.5% reduction from the standard interest rate*)
[Kannonji Shinkin Bank]
- Loans through "Kanshin Chamber of Commerce and Industry Collaboration, Frontier Loan"
(Up to 0.5% reduction from the standard interest rate*)
*Standard interest rate... may change due to fluctuations in market interest rates.
(4) Support from Accelerators (Selected applicants for document screening)
Receive approximately 4 free mentoring sessions from a "Kagawa Prefecture Startup Accelerator" with extensive experience and network in supporting startups.
(5) Membership of Setouchi-i-Base (Selected applicants for document screening)
Membership to the prefecture's open innovation hub "Setouchi-i-Base" will be granted (until the end of March 2027).
*Separate procedures are required.
[Reference] Setouchi-i-Base
Screening Criteria:
Phase | Screening Method | Evaluation Items
---|---|---
Document Screening | Document Review | 1. Purpose/Content, 2. Novelty, 3. Feasibility,
4. Growth Potential/Marketability, 5. Sales/PR Strategy,
6. Progress Status/Future Development, 7. Social Impact of Business
Final Selection | Public Presentation | (Same as document screening)
Notes:
(1) The names, business names, and project summaries of document screening passers will be publicly announced.
(2) The final selection will be conducted publicly and also broadcast on the Kagawa Prefecture Industrial Policy Division's YouTube channel. Applicants are responsible for taking legal protection for special know-how or confidential information, and for ensuring that they do not infringe on the rights of others.
(3) If it is found that the application details are contrary to the facts, or if any violation of laws or regulations is confirmed, the applicant may be disqualified or the award may be revoked.
(4) Winners of previous "Kagawa Prefecture Business Challenge Competition" or "Kagawa Business Model Challenge Competition" conducted by the Kagawa Industry Support Foundation cannot apply with the same business.
(5) Individual inquiries regarding the screening results cannot be answered.
Other:
Scenes from last year's Business Challenge Competition are available on the Kagawa Prefecture Industrial Policy Division's YouTube channel.
Kagawa Prefecture Industrial Policy Division YouTube Channel
In addition, the prefecture operates the "Kagawa Prefecture Startup & Entrepreneurship Support Site," which centralizes support information for startups in the prefecture. Please utilize it for creating and implementing your business plan.
Kagawa Prefecture Startup & Entrepreneurship Support Site
Contact:
Kagawa Prefecture Commerce, Labor and Industry Department, Industrial Policy Division, Entrepreneurship Promotion & Growth Support Group
760-8570 4-1-10 Bancho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
TEL: 087-832-3353 E-mail: sangyo@pref.kagawa.lg.jp
FAQ
Who can apply?
Applicants include SMEs, sole proprietors, general incorporated foundations, general incorporated associations, and NPOs that have or plan to establish their main office or major business location in Kagawa Prefecture.
What are the benefits?
Benefits include subsidies up to ¥5 million for the Grand Prize, ¥3 million for the Excellence Award, and ¥2 million for the Encouragement Award, along with free incubation facilities and financial institution support.
What is the application deadline?
The application eligibility confirmation period is from March 30, 2026 (Monday) to June 1, 2026 (Monday).