NEDO NEP Kaitaku (Frontier) Course
NEDO (Japan) · Pre-founding programme
VariesFlexible activity funding (amount not stated on page) + mentoring by experienced 'Accompany-Runners'
NEDO's year-long programme for would-be founders (including students) with a deep-tech seed: flexible activity costs and mentor support to shape a business model before founding.
Key terms
- For people considering founding a company around a deep-tech seed; past achievements not required
- Applicants under 40 and university/graduate/KOSEN students get preference
- Requires a supervisor's consent form (所属長の承諾書) and profile sheet
- 2026 call closed 24 Feb 2026; programme runs to 31 Mar 2027
- Funding amount is set in the call guidelines (not stated on the page)
Eligibility
- Where
- Japan
- Stages
- idea
- Needs VC/accelerator backing
- No
- Needs partner referral code
- No
- Must be incorporated
- No
- AI focus required
- No
- Students / researchers
- Eligible
- Nonprofits
- Not eligible
Also required
- Deep-tech seed required
- Preference for under-40s and students
How to apply
Read the 公募要領, attend an online briefing, then upload the application, consent form and profile sheet via the online form during the winter call.
- Benefit
- mixed
- Equity-free
- Yes
- Decision time
- —
- Credit validity
- —
- Deadline
- Annual call (2026 closed 2026-02-24; typ. Jan–Feb)
- Status
- Paused — next round TBA
Verified 2026-10 · source