The Innovation Square Startup Accelerator is Okinawa’s first global startup accelerator program. Each year, a highly selective group of entrepreneurs from all over the world will be chosen to participate in a fixed-term residency program at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, where they will receive the funding, mentoring, and partnerships required to launch their technology ventures right here in Okinawa, Japan. The Innovation Square Startup Accelerator combines talent, facilities, and resources from OIST with the most innovative, global technology entrepreneurs to build startups together.  Innovation Square Startup Accelerator is a key initiative of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and managed by the Technology Development & Innovation Center. By catalyzing startups in Okinawa, OIST aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem around the university and contribute to self-sustaining economic development in the region. Startup Accelerator Program is funded by Okinawa Prefectural Government.

Program Duration: 10-12 months

Funding

• Awards will range from 3-10 million JPY
• Funds can be used for:
  • Personnel (salary, benefits)
  • Lab supplies
  • Contract research
  • Travel to conferences and exhibitions

Resources and services

• Lab and office space
• Access to OIST core research equipment and resources
• Connect with OIST research and business network
  • Faculty and researchers
  • Venture capital and industry partners
• Mentorship
  • Expert industry mentors assigned to each project
• Professional Training
  • Lean Startup Entrepreneurship Program
  • Business Planning Courses
  • Project Management Courses
• Professional Services
  • Corporate legal advice
  • Intellectual property advice
• Administrative Services
  • Program management by staff of the OIST Technology Development & Innovation Center
  • IT services

Eligibility

• Entrepreneurs from Japan and internationally with an innovative technology ranging in Technology Readiness Level of 3-6.
• All technology fields will be considered except projects requiring pharmaceutical/drug clinical trials (Pre-clinical is eligible).
• If selected, founder or team leader must devote 100% effort on the project for the duration of the accelerator program.