Call for Applications: Fukuoka Prefecture NEXT Unicorn Spark Program 2026 for Startups!

CIC Catalyst APAC, the startup growth support organization of CIC Japan (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Denise Medrenka), is launching the 'Fukuoka Prefecture NEXT Unicorn Spark Program 2026' in partnership with the Global Connect Fukuoka Network.

This program targets startups in the bio-medical field (excluding drug discovery) operating within Fukuoka Prefecture (hereinafter referred to as 'the Prefecture'). Its goal is to provide participating companies with direct access to the U.S. innovation ecosystem by offering expert support in business strategy and English pitch refinement, along with networking and pitching opportunities in Boston, Massachusetts, thereby enabling overseas fundraising and business expansion.

We are now accepting applications for startups to join this program, as outlined below.

Call for Startup Applications! See details below.

◾️ Program Overview

Application Period: July 9 (Thu), 2026 – July 31 (Fri), 2026, 23:59 JST

Notification of Selection Results: August 19 (Wed), 2026 (tentative)

How to Apply: Please carefully review the application guidelines and submit your application via the online form.

Application Form URL: https://forms.gle/n5Hd9bjDXif1zCPo8

◯ Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet all of the following conditions.

Must have a headquarters or office located within Fukuoka Prefecture.

Must aim for overseas expansion, specifically targeting business development and fundraising in the U.S. market.

Must be a startup operating in the bio-medical field (excluding drug discovery).

Examples include: medical devices, digital health, AI-based image diagnostics, healthcare-related software, regenerative medicine-related technologies (excluding development as therapeutic drugs), and services for medical professionals and patients such as medical DX support.

Must be able to assign a dedicated representative who can actively and continuously participate throughout the entire program duration.

Must be able to attend all key program events, including the kickoff, domestic training sessions, Boston trip, follow-up sessions, and the domestic demo day.

◯ Number of Selected Startups: Up to 3 companies

◾️ Main Support Components of the Program

◯ Kickoff

Preparatory seminars (example topics: Boston-style pitching, networking strategies, building overseas business strategies, etc.)

One-on-one meetings with the program secretariat (approximately once per month per company, continuing until the end of the support period)

Networking opportunities among participating startups

◯ Domestic Training

Preparatory seminars (example topics: overview of the U.S. market, FDA regulations, U.S. healthcare insurance system, etc.)

Business strategy mentoring by external mentors with deep expertise in the U.S. market

English communication mentoring

Preparation for discussions with local experts

◯ Boston Trip Program

Networking events

Site visits to facilities that form the biomedical ecosystem

Discussions with local experts

Matchmaking meetings (examples: establishing overseas offices, fundraising from U.S. investors, building local supply chains, overseas market entry, and partnerships)

Pitching opportunity at the 'Thursday Gathering at Venture Cafe Cambridge' event

Provision of office space (coworking space at CIC Cambridge)

◯ Follow-up

Business strategy mentoring

◯ Fukuoka Demo Day

Presentation at the final showcase event, attended by judges including investors and corporate partners

◾️ Application Guidelines and Form Please review the following links and proceed with your application.

Application Guidelines

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YRVJwzPK4mLLatVx1elFpcDjVQOLkjVT/view?usp=sharing

Application Form

https://forms.gle/n5Hd9bjDXif1zCPo8

◾️ Organizers and Secretariat

Global Connect Fukuoka Network https://gcfukuoka.com/ A membership organization established to comprehensively support SMEs and venture companies in fundraising, business partnerships, and market expansion both domestically and internationally. Chairperson: Masayoshi Nukui (Special Advisor, Kyushu Electric Power Company)

CIC Catalyst https://cic.com/catalyst/ CIC Catalyst is an organization under CIC dedicated to innovation consulting and startup growth support. By collaborating with corporations, investors, government agencies, and academic research institutions, it works to foster and scale startups with cutting-edge technologies and build innovation ecosystems. The Japan Desk, based in Boston, specializes in supporting Japanese companies' overseas expansion by connecting Japanese innovators, entrepreneurs, and organizations with overseas ecosystems, particularly in the United States, to facilitate smooth global growth.

◾️ Contact CIC Catalyst Japan Desk (Boston Office) – Fukuoka Spark Program Secretariat [email protected]