Press announcement date and time: May 14, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
Department name/New Industry Division, New Industry Division, Ministry of Industry and LaborDirect phone/0783624157
Hyogo Prefecture, together with Kobe City, has been implementing the SDGs CHALLENGE program since fiscal 2021, which supports entrepreneurs who use innovative business methods to drive economic growth and actively work to solve social issues. We would like to inform you that we have started recruiting for this year.
This year, the fourth year, we will collaborate with global accelerators to provide intensive business development support using mentors around the world and support for overseas expansion, thereby creating more global innovation and building an ecosystem. We aim to strengthen it.
1 Business details
(1) Business development support
- kickoff session
- mentoring
- Lectures on business development and overseas expansion
- English pitch training for overseas investors
- business matching
- demo day
(2) Expense support for demonstration and research projects for overseas expansion (up to 300,000 yen per company)
- Expenses for exhibiting at overseas exhibitions and participating in overseas programs
- Overseas travel expenses, accommodation expenses, etc.
2 Implementation period (planned)
From Thursday, July 18, 2024 to Friday, January 31, 2025
3 Recruitment target/theme
Startups that have a base in Hyogo Prefecture by the start of the program
are specifically considering overseas expansion and are developing and commercializing products and services that contribute to solving SDGs issues. In particular, priority will be given to companies that develop products and services that contribute to decarbonization and carbon neutrality.
Base refers to the main office, branch office, sales office, or co-working facility in Hyogo Prefecture. It doesn’t matter whether it is registered or not.
4 Number of selected companies
10th level
5 Recruitment/selection method
Application period: May 14, 2024 (Tuesday) to June 7, 2024 (Friday) 18:00
Where to apply:
Selection method: Selection at any time based on document screening and interview
6 Sponsor etc.
- Sponsor: Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City
Management: NPO Community Link, 2080 Ventures
community link
A non-profit organization that aims to develop local communities and supports entrepreneurs and those taking on the challenge of implementing technology in society. Operates “Entrepreneurial Plaza Hyogo”, a co-working space opened by Hyogo Prefecture.
A global venture capital firm based in the United States. A global accelerator that supports startups’ expansion into the global market. Won the BEST Cross-border Accelerator in Korea in 2023.7 Others
For information on participating companies and programs over the past three years, please visit the project website (
) Please check.
inquiryManagement: NPO Community Link ([email protected])