Data-driven, Science-backed
Startup creation in Tokyo

Powered by Innovation Dojo Japan, Science of Startups & Japan Tech Ventures

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Next-Generation Unicorns from Tokyo, Backed by Science

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Black Belt Global Venture Studio (BBV) is Japan’s first ever data-driven startup creation program, applying the University of Oxford’s Science of Startups research to systematically assemble high-performing founder teams, match ventures with aligned early investors, and connect them with ideal first customers.  

Selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government under the TOKYO SUTEAM initiative, BBV connects entrepreneurs, researchers, corporates, and investors to validate ideas, run proof-of-concept pilots, and accelerate new venture creation.

About BBV

Our Evidence Based Process

The Black Belt Venture Studio process is evidence-based and designed to guide entrepreneurs and early-stage technology or business ideas from discovery to validation and scale. Built on Science of Startups analytics and practical venture studio experience, this process moves beyond intuition-based startup creation, ensuring that ideas are supported by data and evidence at every stage.

DISCOVER

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  • Identify promising entrepreneurs from Japan and abroad

  • Source early-stage high-potential technologies and new business ideas

  • Use Science of Startups analytics to prioritise the best people, ideas and combinations

TEAM FORMATION

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  • Build complementary teams using founder analytics on traits and skills

  • Allocate roles with confidence, or validate your existing team’s mix and fill gaps

  • Form teams with higher success probability compared to solo founders

  • Establish an entity in Tokyo Metropolitan

VALIDATE & BUILD

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  • Run proof of concept and minimum viable product development (PoC and MVP) to test value and feasibility

  • Pilot with corporate partners and investors for practical testing and integration

  • Gather evidence on performance, cost and integration to de-risk enterprise adoption

SCALE & CONNECT

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  • Use data science and global insights to reach ideal first customers

  • Match teams with early-stage venture investors in Japan and internationally

  • Prepare for Demo Day, follow-on funding and go-to-market expansion

Who is this for?

Whether you're a founder with an idea or talent looking to join the next breakthrough startup. Applications close on Sunday, 30 November 2025

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I have a Startup

Transform your research or idea into a globally competitive startup with our evidence-based methodology and world-class support.

  • Entrepreneurs establishing startup

  • Researchers with technology seeds

  • People with new business concepts

  • Overseas founders & startups expanding to Tokyo

Applications close on Sunday, 30 November 2025

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I want to join a Startup

Join innovative teams building the future of technology and science. Work with cutting-edge research and world-class mentors.

  • Work with breakthrough technology

  • Join high-potential startups

  • Expert mentorship and support

  • Global network access

Applications close on Sunday, 30 November 2025

Disclaimer

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BBV Timetable

OCT - NOV 2025

Recruit founder talent and source early-stage technology or business ideas.

MAY - DEC 2026

Meetings with venture capital firms and corporate partners to scope pilots and partnerships.

DEC - JAN 2026

Team building using Science of Startups (SoS) analytics for role allocation and fit.

AUG - NOV 2026

Demo Day window with pitch presentations.

FEB - DEC 2026

Mentoring and coaching with expert advisors.

OCT - FEB 2027

Build and validate with BBV funding and dedicated advisors through PoC and MVP creation.

Benefits

  • Who should apply:

    • Anyone who wants to establish or join an early-stage startup

    • People looking to commercialise a new business product or service

    • Researchers with promising new “technology seeds”

    Benefits:

    • Join or validate a founding team using Science of Startups analytics

    • Mentoring and coaching from experienced venture builders and advisors

    • Receive support and funding (*¥1,000,000 ) for proof of concept and minimum viable product development (PoC and MVP)

    • Access to investors, corporate partners and first customers

    Apply from Here
    Applications close on Sunday, 30 November 2025

  • Benefits:

    • Give your founders a clear venture studio pathway from idea to MVP, with coaching, corporate PoC pilots, and investor-ready milestones.

    • Assemble or validate balanced founding teams with a higher chance of long term global success with access to founder analytics.

    • Accelerate technology transfer by testing university IP with corporate pilots and investor input.

    • Plug your incubator into a network of investors, corporates, and early customers in Japan and abroad.

    • Enable eligible teams to access program support, including funding for PoC and MVP activities.

    Next Steps

    • Share this program within your incubator or tech transfer teams.

    • Nominate teams or researchers who are ready to commercialise.

  • Benefits

    • Access a Tokyo-Government backed venture studio led by global experts, giving you a front-row seat to Japan’s most curated early deal flow.

    • See top founder teams first through data-backed sourcing and team assembly informed by Oxford’s Science of Startups.

    • Prioritise pilots with proof. Track PoC and MVP progress with corporates so you can gauge performance, integration, and commercial value before you commit.

    • Speed up diligence with founder analytics that highlight team complementarity and predicted execution strength.

    • Co-invest with confidence alongside strategic partners and follow on into breakout winners that demonstrate traction in pilots and early customers.

  • Benefits

    • Secure first access to Japan’s most promising startups and technologies through a Tokyo-backed venture studio with global expertise.

    • Accelerate open innovation through co-developing Proof-of-Concepts and Minimum Viable Product demos with high-potential startups.

    • Reduce adoption risk with data-driven evaluation of founding teams and evidence from pilots before committing to partnerships or investment.

    • Build your strategic pipeline of partners and acquisitions by engaging early with ventures designed for global scale.

Ready to build the future?

Join the next generation of science-backed startups.

Apply now