NEP Exploratory Track
Supports Japanese early innovators exploring deep-tech ideas before formal company formation through applied feasibility work.
NEP Exploratory Track is NEDO's (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) entry-level support instrument for individuals — researchers, engineers, and would-be founders — who are validating deep-tech ideas before company formation. The track is the earliest rung in NEDO's startup support ladder, which extends upward through the NEP Advanced Track and ultimately to the Deep-Te…
Individuals (researchers, would-be founders) with deep-tech ideas in robotics, AI, biotechnology, space, advanced materials, energy. Pre-company-formation feasibility validation.
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Guides for this application
All guides →Grants for Biotech Startups: NIH, NSF, SBIR/STTR, and Non-Dilutive Funding
A practical guide to grants for biotech startups, including NIH SBIR/STTR, NSF, translational funding, evidence, regulatory readiness, and budgets.
Where to applyGrants for Robotics Startups: SBIR, Defense, NSF, and Pilot Funding
A practical guide to grants for robotics startups, including SBIR/STTR, NSF, DoD, NASA, field validation, TRL, pilot evidence, budgets, and commercialization strategy.
Start hereTRL Levels Explained for Deeptech Founders
Learn what TRL levels mean, how to estimate technology readiness, and how TRL affects grants, EIC Accelerator, SBIR/STTR, funding stage, and application evidence.
Write proposalHow to Write a Grant Proposal Reviewers Can Score
Learn how to write a grant proposal around reviewer criteria, evidence, work packages, budget logic, and commercialization for deeptech and R&D funding.
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