Program: From Idea to Launch
Explore - Focus - Build
Welcome to OIST Innovation Accelerator Program. Our startup launchpad will propel you through a series of stages while providing an immersive entrepreneurship training designed to help you refine your idea and business plan. This transformative journey is for entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into world-changing companies, backed by one of Japan's top research universities right here in beautiful Okinawa.
Our competitive, three-stage program is designed to help you validate your technology, refine your business model, and secure the resources you need to build and launch your startup. Along the way, you'll gain access to world-class research facilities, hands-on mentorship, non-dilutive funding, and a supportive innovation ecosystem.
Once you have secured your spot in the competition, the excitement begins!
Stage 1: Explore
September 2025 - Online Training Program
Once applications open in June 2025, we'll select 25 promising teams to join an online course in September. This training will challenge you to dig deep into your startup idea, uncover market opportunities, and develop a compelling narrative around your venture.
At the end, you'll submit a short video pitch. The top 12 teams will be selected to advance to the next stage: the in-person bootcamp in Okinawa.
Online Session Dates:
September - dates and times to be announced later.
All sessions will be conducted in English.
Stage 2: Focus
December 2025 - Startup Bootcamp in Okinawa
The finalists will be invited to Okinawa for an immersive bootcamp here at OIST. The teams will receive financial support for travel and hotel costs (based on OIST's travel rules) for up to 2 members from each team to attend. This is where things get real.
You'll receive expert-led workshops in:
- Product development
- Customer discovery and market strategy
- Fundraising and financial planning
- Team culture and leadership
- Intellectual property and legal essentials
The bootcamp ends with a live pitch competition, where 4 teams will be chosen to enter the final phase: a year-long accelerator residency in Okinawa.
Bootcamp Dates: December 2025
All sesions will be conducted in English.
Stage 3: Build
April 2026 - March 2027 - Accelerator Program in Okinawa
The 4 winning teams will relocate to Okinawa to build their product and startup at OIST, starting from April 2026. The teams must be willing to relocate to Okinawa for the defined period. You will receive up to 10,000,000 Japanese Yen as a non-dilutive grant to use for salary, lab supplies, contract research, or travel to meetings and exhibitions. You will have access to office space, lab space, and equipment in OIST's state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, we will connect you to a global network of scientists, investors, government leaders, and industry experts who can guide you through the startup journey.
Graduation & Launch
March 2027
By the end of the program, your company will be investor-ready and positioned for global growth. Whether you stay in Japan or scale internationally, you'll leave with a venture built on deep tech, rigorous validation, and a powerful network.
Have questions? Frequently asked questions