The Osaka Industrial Bureau will launch "β Founder," a new program for accepting aspiring entrepreneur candidates, on Thursday, June 11th, and begin accepting applications for the first cohort. Selected entrepreneur candidates will be based at the "Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH)," a startup support center located in Grand Front Osaka, for one year. During this period, they will work on realizing their own business concepts while also engaging in OIH's operational duties.

There are no restrictions on the themes or business domains to be pursued; participants can work based on their own freely proposed concepts. It is envisioned that participants will undertake tasks that have a synergistic effect with their own ideas, enabling them to effectively utilize the startup support environment provided by OIH for the realization of their businesses.

[Current Challenges] One of the realistic barriers faced by individuals aspiring to found startups is securing financial stability during the preparation period. Many cases arise where individuals cannot take the leap into entrepreneurship due to the dilemma of "losing income and facing financial hardship if they quit their jobs to focus on their venture" or "having overwhelmingly insufficient time if they pursue it as a side job," even if they have social issues they want to solve or concepts they want to realize. While support mechanisms for startups have been established, primarily by venture capital firms, university-affiliated investment companies, and operating companies, these often have limitations tied to their specific technological domains. Therefore, "β Founder" was created as a framework for "domain-unrestricted, highly flexible, in-residence创业 support" that only a public institution like the Osaka Industrial Bureau can offer.

[Design of β Founder] Selected participants will be based at OIH for one year, with commissioned work. While undertaking OIH's public interest activities (planning and operating research groups and consortia, supporting the formation of entrepreneur communities, assisting OIH users, etc.), they can concurrently pursue the exploration, verification, and concretization of their own business concepts. The allocation of duties for each participant will be determined through individual consultation and defined in their contracts. The intended base of operations is the "Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH)" on the 7th floor of Tower C, Grand Front Osaka. The commission period can be renewed in six-month increments. After one year, OIH and the participant will discuss and decide whether to "exit through entrepreneurship" or "extend the contract." Even if entrepreneurship is not achieved, participants may continue to engage in startup support activities as commissioned staff of OIH.

[β Founder Application Overview]

* **Eligible Candidates:** Individuals with experience in managing, creating, or transforming businesses or organizations. Those who have a concept they wish to realize at OIH. (Entrepreneurial experience, academic background, nationality, and industry are not specified.)

* **Number of Positions:** A few.

* **Application Deadline:** Friday, July 31, 2026.

* **Selection Process:** Document screening, video submission, and interviews.

* Please check the official website for details and application methods.

https://www.innovation-osaka.jp/beta-founder

[Recruitment Information Session]

A public information session will be held on Monday, June 22nd, for the recruitment of "β Founder" entrepreneur candidates.

This session will provide detailed explanations of the program and include individual consultations. We encourage all interested individuals to attend.

* **Date and Time:** Monday, June 22, 2026, 18:00 - 19:00 * **Application Deadline:** Friday, June 19, 2026 * **Venue:** Osaka Innovation Hub

* **Application Form:** https://forms.gle/BWCbjupRymDonu7L7

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