Apply for Landing Pad Global Startup Matching Program

Participate in a business matchmaking program for an opportunity to join the Japanese market.

Aichi Prefecture Government is seeking startups with groundbreaking solutions in the fields of Environmental Sustainability and Manufacturing.

Starting from October 2024, Aichi Prefecture will begin operating “STATION Ai,” Japan’s largest startup support base, supporting the nurturing and international expansion of local startups, as well as providing support for startups from both domestic and international origins. Through this program, they aim to promote open innovation between startups from Japan and abroad, as well as companies within Aichi Prefecture.

Goal

• The ultimate goal of the program is to promote partnerships and collaborations between companies in Aichi Prefecture, aiming to create new businesses and corporate entities. The program incentives include mentoring and follow-up support needed for entering Japan. Participation in this program is free of charge.

Theme 

• Environmental Sustainability/GX & Climate Tech
  • Climate Tech: New technologies and solutions contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation
    • Examples:
      • Environmentally friendly, high-efficiency energy storage technology
      • Electrification and automation of industrial machinery
      • Optimization of energy management
      • CO2 capture technology from the atmosphere etc.
  • Green Transition: New technologies and solutions that contribute to the shift away from fossil fuels
    • Examples:
      • Hydrogen production technology using renewable energy
      • High-temperature heat pumps utilizing industrial waste heat
      • Solar power generation systems utilizing building walls and windows
      • Small-scale hydroelectric power systems using agricultural water etc.
  • Circular Economy: New technologies and solutions for realizing a circular economy
    • Examples:
      • Manufacturing processes using renewable resources
      • Visualization and traceability of the recycling chain
      • Solutions for resource recovery from waste batteries
      • Bioplastics with controllable biodegradation rates etc.
• Manufacturing
  • New technologies and new materials related to planning, R&D, and design.
    • Examples:
      • Structural simulation representing multidimensional shapes
      • Innovative plant-based alternative meat technology
      • High-performance materials and advanced devices etc.
  • New technologies and robotics-related technologies for production and manufacturing.
    • Examples:
      • 3D printers for manufacturing complex shapes
      • High-speed, precise laser surface processing technology
      • Remote control technology using real haptics
      • Autonomous robotics equipped with AI etc.
  • New technologies and services related to procurement, logistics, and sales.
    • Examples:
      • Raw material price forecasting solutions
      • Packaging technology using environmentally friendly packaging materials
      • Personalized virtual sales etc.
  • New technologies, solutions, and services related to the shift from product-based manufacturing to value-based manufacturing.
    • Examples:
      • Generative AI technology assisting in maintenance and inspection
      • Quantum sensing that can capture users’ biological information
      • Platforms for real-time and secure processing etc.

Incentives

• Mentoring & More Japan Market Education Programs
  • Helping companies refine their business models and improve their strategies through expert advice and feedback. They offer educational programs on entering the Japanese market and more.
• Use Cases Creation Support
  • They work together to create specific use cases to concretize how their technologies and solutions can contribute to real-world business and strengthen your ability to make proposals to your clients.
• Business Matching Support
  • They support business matching with major companies and manufacturers in Aichi Prefecture. Through networking events and individual meetings, they will assist business expansion by creating partnership and collaboration opportunities.
• Follow-ups
  • They will continue to provide ongoing support even after the program ends. Through regular follow-up with mentors and the provision of resources to support growth, they aim for long-term success.

Eligibility Criteria 

• They will evaluate solution providers on a case-by-case basis based on the needs of companies in Aichi Prefecture. Overall, the following criteria will be considered:
  • Business development stage at Seed, Early, Middle, or beyond
  • Already possessing a Minimum Viable Product and at a stage where pilot testing or contracting with operating companies is possible in the Japanese market for collaborative projects
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate with Japanese members (English communication also acceptable!)
  • Positive business synergy effects with companies in Aichi Prefecture.

For more information, visit Aichi Prefecture Government.