Deadline:
August 17, 2026
Program Starts: September 07, 2026
Program Ends: August 31, 2027
Location(s)
Japan
Tokyo
Overview
Details
Forge is a global hardware accelerator backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s TIB CATAPULT program. We pair Japan’s manufacturing strength with committed corporate partners to move hardware startups from prototype to proof and into production—combining co‑funded prototyping, a partner‑validated PoC pathway (subject to partner approval and team/product readiness), and investor access, supported by veteran mentors, fab access, and rigorous DFM (Design for Manufacturability). Designed for seed stage and beyond, Forge concentrates support into two phases—prep and build.
How Forge Works
Phase 1 - Prep for Prototyping & PoC
Duration: 3 months — A focused ramp to get production-ready and PoC-ready: align milestones, start DFM and set manufacturability direction, design your PoC and success metrics, map stakeholders, and build momentum with regular mentoring, masterclasses, and co-working & fab access. Formal DFM lock happens in Phase 2 once the design is finalized.
What’s included
- Refine prototype design and initiate DFM (set manufacturability direction).
- PoC design: define hypotheses, success metrics, data & governance.
- Stakeholder identification & engagement plan (customers, corporate partners, regulators).
- Milestone planning & mentoring with industry veterans.
- Masterclasses (manufacturing, supply chain, quality/compliance, fundraising).
- Curated networking with potential PoC partners and investors.
Phase 2 - Build & Prove
Duration: 8 months — Accelerate prototyping and advance validation and implementation. Co-funded prototyping (up to ¥2,000,000), production-oriented engineering (including formal DFM lock), co-creation and implementation with large enterprise partners via a partner-validated PoC track (subject to partner approval and team/product readiness), and comprehensive investor introductions and fundraising support.
What’s included
- We co‑fund your prototyping—covering up to ¥2,000,000 in costs. (also availabe for POC)
- One‑stop prototyping support to reach production‑ready.
- PoC pathway with leading corporates (scoping → field trials → integration)—depending on partner approval and team/product readiness.
- Direct investor introductions and hands‑on fundraising support.
- All Phase 1 support continues.
- Visa support
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
ELIGIBILITY
Forge is designed for ambitious hardware startups aiming to scale globally — whether you’re a Japanese startup looking outward or an international startup eager to tap into Japan’s deep tech and manufacturing strengths. You’re a great fit if:
- Product Development Stage: You have or are building a hardware prototype (MVP acceptable), are in DFM/engineering validation, or are preparing for pilot or early mass production; you can share core design files (e.g., CAD, basic BOM) for DFM review.
- Tokyo focus: You are Tokyo-based, or you’re exploring Tokyo as a potential market and open to evaluating it during the program (market discovery, pilots, and/or incorporation).
- Stage & team: Seed stage or later, with a technical owner accountable for product and DFM (founder, senior engineer, or committed external partner); full‑time preferred but not required.
- Commitment: A core team member can engage regularly throughout the program (check‑ins, design/DFM reviews; onsite sessions as needed).
- PoC readiness: You can define a PoC hypothesis and success metrics during the prep phase; progression to PoC is subject to partner approval and team/product readiness.
Dates
Deadline: August 17, 2026
Program starts:
September 07, 2026
Program ends:
August 31, 2027
Program Starts: September 07, 2026
Program Ends: August 31, 2027
Cost/funding for participants
Up to ¥2,000,000 prototyping voucher: We co‑fund your prototyping costs up to ¥2,000,000 so you can reach production‑ready faster and with less risk.
Investor matching: Warm, targeted introductions to aligned investors, plus hands‑on support for narrative, data room, and diligence.
PoC pathway: From scoping → field trials → integration with leading corporates—pending partner approval and team/product readiness.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
