Six Finalists Selected for 'Academic Startup Award 2026'

NEDO and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) have selected six finalist companies for the 'Academic Startup Award 2026,' which honors exceptional startups founded based on research and development outcomes from universities and other institutions, as well as universities and companies that have contributed to their growth.

The award ceremony, where recipients of awards such as the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award will be announced, will be held on Thursday, August 27, within the 'University Fair 2026 – Innovation Japan' event.

Figure: Logo of 'Academic Startup Award 2026'

1. Overview

NEDO and JST have selected the final nominee companies for the 'Academic Startup Award 2026 – Award for Academic Startups' (Attachment 1).

The 'Academic Startup Award' was launched in FY2014 to recognize outstanding startups founded using research and development outcomes from universities and other institutions, as well as universities and companies that have significantly contributed to their growth.

The purpose of this award is to further promote entrepreneurship based on academic R&D, encourage bold post-startup initiatives, and enhance support for academic startups from universities and companies.

This year’s call for applications was open from March 19 to April 27, 2026, receiving 41 applications. Through document reviews and interview evaluations conducted by the 'Academic Startup Award 2026' selection committee composed of external experts (Attachment 2), six academic startups, along with their supporting universities and companies, were selected as final nominees.

※ For details on the final nominee companies, please refer to Attachment 1 and the website below.

Academic Startup Award: https://www.jst.go.jp/aas/index.html

※ The award ceremony will be held within 'University Fair 2026 – Innovation Japan.' Winners of awards including the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award will be announced from among the final nominees.

Date: August 27, 2026 (Thursday), 10:30–12:30 (tentative)

Venue: Main Seminar Hall, South Hall, Tokyo Big Sight (3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)

Pre-registration via the official 'University Fair 2026 – Innovation Japan' website ensures smooth entry.

University Fair 2026 – Innovation Japan: https://www.jst.go.jp/tt/fair/

2. Attached Materials

Attachment 1: List of Final Nominee Companies for 'Academic Startup Award 2026'

Attachment 2: List of Selection Committee Members for 'Academic Startup Award 2026'

Reference: Overview of 'Academic Startup Award 2026'

※ The above 'Attachment 1,' 'Attachment 2,' and 'Reference' can be accessed via the following URL:

https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/press/AA5_101954.html