FAQs

Program Overview

  • Black Belt Global Venture Studio (BVV) is an entrepreneurship and venture-building initiative supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s SUTEAM scheme.

    It brings together global innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to co-create new startups in Tokyo using the Science of Startups methodology, developed by the University of Oxford-led research group. 

    The program helps participants to:

    • Build and validate startup ideas from scratch, including supporting overseas startups launching subsidiaries in Tokyo

    • Match with potential co-founders and experts through the Science of Startups methodology

    • Receive hands-on mentoring and continuous support throughout the venture-building process

    • Develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with up to ¥1 million in funding support

    • Establish a Tokyo-based startup

    • Access local networks, mentors, and investors

  • It’s open to:

    • Researchers and deep-tech professionals looking to commercialise their ideas

    • Entrepreneurs aiming to expand into Japan

    • Innovators or professionals who wish to join early-stage ventures as co-founders

    • Existing startups planning to establish operations in Tokyo

  • The program offers:

    • Team formation and matching with complementary founders backed by data science

    • Mentorship and coaching by international experts

    • Access to Tokyo’s innovation ecosystem, including investors, corporates, and research partners

    • Up to 1M yen financial support (non-dilutive) for developing PoC and MVP.

    • Workshops, demo days, and networking opportunities with investors and corporate partners

  • No. The program is fully funded by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and there is no participation fee for selected individuals or teams.

  • The full venture-building process runs for approximately 18 months (Oct 2025- Feb 2027), covering team formation, product validation, and incorporation. We will accommodate each selected startup’s needs and timeline, depending on factors such as how mature the technology is and how much progress has already been made toward commercialisation.

  • Graduated startups are encouraged to continue operations in Tokyo and are connected with investors, corporate partners, and government programs for further scaling and support.

Eligibility & Applicant Types

  • Anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset - whether a researcher, innovator, or business professional - is welcome to apply.

    Applicants with or without existing startups are eligible.

    However, startups that already have an established legal entity in Tokyo are not eligible, unless they plan to set up a new entity for a different business idea through this program.

  • Yes, as long as they do not yet have a legal entity in Tokyo and plan to establish one through the program.

  • Yes. However, projects that are still in early R&D or lengthy clinical stages may not fit the 18-month timeline.

    If your proof of concept is complete and you’re ready to move toward commercialization, you’re strongly encouraged to apply.
    The program welcomes biotech, deep tech, and cloud security startups alike.

  • Yes. The program is flexible - there is no fixed minimum time requirement.
    Each team defines its own working schedule and responsibilities. Participants may begin part-time and increase their involvement as the venture develops.

  • There is no minimum required number of hours for the program itself.
    Participants are expected to coordinate within their teams to agree on roles, responsibilities, and engagement levels.

    As each team’s ultimate goal is to establish a Tokyo-based startup, some coordination and negotiation among team members will naturally be needed.

  • No, a working visa is not required to participate in the program. Participation will not complicate your visa status, because:

    1. You can participate remotely from outside Japan.

    2. Salary or compensation will only be considered at a later stage, once the startup has been incorporated and becomes profitable.

    3. You will have a Tokyo-based team member who can help continue local business activities and allow you time to work out your business visa arrangements if needed later.

Team Formation & Selection Process

  • BBV evaluates ventures based on:

    • The business model and market potential

    • Scalability and feasibility

    • Team composition and alignment with Tokyo’s innovation goals

    In addition, BVV uses its Science of Startups framework to match individuals and teams scientifically to suitable opportunities.

    Applicants without existing startups are assessed as individuals, not companies.

  • Each venture is unique. Some teams already have validated research; others begin from zero. The focus is on building strong interdisciplinary teams before formal structures are in place, ensuring that innovation is practical and viable.

    Overseas startups are supported in localising and adapting their business for Japan.

  • Stakeholder fluency - the ability to communicate effectively with partners, investors, and peers - is assessed during the multi-stage application process:

    • Stage 1: A short motivational questionnaire (7 questions)

    • Stage 2: Interviews with shortlisted candidates

    This helps identify founders with both leadership potential and interpersonal skills.

  • The program is sector-agnostic, meaning it welcomes all industries.

    However, startups that align with Japan’s industrial strengths - such as materials science, manufacturing, optics, carbon fiber, and B2B technologies - tend to perform particularly well.

    If your solution has potential Japanese customers or partners, it’s likely a strong fit.

Program Operations & Participation Style

  • The main working language is English, and a certain level of English proficiency is preferred.

    However, it is possible to participate with limited English skills. If you are selected for the program, you will be matched with bilingual or Japanese-speaking team members who can complement your strengths and support communication as needed.

    We intentionally build complementary teams so members can support each other’s abilities, including language-related needs.

  • Yes, remote participation is possible. It’s not mandatory to be physically in Tokyo, but participants should be open to collaborating with team members based in Japan.

  • Yes. The program includes:

    • Hybrid demo days (online and in-person) in Tokyo, likely in mid-next year

    • Access to Tokyo Innovation Base and other facilities for meetings and mentoring

    • Flexible team meetings that can be arranged independently, with continuous mentor support available

  • No. Participants can join remotely from anywhere.

    However, selected startups are expected to establish a legal entity in Tokyo by the end of the program. Those located outside of Tokyo must be willing to be matched with someone in or near Tokyo during the team formation process.

    The structure supports a hybrid model, combining virtual collaboration and optional in-person sessions.

  • Yes, incorporation support is included but this depends on the startup’s stage and progress.
    Each team follows a flexible schedule, tailored to its needs and development pace.

  • The program is a joint venture between:

    • Innovation Dojo Japan

    • Japan Tech Ventures

    • Science of Startups

    It also connects participants with angel investors, corporate venture capitalists, and large enterprises in Japan’s ecosystem.

    Additional part-time mentors can be brought in to support individual teams as needed.