🎉Applications Open: Build the Next Generation of Unicorns from Tokyo

Written By Kanako Murase

Applications are now open for Black Belt Global Venture Studio (BBV), Japan’s first data-driven startup creation program designed to systematically build globally competitive ventures.

The program has been selected under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s TOKYO SUTEAM initiative.

Program Overview

Black Belt Global Venture Studio offers a unique, evidence-based approach to turning ideas into investible startups. The program combines the Science of Startups methodology based on Oxford University research that analyses founder traits commonly found in successful startups, featured in Nature with the venture studio model, a proven faster and more effective way to build startups. Participants progress through four key phases:

  1. Discover: Identify high-potential entrepreneurs and early-stage technologies or business ideas.

  2. Assemble: Build complementary cofounder teams and assign roles using Oxford’s Science of Startups analytics for data-driven, long-term success

  3. Validate & Build: Develop PoCs and MVPs with support from corporate partners and investors, applying structured venture studio processes.

  4. Scale & Connect: Access first customers, venture partners, and investors, preparing to expand globally from Tokyo.

This approach ensures startups are systematically designed, validated, and accelerated—helping founders build stronger, faster, and more investible ventures.

Who Should Apply
 BBV is open to:

  • Future entrepreneurs looking to join a founding team

  • Entrepreneurs with strong business ideas seeking to launch their venture

  • Researchers with promising technology or innovation seeds

  • Overseas startups aiming to establish an entity in Tokyo and seeking science-backed team design, investment, and corporate partnerships

Why Join BBV

  • Evidence-based team design:Use Oxford’s founder analytics to build or validate high-performing startup teams.

  • Proof-of-concept support: Develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and run PoC pilots in collaboration with corporate partners and venture operators.

  • Investor and customer access: Connect with a curated network of global early-stage investors and ideal first customers.

  • Scale from Tokyo: Access mentorship, global insights, and support to expand internationally.

  • Funding support: Selected teams will receive ÂĄ1,000,000 for PoC and MVP development.

Program Duration: October 2025 – February 2027

Apply Now
Applications are now open.

1.Fill out the entry form on this page (by Sunday, 30 November 2025).

2.Online interviews will be conducted in early December for candidates who pass the initial screening.

 Application Form

Kanako Murase