Impact Startup Association Opens Annual Call for New Full Members for Fiscal Year 2027

The Impact Startup Association (ISA), dedicated to achieving both "social issue resolution" and "sustainable growth" while creating positive societal impact, has announced the opening of applications for new full members (FY2027) starting Thursday, July 16, 2026. As this recruitment occurs only once per year, interested parties are encouraged to apply during this opportunity.

※1: Participation begins December 2026

Key Activities to Date

Founded in October 2022 by 23 companies, ISA has grown to include 325 full members and 15 supporting members (※2). The association has consistently advocated for startups that balance social impact with sustainable growth, engaging in policy recommendations and collaboration with government agencies. In 2023, support for impact startups was included in the Cabinet Office's "Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform," and in 2024, it was incorporated into the "Grand Design and Action Plan for a New Capitalism." From 2025 onward, these policy statements are transitioning into practical implementation through financial markets and growth support systems. Within the Financial Services Agency and METI-led Impact Consortium, ISA's Representative Director, Yonara, served as Co-Chair of the Public-Private Collaboration Promotion Subcommittee, leading efforts to promote procurement guidelines for startups and establish investment markets focused on impact creation. Additionally, both Yonara and Director Okada joined the Startup Policy Promotion Subcommittee of the Japan Growth Strategy Council, accelerating institutional design and ecosystem development in collaboration with experts.

In response to these evolving conditions, ISA announced a new purpose in February 2026: "Creating the foundation for solutions to social challenges to be implemented." Alongside this, the association restructured its core activities into five pillars to enhance practical support for full members.

Activity Framework

1. Knowledge Sharing: Systematize and disseminate insights that full members can leverage for business growth.

2. Outreach Support: Enhance the external visibility and recognition of full members.

3. Facilitating Collaboration with Corporates and Government: Create opportunities for engagement with stakeholders, including investment and partnership.

4. Policy Advocacy Support: Collaborate with experts to promote institutional design and ecosystem development that supports entrepreneurial challenges.

5. Deepening Executive Networks: Foster a community where executives, including CxOs, support and inspire one another.

This fiscal year, ISA is organizing initiatives such as "IMPACT CAMP 2026," where founders exchange practical knowledge; the "Multi-Sector Dialogue," co-hosted with Keizai Doyukai and Shin-Kokyo Renmei; pitch events for supporting members; and policy dialogue forums to amplify the voices of impact startups in policymaking (※3). Additionally, the "IMPACT STARTUP SUMMIT 2026," gathering startups tackling social issues, is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Startups considering membership are warmly invited to attend and experience ISA’s community firsthand.

※2: As of end of February 2026

※3: Updates on activities will be shared via the official website and note. Please visit for details.

・ Official page for "IMPACT STARTUP SUMMIT 2026"

・ Phase 3 Activity Report: "ISA Report"

・ "IMPACT STARTUP SUMMIT 2025" Event Report: Part 1 | Part 2

Joining as a Full Member

To expand a healthy impact economy that contributes to a better society, ISA conducts a thorough review process for new members. Each application is carefully evaluated based on the following comprehensive criteria:

<Membership Review Criteria>

1. The company’s founding background and mission strongly incorporate the intent to create positive social impact.

2. The social issue the company aims to solve is clearly defined, and the company actively creates positive impact by providing actual solutions or services.

3. The company has, or is actively developing within the next few years, performance metrics related to impact.

4. The company demonstrates growth-oriented management as a startup committed to solving social issues.

5. Founders and executives endorse ISA’s mission and are willing to actively and proactively participate in and contribute to various activities.

<Illustrative Examples of ISA Full Member Companies>

<Member Testimonials>

Many full member companies report significant benefits from ISA membership, including increased visibility through speaking and pitching opportunities, expanded recruitment and business partnerships, horizontal connections among members, and co-creation projects with local governments and large corporations met through ISA. For more details, please refer to the full member interviews below.

▼ Full Member Interviews

Featured Companies: ASTRA FOOD PLAN, Halu, Base Food, Ms.Engineer, Light Light

※ In alphabetical order

https://note.com/impact_startup/m/m0d4467728e72

How to Apply

Those interested in becoming a full member of the Impact Startup Association for FY2027 should submit their application via the membership review form below.

▼ Membership Review Form

https://forms.gle/HvcnVHuPsfhF2rYG6

※ Membership is subject to review. Applications will be evaluated by the association based on submitted materials. Please note this in advance.

<Application Overview>

Official Website (Membership Information): https://impact-startup.or.jp/join

Application Period: Thursday, July 16, 2026 – Thursday, October 15, 2026, 23:59

Review Period (tentative): Late October 2026

Result Notification (tentative): Early November 2026 onward (rolling basis)

Membership Start Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

※ Schedules are subject to change.

Toward a society where enterprises striving for both economic and social value are no longer exceptional. We look forward to connecting with like-minded partners to cultivate this foundation together.

About the Impact Startup Association

An impact startup refers to an enterprise aiming to balance "social issue resolution" and "sustainable growth." ISA was established on October 14, 2022, with the mission of building an impact startup ecosystem to realize a sustainable society.

ISA works in collaboration with public, private, and governmental sectors to foster an environment where startups creating positive impact can emerge and grow sustainably. Currently, 325 impact startups (※2) have joined as full members who resonate with ISA’s purpose, and 15 companies, including Japanese and foreign firms, have joined as supporting members to advance the expansion of the impact economy (※2).

Moving forward, ISA will continue its energetic activities toward solving social issues and achieving a sustainable society, supported by its full and supporting members.

Additionally, as ISA expands its operations, it is actively recruiting corporate specialists with practical experience in finance, risk management, and project management.