[RFP] Global Startup Acceleration Program "Sustainability Course" 2026

Mar 13, 2026

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.      Subject:  Global Startup Acceleration Program (Sustainability Course)

2.      Term of Contract: The contract start date to March 19th, 2027

3.      Closing Date for Application: 15:00 (PDT) on March 26th, 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. Accelerator, Venture Capital, or any other related organization
      2. Unicorn Alumni in past 5 years (preferable)
      3. Experience working with international startups
      4. Investment team or department
      5. Adaptability and flexibility to various markets
      6. Specialized networks and/or experience/knowledge of Sustainability sector

    4. In addition, Prospective candidate(s) will be evaluated by the following preferred specifications:
      1. Project implementation skill
      2. Wide, various, open mentor network which matches this Sustainability course

  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. Project details about seminar and interactive coaching session
      2. Project details about mentor assignment process
      3. Project details about Demo Days
      4. Implementation Structure (arrangement of personnel in charge / each responsibilities)
      5. Operating Procedure, Method, Proposal on how to complete all the tasks of the project in an effective manner and enhance project outcome.
      6. Ability to conduct online   *Description of online tools to be used
      7. Frequent communication   *Description of digital communication tools with startups and JETRO to be used
        *Note: Startup program groups are based on preparedness, global mindset and market readiness.

    2. Experience and Capabilities of the Organization
      1. Experience with Similar Projects
      2. Networking and information gathering skills to enhance project outcome
      3. System to manage personal/confidential information
      4. Include 2 or 3 notable recent successful case studies of international alumni going global from their local market

    3. Project Implementation Skills of Assigned Personnel
      1. Mentor network list with mentor profiles
      2. Profiles of each project personnel
      3. Sustainability sector experience
      4. Strong connection to Venture Capital, Accelerators, Corporates, Universities, etc.
        *List of the Angels/VC/CVC connections or partners should be included (They should be invited to the pitch/demo day)

    4. *NEW for 2026* Osaka Global Startup Expo (GSE) Expert Panel Invitation Element
      At the request and discretion of JETRO, the Contractor shall support the planning, coordination, and on-site execution of a session at the Global Startup Ecosystem (GSE), a global deep-tech conference to be held in early October 2026 in Osaka, Japan.
      The session is expected to take the form of a panel discussion consisting of a total of four participants: one JETRO representative serving as moderator, two global investors, and one representative of the Contractor. Thus, the Contractor will arrange up to three (3) panelists (two investors and one Contractor representative). However, the composition and number of participants may be subject to change.
      The scope of work may include, but is not limited to, program design, speaker selection and invitation, and travel and logistical arrangements related to the participation of overseas speakers. Travel and accommodations will be included for three (3) panelists for three (3) days and four (4) nights.

  3. Delivery of Application
    All Application and proposal document (see below) shall be sent to the following email address by 15:00 (PDT) on March 26th, 2026

    Required to submit:
    Application form
    Proposal document or PowerPoint presentation

    Attn: Mr. Will Ferguson, Mr. Ken Yoshida
    E-mail: will_ferguson@jetro.go.jp, ken_yoshida@jetro.go.jp, startup2@jetro.go.jp
  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. Ken Yoshida
    E-mail: will_ferguson@jetro.go.jp, ken_yoshida@jetro.go.jp, startup2@jetro.go.jp

 

APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1: Application Guideline – Sustainability ＜PDF＞ (268KB) 

Attachment 2: Application Form ＜Word＞ (35KB)