NEDO Deep-Tech Startup Support Program (DTSU)

DTSU DMP (Mass Production Demonstration)

Supports Japanese startups demonstrating mass production readiness and scalable commercialization models.

DTSU DMP (Demonstration of Mass Production) is the third and final phase of NEDO's Deep-Tech Startup Support Program, a national initiative with a total program budget of ¥87.7 billion (DTSU track) running from FY2023 to FY2032, plus a parallel GX track of approximately ¥38 billion. The DMP phase funds the design, manufacture, procurement, installation, and operation of production and inspection equipment necessary for mass production demonstrations. Startups at this stage aim to demonstrate that their technology is ready for commercial-scale production with a sustainable revenue model and secured next-round funding.

The standard maximum subsidy is ¥2.5 billion per project. NEDO's contribution rate is within two-thirds of subsidy-eligible expenses, reduced to one-half if the ratio of total loans to total investment and loan amounts is 50 percent or more (DTSU track only; GX stays at two-thirds). Eligibility is restricted to Japanese-registered for-profit startups operating at TRL 6–9. Applicants must submit a Memorandum of Understanding with a commercialization partner covering mass production demonstration, joint research, procurement, or sales channel development. At least one-third to one-half of subsidy-eligible expenses must come from VC, CVC, operating-company investment, and financial-institution loans within a NEDO-specified period. As of the 8th round, 14 of 111 total DTSU-adopted companies are at DMP stage, including companies in logistics robotics, propulsion systems, and battery technology.

Application is open to companies that best fit the DMP stage based on their most advanced business or R&D activities. Annual recruitment runs from FY2023 to FY2027. Stage-Gate review by NEDO governs entry into and continuation within DMP. NEDO selection at this scale is widely regarded in Japan's deep-tech ecosystem as a significant validation signal for follow-on private investment at or above unicorn trajectory.