Early Dawn Program
Funds Japan-based venture builders turning university research into deep-tech startups.
Selection runs through four stages: applicants submit their proposal, JST screens the paperwork for business-idea clarity and fit with university technology seeds, shortlisted candidates are interviewed in Tokyo on technical and business capability, and a final round formally notifies and publicly announces the successful candidates. Reviewers score each proposal against four separate categories: β¦
The Early Dawn Program looks for professionals with technical and business backgrounds who want to build deep-tech startups by working directly with university researchers in Japan. It focuses on identifying commercially promising university technology seeds and validating them into viable, internationally scalable ventures. It does not support internal corporate new-business projects or pure technology-transfer initiatives.
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Guides for this application
All guides βHow to Write a Grant Proposal Reviewers Can Score
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