[RFP] J-StarX Dual-Use Market Entry Program 2026

Sep 29, 2026

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.      Subject:  J-StarX Dual-Use Market Entry Program

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

3.      Closing Date for Application: 15:00 (PDT) on October 13th, 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 specifications:
      1. Accelerator, Venture Capital or any other related organization
      2. Experience supporting startups entering the U.S. market
      3. Experience working with international startups
      4. Mentor, advisor, or subject matter expert network
      5. Knowledge of the U.S. defense ecosystem, government organizations, and dual-use technology commercialization
      6. Adaptability and flexibility to various technology sectors and markets

    4. In addition, Prospective candidate(s) will also be evaluated based on the following preferred specifications:
      1. Project implementation skills
      2. Access to active or retired military personnel, government organizations, defense contractors, investors, and relevant stakeholders
      3. Broad mentor and subject matter expert network related to dual-use and defense technologies
      4. Experience conducting startup acceleration programs involving customer discovery, market validation, and international business development

  2. Preparation of Application
    No oral, telephone, or facsimile applications 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 participant recruitment and selection process
      2. Project details about Phase 1 online program
      3. Project details about Japan Bootcamp and Phase 2 selection process
      4. Project details about company-specific mentoring and preparation for Phase 2 companies
      5. Project details about the U.S. Immersion Program
      6. Project details about follow-up mentoring support
      7. Mentor assignment process and Lead Mentor structure
      8. Implementation Structure (personnel assignments and responsibilities)
      9. Operating Procedure, Method, and Proposal on how to complete all tasks effectively and enhance program outcomes.
      10. Ability to conduct online sessions   *Description of online tools to be used
      11. Frequent communication   *Description of communication tools to be used with participating startups and JETRO
      12. Proposed KPIs and program success metrics

    2. Experience and Capabilities of the Organization
      1. Experience with similar accelerator or market entry programs
      2. Experience supporting startups in government, defense, dual-use, or regulated markets
      3. Networking and stakeholder engagement capabilities
      4. System to manage personal/confidential information
      5. Include 2 to 3 notable recent case studies relevant to startup commercialization, international expansion, government engagement, or dual-use technology development

    3. Project Implementation Skills of Assigned Personnel
      1. Mentor and subject matter expert network list with profiles
      2. Profiles of all project personnel
      3. Relevant sector and technical expertise
      4. Connections to government organizations, defense stakeholders, investors, corporations, universities, accelerators, and industry experts
      5. Description of available stakeholder network that may support customer discovery, business development, and market entry activities for participating startups

  3. Delivery of Application
    All application and proposal documents (see below) shall be sent to the following email address by 15:00 (PDT) on October 13th, 2026

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

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

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

 

APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1: Application Guideline ＜PDF＞ (345KB) 

Attachment 2: Application Form ＜Word＞ (37KB) 

Attachment 3: Price List ＜Excel＞ (23KB)