About the OBI-Hub Program

Accelerate growth through business development and team building with a focus on overseas expansion from the early stages of start-up.

With a total investment of 500 million yen, the program will provide financial support to a total of about 10 seed to early-stage R&D startups, as well as all other support necessary for business growth and overseas expansion.

Apply

Transform deep technologies into global businesses
Transform deep technologies into global businesses

  • Long term investment capital
  • Assistance on business, go-to-market strategies
  • Support to strengthen management team
  • Connections to co-investors, corporate partners
Incubate and accelerate deep technologies
Incubate and accelerate deep technologies

  • Connections to global network of domain experts
  • Access to world-class facilities and equipment
  • Educational courses on entrepreneurship

Resources available through the OBI-Hub Program

Funding

Funding
Team Building

Team Building
Network, Global expansion

Network,
Global expansion
Equipment Support

Equipment Support
  • Investment *1
  • Fundraising support
    (additional investment, co-investment)
  • Recruitment support
    (Recruitment support for executives, engineers, and administrative departments)
  • Introduction to business partners and experts
  • Various support for business growth
  • Biolabs and shared space in Tokyo *2
OIST *3
  • Assistance in obtaining grants
  • International community immersion on OIST campus
  • Introduction to potential technical and business mentors and advisors
  • Connection to overseas investors and business companies
  • Seminars on Technology and Entrepreneurship
  • Incubation Facilities in Okinawa (equipped dry and wet labs and makers space)
OIST *3

Funding

  • Investment *1
  • Fundraising support
    (additional investment, co-investment)

Funding

  • Assistance in obtaining grants

Team Building

  • Recruitment support
    (Recruitment support for executives, engineers, and administrative departments)

Team Building, Global expansion

  • International community immersion on OIST campus
  • Introduction to potential technical and business mentors and advisors
  • Connection to overseas investors and business companies
  • Seminars on Technology and Entrepreneurship

Network, Global expansion

  • Introduction to business partners and experts
  • Various support for business growth

Equipment Support

  • Biolabs and shared space in Tokyo *2

Equipment Support

  • Incubation Facilities in Okinawa (equipped dry and wet labs and makers space)
  • *1 The amount of investment depends on the progress of the business (millions of yen to tens of millions of yen)
  • *2 Beyond BioLAB TOKYO, a shared wet lab operated by BNV, and B-PORT, an office and shared space
  • *3 Tailored services worth up to 5 million yen and provided in consideration for the issuance of stock options. Subject to dates and availability, examples include the above.

Target Team

STAGE
Pre-Seed, Seed, Early stage
AREA
Medical and Digital Health, Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Agriculture-Food, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental, Energy

Application Process

  1. 1Please click “Apply” below to go to the OIST application form and upload your company profile and documents.
  2. 2Once received, you will receive an email from our staff. Candidates who pass the document screening will proceed to the next round of selection (online meeting).
  3. 3After several rounds of meetings, your application will be accepted (2-4 months).

Apply

Q&A

Do I have to be an OIST-affiliated startup to apply?
Startups not affiliated with OIST are welcome to apply.
I am not sure if I am in the target area.
As long as it is in the deep tech area, any business or technology area is acceptable. We look forward to hearing from you.
Can I apply even before founding my own company?
Yes, you can. But please note that an actual investment will only be made after the incorporation of your company.
How is this different from raising funds from VC or other sources?
In addition to funding from us, we have partnered with OIST, an international research institute, which allows us to specialize more in helping companies expand overseas.
When is the date and time of the event?
There is no specific date and time. We will provide support according to the needs of each team as soon as the application is accepted.
Where will the event be held?
There is no specific location. The BNV office in Nihonbashi, Tokyo and the incubation facility at OIST in Okinawa are available (in each case subject to availability).
Are there any costs involved?
Basically, no. However, we ask that you bear the cost of transportation and other expenses incurred in traveling during the program.

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this program.

CONTACT