Announcement of FY2026 'Product Development Support Project for Business Conversion to Growth Industry Sectors'
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan SME Support Center have launched the FY2026 support project for SMEs entering growth sectors. This program provides expert advisory services and subsidies of up to 15 million yen for prototyping and development costs. Applications for the general course are open from May 25 to June 12, 2026.
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- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 14:31
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## Overview of FY2026 'Product Development Support Project for Business Conversion to Growth Industry Sectors'
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center (the 'Foundation') provide advisory services and subsidies for prototyping and development costs to SMEs in Tokyo that are entering new growth industry sectors or converting their businesses by leveraging their superior technological capabilities. We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for FY2026.
### 1. Advisory Meetings
#### (1) Summary
Participants will create a business plan under the hands-on guidance of experts. Judges will evaluate and provide feedback on the plan.
- **Target Audience**: SMEs considering the development or improvement of new products to pivot into growth industries.
- **Hands-on Support**: Experts from the Foundation will provide 1-2 months of support to refine business plans.
- **Feedback**: A 'Advisory Meeting Proposal' containing evaluation results and expert advice will be sent to participants.
#### (2) How to Apply
There are two application courses:
1. **General Course (New)**: For those with a fixed concept for development and expenses. Application is through the Foundation after passing document screening.
2. **Pre-consultation Course**: For those with unresolved issues or vague concepts. Includes consultations with the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry before the meeting.
#### (3) Schedule
- **General Course Application**: May 25 – June 12
- **Pre-consultation Deadline**: Mid-July
- **Advisory Meetings**: Mid-November
### 2. Technology Development Grant
#### (1) Summary
Projects judged as having business potential after the advisory meeting can apply for this grant, which covers a portion of development costs for business conversion.
- **Grant Limit**: 15 million yen
- **Subsidy Rate**: Up to 2/3 of eligible expenses
- **Eligible Expenses**: Raw materials, machinery, subcontracting fees, intellectual property filing, expert fees, direct labor, and promotional costs.
- **Period**: Within 1 year and 6 months from the grant decision date.
#### (2) Schedule
- **Application Period**: Planned for December
- **Grant Decision**: Planned for March 1
### 3. Important Notes
Applications must be submitted via the national electronic application system 'J-Grants'. For details and application forms, please visit the Foundation's website.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center (the 'Foundation') provide advisory services and subsidies for prototyping and development costs to SMEs in Tokyo that are entering new growth industry sectors or converting their businesses by leveraging their superior technological capabilities. We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for FY2026.
### 1. Advisory Meetings
#### (1) Summary
Participants will create a business plan under the hands-on guidance of experts. Judges will evaluate and provide feedback on the plan.
- **Target Audience**: SMEs considering the development or improvement of new products to pivot into growth industries.
- **Hands-on Support**: Experts from the Foundation will provide 1-2 months of support to refine business plans.
- **Feedback**: A 'Advisory Meeting Proposal' containing evaluation results and expert advice will be sent to participants.
#### (2) How to Apply
There are two application courses:
1. **General Course (New)**: For those with a fixed concept for development and expenses. Application is through the Foundation after passing document screening.
2. **Pre-consultation Course**: For those with unresolved issues or vague concepts. Includes consultations with the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry before the meeting.
#### (3) Schedule
- **General Course Application**: May 25 – June 12
- **Pre-consultation Deadline**: Mid-July
- **Advisory Meetings**: Mid-November
### 2. Technology Development Grant
#### (1) Summary
Projects judged as having business potential after the advisory meeting can apply for this grant, which covers a portion of development costs for business conversion.
- **Grant Limit**: 15 million yen
- **Subsidy Rate**: Up to 2/3 of eligible expenses
- **Eligible Expenses**: Raw materials, machinery, subcontracting fees, intellectual property filing, expert fees, direct labor, and promotional costs.
- **Period**: Within 1 year and 6 months from the grant decision date.
#### (2) Schedule
- **Application Period**: Planned for December
- **Grant Decision**: Planned for March 1
### 3. Important Notes
Applications must be submitted via the national electronic application system 'J-Grants'. For details and application forms, please visit the Foundation's website.
FAQ
What is the difference between the General and Pre-consultation courses?
The General Course is for those with fixed development plans, while the Pre-consultation Course is for those whose plans are still being developed.
How long is the subsidy period?
The period is within 1 year and 6 months from the date of the grant decision.
Are labor costs eligible for the subsidy?
Yes, 'direct labor costs' directly related to product development are eligible.