CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO
Circular Economy Startup Incubation ProgramWhat is CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO?
CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO is an incubation program specializing in the circular economy. It is part of “TOKYO SUTEAM,” a startup company support project affiliated with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The program is operated by Harch Inc., which provides an online platform, “Circular Economy Hub.”
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Participants for the second cohort of CIRCULAR STARTUP TOKYO, a startup support program focused on the circular economy and operated by Harch, Inc. in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, has been...
Program Features
Circular Input
Understanding of Essential Circular Business Design
Circular Business Design
Business Method Based on circular Value Chain
Circular Mentoring
Mentors With Expertise in Circular Business Development
Circular Networking
Extensive Domestic and International Connections
Circular Promotion
Business Development Support Through MediaPlatform
Circular Finance
Collaboration and Fundraising Support with Venture Capitalists and Financial Institutions
Circular Mentors and Advisors
Our team includes over 20 mentors and advisors, comprising business founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts at the forefront of Japan’s circular economy. They offer invaluable advice on startups, business expansion, and fundraising strategies.
Hirokazu Kitahara
Partner, Archetype Ventures
Akira Sakano
President, Zero Waste Japan
Shingo Yoshizumi
CEO, KAMAN, Inc.
Kuniko Sekine
Advisor, Tokyo Circular Economy Promotion Center
Shogo Minemura
Representative Director, Zoukei Kousou Co.
Masayuki Terai
President, Garbage School / Advisor, HAMADA Co., Ltd. for Circular Economy
2nd Term Overview
Submission - Selection
Program Information Session
- Guest talk
- Program orientation
- Networking
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Program Timeline
Networking with participants
Guest:
- Kouzou Eguchi (KAMAKURA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO., LTD. / Sohatsu Tsubomi Fund operation director)
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Topic:
Circular Economy and System Design
Lecturers:
- Shogo Minemura (Representative Director, Zoukei Kousou Co.)
- Kiyokazu Nasu (Representative Director, Circle Design Inc.)
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Topic:
Circular Economy and Business Design
Circular Economy and Startup Practices (Part 1)
Lecturer:
- Akira Sakano (President, Zero Waste Japan)
- Shoji Maruyama (CEO, Nature Innovation Group)
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Topic:
Circular Economy and Service Design
Circular Economy Startup Practices (Part 2)
Lecturers:
- Koji Kimita (Associate Professor, Department of Technology Management for Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)
- Shingo Kajita (CEO, Convey Inc.)
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Topic:
Circular Economy and Product Design
Circular Economy Start-up Practice vol. 3
Lecturers:
- Yoshiharu Hamada (Professor, Product Design Laboratory, Tama Art University)
- Misaki Tanaka (Social Designer / CEO of SOLIT / CEO of morning after cutting my hair, Inc.)
- Katsuaki Sato (Representative Director, BRIDGE KUMAMOTO)
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Topic:
Circular Economy and Finance
Circular Economy Start-up Practice vol. 4
Lecturers:
- (To be confirmed)
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Lecturers:
(To be confirmed)
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Topic:
Practical Local Startups
Lecturers:
- Masayuki Terai (Founder of Gomi no Gakkō / Advisor of Circular Economy at Hamada Co., Ltd.)
- Takako Oyama (CEO of fog Inc.)
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Topic:
Practical Global Startups
Instructor:
(To be confirmed)
- In person: City Lab Tokyo
- Online: Zoom
Interim Demo Day
Guests: Mentors
- In person: TBD
- Online: Zoom
Final Demo Day
Guests: Mentors, Financial Institutions, Business Companies, Media, etc.
- In person: TBD
- Online: Zoom
Application Guidelines
Target Participants
- Individuals considering founding a business in the field of circular economy, including areas such as manufacturing, fashion, food, construction, packaging, and digital.
- University and graduate students who want to commercialize their research findings.
- Intrapreneurs in large corporations who are considering new ventures in the circular economy sector.
