[Sendai City] Applications Open for Program to Foster Impact Startups in Sendai and Tohoku

Sendai City views startups as engines for economic growth in Sendai and Tohoku, and is working to support the creation of startups that aim to achieve both social problem-solving and sustainable economic growth. We are now launching the third phase of "TOHOKU SOCIAL IMPACT BOOSTER," a hands-on support program designed to lead to business expansion through business model establishment, funding support, and matching with supporters, and are seeking applicants.

This program aims to foster impact startups that will become role models leading Sendai and Tohoku.

1. Program Schedule

Application Period: July 7, 2026 (Tue) - September 7, 2026 (Mon) until 23:59

Information Sessions: July 15, 2026 (Wed) 19:00-20:00 (Online) *Archive viewing available

July 29, 2026 (Wed) 18:30-20:00 (Scheduled)

Selection Period: Early to mid-September 2026

Selection Decision: Mid-September 2026

How to Apply: Applications can be submitted from July 7, 2026 (Tue) via the entry form on the special website.

Special Website: https://www.tohoku-socialimpactbooster.jp

2. Eligibility Requirements

This program is open to businesses (startups, etc.) that meet all of the following criteria:

- Engaged in business aimed at solving social issues

- Aiming to achieve both social impact and economic growth

- Already providing services/products (including prototypes) and have customer or sales実績

- Have their head office or main business base in the Tohoku region

- Intend to expand their business nationwide in the future

- Able to participate in all program sessions during the program period *Number of participants: 5

3. Support Provided

1 Hands-on Support Focused on Business Expansion Monthly mentor brush-up sessions will be held with entrepreneurs and experts active on the front lines. We will support the clarification of issues and decision-making necessary for business growth.

2 Matching Opportunities with Investors and Corporations We will create opportunities for interaction with investors, financial institutions, corporations, local governments, and role model entrepreneurs tackling similar social issues through meetup events and individual introductions held in Tokyo and Osaka.

3 Tohoku's Largest Achievement Presentation Opportunity An achievement presentation pitch will be held at "TOHOKU SOCIAL INNOVATION SUMMIT (TSIS)" on February 11, 2027. This will create opportunities for co-creation with over 100 citizens, entrepreneurs, companies, and supporters.

4 PR Support We will produce feature articles and PR videos introducing selected participants to widely disseminate their business content and challenges in addressing social issues. These can be utilized as PR assets even after the program concludes.

4. Inquiries about this program

Operations Secretariat: Borderless Japan Inc.

Mail: [email protected]

<Contact for inquiries regarding this project>

Sendai City Economic Affairs Bureau Startup Support Division

Email: [email protected]