Recruiting Participants for "AICHI STARTUP BATTLE 2026"

Tsukurié Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hideki Suzuki; hereinafter referred to as Tsukurié), a company engaged in entrepreneurship support, is now recruiting participants for "AICHI STARTUP BATTLE 2026," which it operates under contract from Aichi Prefecture.

Aichi Prefecture formulated the "Aichi-Startup Strategy" in October 2018 (revised in March 2026) and is working to form and enhance its startup ecosystem.

To further promote the development and attraction of startups, with "STATION Ai" (Showa-ku, Nagoya City), Japan's largest startup support base, as its core, we will hold "AICHI STARTUP BATTLE 2026." This event integrates an acceleration program and a business plan contest to support aspiring entrepreneurs in terms of both knowledge and funding, thereby fostering business growth.

We are pleased to announce that participant recruitment begins today. We encourage you to apply.

1. Overview

"AICHI STARTUP BATTLE 2026" aims to foster entrepreneurs by providing support in both knowledge and funding to aspiring entrepreneurs through an integrated acceleration program and business plan contest.

(1) Number of Participants to be Recruited

Approximately 20 teams

(2) Eligibility

Individuals or groups who meet both A and B below:

A. Individuals intending to start a business by March 31, 2027, or those who have been in business for less than one year.

B. Possess a business plan. * Please check the dedicated web page for other notes and details. https://aichi-startup-battle.pref.aichi.jp/

(3) Application Period

From June 30, 2026 (Tue) to August 31, 2026 (Mon)

(4) Prize Money

1st Place: 3 million yen, 2nd Place: 2 million yen, 3rd Place: 1 million yen (Total: 6 million yen)

* In principle, becoming an office member of STATION Ai is a condition for receiving prize money. However, this does not guarantee your preferred membership plan (private room, dedicated desk, or co-working).

(5) How to Apply

Please enter the required information and submit via the application form below: https://forms.gle/yE4S8pVkzwQeiJ4S9

(6) Selection Process

After the application deadline, the secretariat will conduct an initial screening (document review) to select approximately 20 teams for the acceleration stage. All applicants will be notified of the selection results via email around early September.

2. Program Information Session

(1) Date and Time

July 27, 2026 (Mon) 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

(2) Venue

Online (Zoom)

(3) Capacity

200 people (first-come, first-served)

(4) Participation Fee

Free (however, communication costs, etc., will be borne by each participant.)

(5) Application Deadline

July 27, 2026 (Mon) 6:00 PM

(6) Application

Please enter the required information and submit via the application form below: https://forms.gle/YosbWBkLFczBZg7F6

* Participation in this information session is not a mandatory requirement for program application.

3. Inquiries

Tsukurié Inc. Nagoya Office (Operations Secretariat)

Address: 6F, KDX Nagoya NGINMAE Bldg., 1-4-16 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya, 460-0003

E-Mail: info@aichi-startup-battle.pref.aichi.jp

<Reference> Program Flow (Tentative)

(A) Acceleration Stage

A venue to acquire knowledge necessary for entrepreneurship through workshops and mentoring, and to refine individual ideas with advice from experienced entrepreneurs, etc. (Approx. 20 teams).

<Schedule>

DAY1: October 3 (Sat), DAY2: October 24 (Sat), DAY3: November 7 (Sat)

TRAINING For Entrepreneurs 1: October 6 (Tue)

TRAINING For Entrepreneurs 2: October 13 (Tue)

(B) Contest Stage

A venue for selected participants from the interim screening (pitch screening) to further refine their business plans while receiving mentoring, in preparation for presenting at the business plan contest. (Approx. 10 teams).

<Schedule>

DAY1: December 12 (Sat), DAY2: December 13 (Sun), DAY3: Mid-January

(C) Business Plan Contest

A venue where participants selected in the interim screening pitch to external parties with the aim of connecting to investment and business partnerships.

<Schedule>

Scheduled for February 9, 2027 (Tue)

* Please check the dedicated web page for program details.

https://aichi-startup-battle.pref.aichi.jp/