[RFP] Global Startup Acceleration Program – "Equity Based Program (Deeptech IP Gateway Program)"

Sep 10, 2026

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.      Subject:  Global Startup Acceleration Program – “Equity Based Program (Deeptech IP Gateway Program)”

2.      Term of Contract: The contract start date to March 31th, 2027

3.      Closing Date for Application: 17:00 (PDT) on September 24th, 2026

4.      Content of Contract: As indicated in Application Guidelines (Attachment 1)


INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

  1. Qualification Requirement
    1. Prospective candidate(s) engaged in the project must satisfy conditions stated in the Application Guidelines (Attachment 1)
    2. NOT under the circumstances of being denied participation due to unethical and/or unlawful activities by either JETRO or Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) from previous procurement offerings.

    3. Prospective candidate(s) must meet the following minimum specification:
      1. Venture Capital, Corporate Venture Capital, Accelerator, Investment Firm, or other relevant organization
      2. Experience working with international startups and Deeptech ventures
      3. Investment capability through an existing fund or other investment mechanism
      4. Global network of investors, research institutions, corporates, and industry experts
      5. Adaptability and flexibility to various markets

    4. In addition, Prospective candidate(s) will be evaluated by the following preferred specifications:
      1. Proven track record in startup investment, technology commercialization, and/or IP licensing
      2. Experience implementing international startup acceleration, venture creation, or commercialization program

    5. Strong mentor, investor, and industry partner network relevant to Deeptech

  2. Preparation of Application
    No oral, telephone, or facsimile will be accepted. All costs of preparation shall be borne by the Applicants.

    In addition, the proposal document or presentation submitted by the applicant should include the following:
    1. Project Implementation (See Attachment 1)
      1. Overall program strategy and implementation plan
      2. Proposed Deeptech focus areas and approach to IP sourcing and commercialization
      3. Project details regarding startup sourcing, showcase events, and matchmaking activities
      4. Project details regarding startup selection process
      5. Project details regarding Tokyo Program and U.S. Program
      6. Project details regarding investment readiness support, due diligence, and term sheet preparation
      7. Implementation Structure (arrangement of personnel in charge / each responsibilities)
      8. Operating Procedure, Method, Proposal on how to complete all the tasks of the project in an effective manner and enhance project outcome
      9. Ability to conduct in-person and online activities   *Description of online tools and systems to be used
      10. Frequent communication   *Description of digital communication tools with startups and JETRO to be used

        *Note:
        - The Program is intended for early-stage Japanese Deeptech startups.
        - The Program should support technology commercialization, IP development, and global market expansion opportunities.

    2. Experience and Capabilities of the Organization
      1. Experience with Similar Projects
      2. Experience supporting startup investment, commercialization, and business development
      3. Networking and information gathering skills to enhance project outcome
      4. System to manage personal/confidential information
      5. Demonstrated investment capability or investment mechanism for startup support
      6. Include 2 or 3 notable recent case studies involving startup investment, commercialization, licensing, or international expansion

    3. Project Implementation Skills of Assigned Personnel
      1. Mentor, advisor, and expert network list with profiles
      2. Profiles of each project personnel
      3. Deeptech sector experience
      4. Investment, commercialization, and IP-related experience
      5. Strong connections to Venture Capital firms, Corporate Venture Capital firms, research institutions, universities, corporations, and other ecosystem partners
        *List of investor, corporate, university, research institution, and other relevant ecosystem connections or partners should be included. Such stakeholders are expected to participate in showcase events, matchmaking opportunities, and program activities where appropriate.

  3. Delivery of Application
    All Application and proposal document (see below) shall be sent to the following email address by 17:00 (PDT) on September 24th, 2026

    Required to submit:
    Application Form
    Price List
    Proposal Document or PowerPoint Presentation

    Attn: Mr. Will Ferguson, Mr. Masato Tanakai
    E-mail: will_ferguson@jetro.go.jp, Masato_Tanakai@jetro.go.jp, startup2@jetro.go
  4. Language of Application
    English

  5. Evaluation of Application
    1st evaluation
    Screening of Application documents by JETRO San Francisco
    2nd evaluation
    Zoom Presentation
    (Please include your scheduled availability for an interview after the application deadline). The call will include staff from JETRO San Francisco as well as JETRO Tokyo organizers. The detailed schedule for the presentation will be notified to the companies who pass the 1st evaluation.
  6. Number of Partners
    We intend to select 1 partner for this program.

  7. Announcement of Tender
    Tender will be announced to bidders by email. Given the nature of the bidding process, JETRO will refrain from providing feedback on the results.

  8. Contact
    Attn: Mr. Will Ferguson, Mr. Masato Tanakai
    E-mail: will_ferguson@jetro.go.jp, Masato_Tanakai@jetro.go.jp, startup2@jetro.go

 

APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1: Application Guideline ＜PDF＞ (200KB) 

Attachment 2: Application Form ＜Word＞ (34KB) 

Attachment 3: Price List ＜Excel＞ (84KB)