CFAs: Japan Science and Technology Agency Early Morning Program

The Sougyou Program supports those who aim to establish university-based startups by helping them to search for technological seeds at universities that will be the foundation of their business. It also provides funding for R&D aimed at commercialization and verifying business models. After completion of the program, the program aims to acquire public grants such as the GAP Fund.

Through this program, they will support you in establishing university-based startups.

Program Overview

• This program consists of Stage 1 and Stage 2, and the selection process will be conducted in two stages. Stage 1 will recruit talent for commercialization. Stage 2 will recruit an R&D team consisting of a principal researcher and the talent for commercialization selected in Stage 1.
  • Stage 1
    • Seed exploration and teaming up with researchers
    • Duration: About 5 months
    • Activity details
      • Kickoff training camp (2 days, 1 night)
      • Searching for technology seeds and visiting researchers
      • Meetings with mentors (about twice a month)
  • Stage 2
    • Commercialization considerations/research and development
    • Duration: 7 months
    • Activity details
      • Brushing up the business model
      • Meetings with mentors (about twice a month)
      • Kickoff training camp (2 days, 1 night)
      • Results report meeting (half day)

Support Menu

• Seed exploration support (Stage 1 only)
• Practical guidance from mentors with entrepreneurial and investment experience
• Door knocking expenses, research and development expenses
• Training on the knowledge necessary for starting a business
• Networking within the program through camp-style meetings, etc.

Benefits 

• Aiming to establish a startup while working
• Meet researchers with technological seeds and aim to commercialize your ideas
• Learn from mentors with entrepreneurial and investment experience and grow as an individual

Eligibility Criteria

• Those who are currently employed can also participate after work or on holidays. You can apply to solve social issues that you have recognized from your past business experience, or you can come up with a new business model after encountering technological seeds.
• This is an individual program and they cannot accept team applications.

Selection Criteria

• The feasibility and growth potential of the business model.
• Proactiveness in utilizing technological seeds, and the desire and ability to act towards solving problems.
• Broad knowledge and expertise, ability to identify and solve problems, insight, ability to apply knowledge, creativity, ability to think things through.
• Passion and desire to take on new challenges and achieve results, leadership, communication skills, ability to get people involved, and collaboration skills.

For more information, visit JST.