NEWS
OVERVIEW
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has signed an agreement with “clusters” consisting of multiple companies formed to spark innovation in various industries and technology areas in Tokyo, and promotes collaboration and cooperation with startups in the cluster areas, Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosts this program to create innovation by promoting collaboration with startups in the cluster area.
The Global CityTech Bridge, jointly run by CIC Institute and Shimizu Corporation, with support from partners such as Mitsubishi Estate, Mitsubishi Electric, and the University of Tokyo's Kenji Tanaka Lab, aims to drive CityTech innovation and commercialization. Startups receive support through corporate matching, pilot opportunities, funding, overseas market expansion, and PR. Solutions in areas such as smart cities, mobility, energy, decarbonization, and disaster resilience will be tested and commercialized in Tokyo, then expanded abroad. Collaboration with our overseas partners, such as the UK’s Connected Places Catapult, will support deployment in London and other global cities.
PROGRAM
Objective Aiming to foster innovation and commercialization of CityTech to address serious urban challenges, the program offers startups opportunities for corporate matching, demonstrations, financial support (1–3 million yen for selected companies), overseas market development, and PR.
It focuses on solutions in smart cities, mobility, energy, decarbonization, resource recycling, and disaster resilience—testing and commercializing them in Tokyo, with the goal of expanding globally using Tokyo-based success stories.
Schedule - [Application deadline]
- There is no strict deadline, but priority for this year’s selection will be given to applications submitted by Friday, August 29th, 2025, 11:59 PM (JST).
- [Notification of document screening results]
- on an ongoing basis
- [Notification of Final Results]
- on an ongoing basis
- [Project Launch]
- on an ongoing basis
Application details We are publicly inviting startups that aim to commercialize products or services in Tokyo to help solve urban challenges.
- Years Since Establishment: Generally within 10 years. Businesses must pursue rapid growth in a startup-like manner.
- Stage and Funding: No specific requirements. However, large companies, including listed firms capable of commercializing with their own resources, may not be eligible.
- Project Area:The business must be operating or planning to operate in Tokyo.
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Exclusions:
- Individuals under ongoing bankruptcy proceedings
- Persons listed under Article 32, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Prevention of Unjust Acts by Organized Crime Groups
- Businesses violating public order and morals (as defined in Article 90 of the Civil Code)
- Projects that address major urban issues. While examples are listed below, proposals from other relevant fields are also welcome: Smart city, mobility, energy, decarbonization, resource recycling, disaster prevention, healthcare, nursing care, childcare, FemTech, robotics. Projects must aim for commercialization in Tokyo or other major global cities.
ORGANIZATION
Manage the program as the secretariat of this cluster
Partners who provide opportunities for commercialization of products and services by offering assets (location, big data, etc.) to startups
Partners that provide overseas expansion support locally
Partner from academia, who provides advice for our program
Companies that have invested in the program and who introduces companies that are eligible for this program
IMPLEMENTATION
Shimizu Corporation has established an innovation hub in Koto-ku, Tokyo, to collaborate with diverse partners beyond the construction industry. The center aims to foster a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society and develop talent that will contribute over the next 50 to 100 years.
Mitsubishi Estate has conducted numerous demonstration projects in its Marunouchi facilities and plans to leverage this experience to collaborate with startups in the program.
Aioi Nissay Dowa aims to create value beyond insurance through “CSV × DX” by using data and digital technologies like telematics auto insurance to address local and social issues in partnership with customers and global partners.
KIRABOSHI operates a membership-based incubation space that supports business creation and growth through collaboration with governments and companies, funding, matching, and accelerator programs. It seeks to foster new businesses and unicorns by bridging large corporations and startups.
Sapporo Real Estate Development owns properties like Yebisu Garden Place in Tokyo and aims to boost asset value and create new business opportunities by actively testing and applying startup technologies.
Tokaido Shinkansen facilities will be used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance passenger safety and services. This includes upgrading information and guidance systems for staff and passengers in trains, stations, and surrounding areas.
Shibuya Ward operates a startup support hub that serves as both a coworking space and an event venue. Weekly networking events foster the growth of an international startup community.
Sekisui Chemical is developing fiber optic sensors to enhance urban monitoring, aiming to ensure safety and security in an automated society.
Tokaido Shinkansen facilities will be used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance passenger safety and services. This includes upgrading information and guidance systems for staff and passengers in trains, stations, and surrounding areas.
NEC is building an innovation center at its Tamagawa Plant in Kawasaki (to be completed in June 2025), designed as a global hub for open innovation with startups and partners. It will also serve as a venue for evaluations and demonstration testing.
Haseko Group aims to create added value by leveraging its housing complexes and facilities, including COMREZI Akabane.
Mizuho supports startup growth through its M’s Salon network of major companies and investors, promoting commercialization via partnerships aligned with startups’ technologies and strategies.
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance supports startups through partnerships with agencies, governments, and major corporations. It uses its extensive accident data to co-develop solutions to social issues and innovate insurance products that respond to evolving societal needs, aiming to deliver a positive impact on society.
Mitsubishi Electric works with partners to promote urban sustainability and smart cities, offering access to labs and demonstration sites when needed.
Rakuten Mobile leverages its fully virtualized mobile network, nationwide retail presence, and telecommunications data to create new value and support innovation.
As a company that “creates and nurtures cities,” Mori Building offers a variety of urban facilities under its management as demonstration fields for startups that are shaping the future. By co-creating toward the realization of future cities, Mori Building aims to address urban challenges that cannot be solved by a single company alone. Through collaboration with the innovative technologies and ideas of startups, the company seeks to enhance safety and peace of mind for urban residents and to attain a richer quality of life.
EVENT
This is an information session for startups who want to comemrcialize products or services in Tokyo & startups who want to expand overseas that will lead to solutions to urban issues conducted by Global CityTech Bridge. We will match you with a commercilization partner, explain about the program including commercialization support funding and dispatch to London, and have a commercialization partner speak at the event. Scheduled for March 26 at CIC Tokyo.
A results debriefing was held to report on the commercialization achievements of technologies and services by startups selected in FY2024 and commercialization partners in collaboration with participating companies in the Global CityTech Bridge cluster. The event was held on March 5 at CIC Tokyo.
CASE STUDY
