Startup accelerators in Japan
Japan’s accelerator scene pairs deep domestic roots with imported global brands. Open Network Lab has run seed cohorts in Tokyo since before "accelerator" was a common word there, Samurai Incubate is a similar early mover, and Beyond Next Ventures accelerates research-born deep tech; Plug and Play Japan, Techstars Tokyo, and 500 Kobe carry the global playbooks.
The government layers its own support on top through J-Startup, which selects and promotes high-potential companies. These are the Japan-based programs we track; open a listing for funding, duration, and equity.
Startup accelerators in Japan
366 accelerators
MassChallenge
Remote
16 wks · equity-free
Equity-free accelerator + non-dilutive cash prizes
Entrepreneur First (EF)
London · Paris · Bangalore · San Francisco, Global
24 wks · $250k · ~8% equity
Up to $250K + a 24-week pre-team to launch program
Antler
Multiple cities, Global
24 wks · $250k · ~10% equity
~$100K–$250K for ~10% + a 6-month residency
TAQADAM
Remote
26 wks · $40k · equity-free
KAUST six-month startup accelerator
Crucible Ignitor
Remote
equity-free
Equity-free program with mentorship and network access
CancerX Accelerator Cohort
Remote
17 wks
Structured mentorship, curriculum, and investor access
Adidas Cultivate and B.L.O.O.M.
Remote
Structured mentorship, curriculum, and investor access
Danone Manifesto Ventures
Remote
$10000k
Up to $10M + a structured program
Nestle R+D Accelerator
Remote
26 wks · equity-free
Equity-free program with mentorship and network access
PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator APAC
Remote
$100k
Up to $100K + a structured program
The Estee Lauder Companies New Incubation Ventures
Remote
$3000k
Up to $3M + a structured program
Kering Generation Award
Remote
Structured mentorship, curriculum, and investor access
La Maison des Startups LVMH
Remote
Structured mentorship, curriculum, and investor access
Accelerate Africa Startup Programme
Remote
24 wks · equity-free
Equity-free program with mentorship and network access
Startup Wise Guys SaaS Africa
Remote
26 wks · $65k · ~12% equity
Up to €65K for ~12% + a structured program
The Baobab Network
Remote
14 wks · $100k
Up to $100K + a structured program
iStart Rajasthan
Remote
Structured mentorship, curriculum, and investor access
StartinUP Incubator Network
Remote
13 wks
Structured mentorship, curriculum, and investor access
ELEVATE Idea2PoC
Remote
equity-free
Equity-free program with mentorship and network access
Karnataka Acceleration Network
Remote
26 wks
Structured mentorship, curriculum, and investor access
BIRAC BIG (Biotechnology Ignition Grant)
Remote
$50k · equity-free
Up to $50K + a structured program
MeitY Startup Hub
Remote
equity-free
Equity-free program with mentorship and network access
SIDBI Fund of Funds Startups
Remote
Structured mentorship, curriculum, and investor access
Atal Innovation Mission Startup Support
Remote
equity-free
Equity-free program with mentorship and network access
Showing 24 of 366. See them all in the directory, or sign up free for the ones matched to you.
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