Applications for the 4th term of the S-Startups certification program opens on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
S-Startups is a startup certification program run by Shibuya City and the Shibuya Innovation Institute (SII) as part of the Shibuya Startup Support initiative.
The program supports startups that use Shibuya as a place to test ideas, grow their businesses, and create new value for society.
S-Startups supports startups that use Shibuya as a field to take on challenges, grow their business, and bring new value into society.
Certified companies receive free access to the community hub, as well as opportunities to collaborate and co-create with Shibuya City and Japanese companies. They can also take part in demonstration projects, speak and exhibit at events in Japan and abroad, connect with overseas startups and support organizations, and receive mentoring from advisors.
Shibuya brings together startups, corporations, investors, creators, government, and universities.
It is also a place where culture and technology meet, making it an ideal environment for startups to test new ideas, connect with users and businesses, and develop their next opportunities.
Through S-Startups, startups can use Shibuya itself as a testing ground—while Shibuya City and its community can explore new solutions and technologies together with startups.
We're recruiting startups that want to solve local challenges in Shibuya City and grow globally.
Any industry is welcome, as long as the business can use Shibuya's strengths to expand internationally and give value back to residents. We're especially interested in overseas expansion, tech for social good, creativity × technology, cutting-edge R&D, and founders from diverse backgrounds.
Recruitment period Sept 1 (Tue) – Sept 30 (Wed), 2026, 21:00 JST
Document screening results (tentative) Mid-November 2026
Pitch review Dec 2 (Wed) & Dec 4 (Fri), 2026
Pitch review results (tentative) Mid-December 2026
Support period Jan 4, 2027 – Jan 3, 2028
Orientation January 2027
*Subject to change depending on the number of applicants.
Apply via the form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqalivGm6TWjp4JoKYW1_VTS6xJ0qqdnaG4XQhIRqzBJWnFw/viewform
Application Guidelines: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W-XdG_rQuVTFOS6nEWccWiovqcnnPc0U/view?usp=drivesdk
Company/business
After certification
Applicants must also be able to take part in document screening, the pitch review, and the post-certification orientation, and submit extra materials (e.g. a business plan) if requested.
During the support period (Jan 4, 2027 – Jan 3, 2028), certified companies get:
1. 24/7 access to community centers, year-round
2. Collaboration with Shibuya City and companies: Introductions to local challenges and businesses, with support toward new projects and demonstrations.
3. Network and community access: Recruiting/fundraising seminars, networking events, and connections with overseas startups and support organizations.
4. Mentoring and visibility: Advisor mentoring, speaking/exhibiting opportunities at events, and use of the S-Startups logo.
*Benefits may be updated or changed as needed.
Q1. What stage of startup can apply?
Pre-seed to early-stage startups in Japan. You don't need to be scaling yet—we welcome startups aiming for growth who want to help solve Shibuya's challenges.
Q2. Do I need prior proof of concept experience?
No, it's not required. But in your application you'll need to describe your fit with Shibuya, your goals here, the value you'd bring to the city and residents, and what you'd want to test. A clear vision matters more than a track record.
Q3. Can overseas startups apply?
Only startups based in Japan are eligible; companies based solely overseas cannot apply. Japanese entities with foreign founders or team members are welcome. Application documents must, in principle, be in Japanese.
Shibuya brings together startups, investors, corporations, creators, and governments. Through S-Startups, founders can use this network to help startups test new ideas and build connections with the local community.
We look forward to applications from startups in Japan and overseas ready for their next challenge!
Led by Shibuya City, SSS invites startups from Japan and abroad to grow together in Shibuya—an area where culture and technology meet, drawing diverse talent and companies together.
SII is an industry-government-academia-citizen collaboration working to realize Shibuya City's future vision through startup and project support, fostering local innovation and improving residents' well-being and civic pride. Website: https://www.shibuya-ii.or.jp/
