Call for Applications: Innovation Square Start-up Accelerator 2023

Filed in Fellowships by on November 8, 2022 0 Comments

The Innovation Square Startup Accelerator (I2@OIST) is Okinawa’s first global startup accelerator programme. Each year, a highly selective group of entrepreneurs from all over the world is chosen to participate in a fixed-term residency programme at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), where they receive the funding, mentoring, and partnerships required to launch their technology ventures right here in Okinawa, Japan. The I2@OIST Accelerator combines talent, facilities, and resources from OIST with the most innovative, global technology entrepreneurs to build startups together.

Benefits

  • 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
  • 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
    • Programme management by staff of the OIST Technology Development & Innovation Center
    • IT services

Eligibility

  • Open to entrepreneurs from Japan and overseas with an innovative technology ranging in Technology Readiness Level of 3-6.
  • All technology fields are considered except projects requiring pharmaceutical/drug clinical trials (pre-clinical is eligible).
  • If selected, at least 1 founder who has (or will have) ownership of the startup must relocate to Okinawa and devote 100% effort on the project for the duration of the accelerator programme.

Selection Criteria

  • Passion and commitment to the technology and project
  • Fit to OIST environment and resources
  • Team
  • Technical merit
  • Market potential
  • Goals achievable within programme duration
  • Societal impact (Okinawa, Japan, the World)

How To Apply

To apply for the Startup Accelerator Programme, you must submit a Letter of Intent. Application will close on November 20, 2022 (JST).

Click Here To Apply

For more information, visit I2@OIST

Application Deadline: November 20, 2022

What’s your take on this? We believe this article was helpful, if yes, don’t hesitate to share this information with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and other Social Platforms.

Leave a Reply