K-NIC Startup Hands on Program: 1H FY2026 Applications Now Open for Intensive 2-Month Deep Tech Acceleration
Kawasaki-NEDO Innovation Center (K-NIC) has launched the call for participants for its 1H FY2026 acceleration program. Targeting deep tech entrepreneurs, the program provides two months of intensive hands-on support from expert mentors to help secure NEDO grants and VC funding.
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- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 20:00
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The Kawasaki-NEDO Innovation Center (K-NIC), operated by Tsukuri-e Co., Ltd. under contract from Kawasaki City, has started accepting applications for the 'K-NIC Startup Hands on Program' for the first half of fiscal year 2026. This program is designed for individuals and teams aiming to start or grow businesses based on concrete technical seeds in deep tech fields with R&D elements.
K-NIC is a one-stop support hub for entrepreneurs managed through a three-party partnership between the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Kawasaki City, and the Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion.
The program targets pre-entrepreneurial individuals and early-stage startups in deep tech sectors such as robotics, AI, electronics, IoT, environment, materials, medical devices, life sciences, biotechnology, and aerospace. Over approximately two months, two experienced mentors will work intensively with participants to brush up business plans, aiming for entry into NEDO startup support programs (such as NEP and STS), VC fundraising, and collaborations with business corporations.
Support services include: (1) Business development support with two specialized mentors, (2) Networking support with investors, VCs, and potential corporate partners, (3) Fundraising support including public fund application strategies and pitch deck creation, and (4) PR support through K-NIC's official site and SNS. The program is open to applicants of all genders and ages from across Japan, with all sessions held online.
K-NIC is a one-stop support hub for entrepreneurs managed through a three-party partnership between the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Kawasaki City, and the Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion.
The program targets pre-entrepreneurial individuals and early-stage startups in deep tech sectors such as robotics, AI, electronics, IoT, environment, materials, medical devices, life sciences, biotechnology, and aerospace. Over approximately two months, two experienced mentors will work intensively with participants to brush up business plans, aiming for entry into NEDO startup support programs (such as NEP and STS), VC fundraising, and collaborations with business corporations.
Support services include: (1) Business development support with two specialized mentors, (2) Networking support with investors, VCs, and potential corporate partners, (3) Fundraising support including public fund application strategies and pitch deck creation, and (4) PR support through K-NIC's official site and SNS. The program is open to applicants of all genders and ages from across Japan, with all sessions held online.
FAQ
K-NICスタートアップハンズオンプログラムの主な対象者は誰ですか？
ディープテック領域（AI、ロボティクス、バイオ、医療機器等）で具体的な技術シーズを持ち、起業や事業育成を目指す個人またはチームが対象です。
プログラムの実施期間と形式を教えてください。
期間は約2ヶ月間で、全5回程度のメンタリングをオンラインで実施します。全国どこからでも参加可能です。
どのような支援が受けられますか？
専門メンター2名による事業化支援、投資家や事業会社とのネットワーク構築支援、NEDO等の公的資金やVCからの資金調達支援、および広報支援が受けられます。
プログラムの最終的な目標は何ですか？
NEDOのスタートアップ支援事業（NEP、STS等）へのエントリー、VCからの資金調達、または事業会社との協業実現を目指します。
応募に年齢や性別の制限はありますか？
性別や年齢に制限はなく、日本全国から応募が可能です。