【This translation was generated by AI.】
The ShibuyaInnovation Institute (SII), together with Shibuya City (Mayor: Ken Hasebe), hasopened applications for the 4th cohort of the “S-Startups” startupcertification program, part of the “Shibuya Startup Support” initiative.
Guided by themission of “creating an environment where startups can keep taking onchallenges without fear,” the program certifies and supports startups growingfrom Shibuya to the world. Certification began in FY2023, with 6 companies inthe 1st cohort, 10 in the 2nd, and 9 in the 3rd. Certified companies have goneon to run proof-of-concept projects with Shibuya City and private companies,speak at events, and pursue a range of other activities.
Applicationsfor the 4th cohort open on September 1, 2026 (Tue). Through this program, weaim to certify startups that keep challenging the status quo, while deliveringvalue back to Shibuya residents and the wider community and accelerating thegrowth of startups. Certified companies receive a range of benefits and supportthrough public-private collaboration. We encourage you to review the guidelinesand apply.
■Startups We Are Looking For
We are lookingfor startups that aim to solve local issues in Shibuya City or to expandinternationally. Any field is welcome, as long as the business can leverageShibuya’s strengths for global expansion or deliver value to residents.
We particularly welcome businesses aiming to expandoverseas, businesses tackling social issues through technology, ventures at theintersection of creativity and technology, research and development in advancedtechnologies, and businesses led by founders from diverse backgrounds.
■How to Apply
Applicationform
https://forms.gle/egfnR4pPHrVUiBy8A
Applicationguidelines (details)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zFEYW6CveR2tJo09Qtx5TAzlH4XMlJFg/view?usp=sharing
Applicationperiod：September 1,2026 (Tue) – September 30, 2026 (Wed), 21:00 JST
* The period issubject to change depending on the number of applications received.
- All applicants, includingnon-Japanese nationals, must prepare the service overview, business plan, andthe pitch presentation materials (for those who pass the document screening) inJapanese, as a general rule.
- Entries on the application formand the pitch presentation itself (for those who pass the document screening)may be completed in either Japanese or English. Please note that the review isconducted in Japanese; where necessary for the review process, translationtools may be used.
■Eligibility Requirements
Applicants mustmeet all of the following requirements.
About thecompany and business
- A startup based in Japan, atthe pre-seed to early stage
- A startup that continues totake on challenges through innovative technologies or business models
- A business that can contributeto the issues faced by Shibuya City and its residents
- Not in violation of publicorder and morals; no relationship with or involvement in antisocial forces
- Able to share the purpose ofthis certification program
Aboutactivities after certification
- Actively participate in eventsheld at the community hub and elsewhere
- Contribute to energizing thestartup community in Shibuya City
* About thecommunity hub
A coworking andevent space opened by Shibuya City within SHIBUYA BRIDGE (Shibuya City, Tokyo)to support startups. S-Startups certified companies can use the community hubas their office free of charge, and may also register it as their corporateaddress.
About theselection process
- Able to take part in thedocument screening, the pitch screening (held in person as a general rule), andthe orientation after certification
- Able to submit a business plan and other documentsif additionally requested
■Schedule
- Application period: September1, 2026 (Tue) – September 30, 2026 (Wed), 21:00 JST
- Document screening results(planned): mid-November 2026
- Pitch screening: December 2(Wed) and December 4 (Fri), 2026 (held in person as a general rule)
- Pitch screening results(planned): mid-December 2026
- Support period: January 4, 2027(Mon) – January 3, 2028 (Mon)
- Orientation: planned forJanuary 2027
* The scheduleis subject to change depending on the number of applications received.
■Benefits for Certified Startups
- Free use of the community hub,24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Support for collaboration andco-creation with Shibuya City and companies in Japan
- Participation in events held atthe community hub, including hiring and fundraising seminars and othernetworking events
- Networking opportunities withoverseas startups and support organizations
- Opportunities to speak andexhibit at events in Japan and abroad
- Mentoring and advice fromadvisors
- Use of the “S-Startups” logo asa company certified under Shibuya City’s “S-Startups” program
- Membership as an SII SpecialMember
* Benefits maybe updated or changed as needed.
* Benefits are available, as a general rule, fromJanuary 4, 2027 to January 3, 2028.
■Review Pane
- Shibuya City
- Shibuya Innovation Institute
- Shibuya Startups Inc.
- External review committeemembers (in Japanese syllabary order; honorifics omitted)
- Sophie Merali (GlobalAmbassador, Shibuya Startup Support)
- Toshiya Tabata (Manager,Digital Garage, Inc.; Principal, DG Incubation, Inc.)
- Yukio Nomura (Director, ShibuyaInnovation Institute; Executive Director, SHIBUYA QWS)
- Kenji Fujita (GlobalAmbassador, Shibuya Startup Support; Representative Director, Innovators’Platform Association; Cross-Sector Innovation Fellow, Mitsui Sumitomo InsuranceCompany, Limited)
Comment fromreview committee member Kenji Fujita on the 4th cohort
Shibuya bringstogether a wide range of players — startups, large corporations, investors,creators, and government — creating fertile ground for new value. I seeS-Startups as an initiative that draws on this uniquely Shibuya ecosystem tosupport the growth of startups willing to take on challenges.
For the 4th cohort as well, I look forward tomeeting entrepreneurs who are not bound by conventional thinking and who arecreating new value. We look forward to your applications as you take on thechallenge of growing from Shibuya to Japan, and on to the world.
■About Shibuya Startup Support
Shibuya StartupSupport is an initiative led by Shibuya City to invite startup businesses fromJapan and overseas to Shibuya, and to explore and grow together in this city.
Shibuya is anarea where Japanese culture and technology converge, bringing together diversetalent and companies. Drawing on an environment where startups, investors,large corporations, and creators intersect, the initiative supports thebusiness growth and global expansion of startups.
Officialwebsite: https://www.shibuya-startup-support.jp/en
