[Hosted by Tokyo Metropolitan Government] Applications Open for Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award 2026!!

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (hereinafter referred to as the "TMG") has been implementing the "Project to Promote the Resolution of Social Issues Using Advanced Technologies" since fiscal 2024. The purpose is to accelerate the resolution of social issues faced by the TMG by awarding advanced technology-based solutions (such as AI, XR, and Metaverse) owned by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tokyo, and by providing matching support for business collaboration to encourage their widespread adoption.

We are pleased to announce that applications for the "Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award 2026" to solicit such solutions have opened on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

◆ Project Website: https://www.tsi-tech-award.metro.tokyo.lg.jp

Overview of "Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award 2026"

・Name: "Tokyo Social Innovation Tech Award 2026"
・Project Website: https://www.tsi-tech-award.metro.tokyo.lg.jp
・Organizer: Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government

■ Application Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions (1) through (3):

(1) Solutions, content, etc. that utilize advanced technologies related to digital technologies such as AI/XR/Metaverse (hereinafter referred to as "Solutions, etc.") (*1)

(2) Solutions, etc. that contribute to solving the social issues faced by the TMG (*2)

(3) Solutions, etc. whose development has been completed and have been sold or provided under the company's own name (*3) in Japan by the time of application acceptance, or are scheduled to be sold or provided by the end of March 2027.

*1, *2: Please check the application guidelines for details.

*3: In the case of an SME group, under the name of any company in the applying group.

■ Main Applicant Requirements

・SMEs or sole proprietors in Tokyo, or groups composed of them.

・Must be primarily responsible for the planning and production of the applying Solutions, etc., possess all or part of the intellectual property rights, and have the decision-making authority necessary for business development.
*Please check the application guidelines on the project website for details.

■ Awards and Prize Money
Grand Prize: 3 million yen (1 company)
Excellence Award: 1.5 million yen (approx. 2 companies)
Encouragement Award: 500,000 yen (approx. 6 companies)

Special Technology Award: 500,000 yen (approx. 2 companies)

■ Sales Channel Development Support for Winners
・Support for the popularization of winning Solutions, etc. (dispatch of experts, business matching support, etc.)
・Free exhibition at "TOKYO DIGICONX (The 4th TOKYO XR/Metaverse & Content Business World)"
・PR support on the project website, etc.

■ Key Points of the Project

How to Apply

■ Application Period

Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Tuesday, June 16, 2026

■ Application Documents

Please download the application documents from the following project website:

https://www.tsi-tech-award.metro.tokyo.lg.jp

■ Application Method

In principle, applications are accepted online. Please fill in the required information and upload the data in the submission format from the application form on the project website.

*Please check the project guidelines for the required formats.

Briefing Session

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 19, 15:00-

*16:00-16:30: A lecture by an expert will be held on-site only.

*16:30-17:00: Individual consultation sessions for those who wish will be held on-site only.

Location: Hibiya Kokusai Building Conference Square 8C (8th Floor, Hibiya Kokusai Building)

*Online streaming will also be available.

How to Apply: Please apply using the application form (https://tsita2026.peatix.com)

Target Audience for Briefing:

〇 SMEs and sole proprietors in Tokyo.

〇 Those who can introduce this project to businesses that meet the application requirements.

Example: Large corporations, VC firms, financial institutions, university personnel, local government officials, etc.

Future Schedule

Application Period: Thursday, April 23 - Tuesday, June 16

Briefing Session: Tuesday, May 19
First Screening (Document Screening): June - July
Second Screening (Presentation, Q&A, Experience-based Screening): Late August - Early September
Third Screening (Potential User Experience, Final Screening): Early October - Mid October

Notification of Third Screening Results (Various support starts after notification): Late October
Award Ceremony: Wednesday, January 13 - Friday, January 15, 2027 *To be held on one of these days.
*The above schedule is subject to change depending on the progress of the project.