- Small and medium-sized business owners contemplating the establishment of new companies in the circular economy field.
- Startup entrepreneurs in the circular economy sector aiming to expand their business significantly, with fundraising as a prerequisite.
Note:
*Although having an established business or company does not influence the selection outcome when applying for the program, applicants with a well-defined business plan or idea may receive priority consideration in case of a high volume of applications.
*The term “circular economy” is defined as a wide range of businesses that contribute to the transition to a circular economic and social system. This encompasses the development of renewable circular materials, sharing services, repair services, and digital platforms that promote resource circulation. If you are unsure whether your idea fits into this category, please contact the program office for clarification.
Number of applicants
- Participation Course A [3 groups (up to 6 people, maximum of 2 people per group)]: Scale-up & Fundraising/IPO Preparation Course
For those aiming to scale up in a short period and considering fundraising or IPO (including those preparing to start a business). - Participation Course B [6 groups (up to 12 people, maximum of 2 people per group)]: Social Impact Creation & Business Foundation Building Course
For those focused on solving social issues and aiming to create sustainable social impact during the early stages of their business or startup.
*Individual and team participation are both welcome.
Participation Fee
Application period
Selection Process
Benefits
- Support for prototype creation and pilot testing: Up to 200,000 yen per team for expenses (application required).
- Web platform “Circular Economy Hub community” membership benefits: During the program participation period, receive benefits equivalent to a monthly fee of 2,980 yen for the Circular Economy Hub community membership. This includes free access to the monthly event “Circular X,” exclusive access to a Slack community, and members-only community events. Opportunities for networking and matchmaking with member companies, and occasions to share information within the community are also available.
- Fastest matching: Quickly match with circular economy investors, large corporations, researchers, and experts from Japan and abroad, tailored to your business challenges and stage.
- Introduction to PoC Fields: Network with entities willing to cooperate in pilot testing, such as retailers, commercial facilities, and local governments actively inviting circular startups.
- Provision of grant and subsidy information: Timely provision of information on grants and subsidies related to the circular economy.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What business areas does the circular economy field refer to?
What are the eligibility criteria for the program?
Is it mandatory to launch a business during the program?
How often can I consult with mentors?
- Dedicated Mentors: Experienced professionals in startup development and investment, available for one-hour sessions monthly.
- Circular Specialist Mentors: Founders and experts in the circular economy, providing up to three mentoring sessions.
- Secretariat Mentors: Team members proficient in various circular economy aspects, available as needed.
Will there be assignments during the program?
Is there a fee to participate in the program?
What is the maximum number of participants from each organization?
Are there any specific skills required to join?
Can I participate if I have scheduling conflicts with the program?
Organizer × Tokyo
Harch Inc.
TOKYO SUTEAM
Startup support and development projects by diverse actors
Program Partners
AMITA CORPORATION
Archetype Ventures
Biomimicry Japan Association
BORDERLESS JAPAN CORPORATION
Circle Design Inc.
Circular Design Studio (Shinto Tsushin Co.,Ltd.)
CIRCULAR ECONOMY.TOKYO(Circular Economy.Tokyo Co., Ltd)
City Lab Tokyo
The ECOZZERIA Association
3×3Lab Future (Operated by The ECOZZERIA Association)
Garbage School
GBP Laboratories, Inc.
Green innovation
Hakuten Corporation
Ishizaka Inc.
Kamakura Investment Management Co.,Ltd.
KAYAC Inc.
Loftwork Inc.
Makaira Art&Design
Members Co., Ltd.
NTT DATA Group Corporation
O ltd.
PASONA JOB HUB
SATO HOLDINGS CORPORATION
SEMBA CORPORATION
SS MARKET
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited
Urbanist General Incorporated Association
Zero Waste Japan
We are always welcoming new program partners. If you wish to participate in building an ecosystem from Tokyo to accelerate the circular economy in Japan and around the world, please contact us!