Forge Tokyo Cohort 2 — Info Session & Reverse Pitch feat. Toyota Boshoku
Applications for Forge Tokyo Cohort 2 are open. This English-language session is for hardware and deep tech startups who want to understand the programme before applying. The session also features a reverse pitch by Toyota Boshoku, who will share their innovation priorities and how they are looking to collaborate with startups. ────────────────────────
📅 Date & Time
Tuesday, 7 April 2026 · 18:00 – 19:00 JST
Online via Zoom · Free
────────────────────────
What is Forge Tokyo?
Forge is a hardware startup accelerator backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, implemented under the TIB CATAPULT programme. It connects hardware and deep tech startups with Japanese manufacturers, enterprise partners, and real-world PoC environments. What selected startups receive: → Up to ¥2M in co-funded manufacturing and PoC costs → Matched access to Japanese SME manufacturers across metal, resin, rubber, electronics, and more → PoC environments and enterprise partner assets for real-world validation → Business development support, mentoring, and investor introductions Cohort 2 targets 15 companies. Application deadline: 6 May 2026.
────────────────────────
👥 Who Should Attend
— Hardware startups at seed stage or beyond, with a pilot product or mockup already developed
— Startups looking for manufacturing partners, PoC partners, or enterprise partners in Japan
— Anyone with an interest in hardware and deep tech who wants to learn more about Forge Tokyo
────────────────────────
🗓 Schedule
18:00 – 18:30 Opening & Cohort 2 programme overview
18:30 – 18:45 Toyota Boshoku Reverse Pitch
18:45 – 19:00 Q&A ────────────────────────
🎤 Speakers Takayuki Kumagai — CEO, Technology Seed Incubation Co., Ltd. (TSI)
Holds a doctoral degree from Osaka University Graduate School, specialising in optics and condensed matter physics. Conducted research as a JSPS Research Fellow (DC1) while supporting the launch of multiple university-based ventures. Joined TSI in 2015 and became CEO in November 2021. His work spans venture investment, hands-on startup support, JST START Programme promotion, NEDO Business Catalyzer activities, startup-corporate matching, M&A advisory, and fundraising support.
Toyota Boshoku Corporation
Reverse Pitch Speaker A representative from Toyota Boshoku will present the company's current innovation priorities and the specific areas in which they are seeking collaboration with hardware and deep tech startups. ────────────────────────
📋 Registration & Participation
Free to attend. Please register via this page.
Upon completion of the event registration, attendees can access the event Zoom. link on this event page or through the event invite in their mail.
The organiser will record this session for internal records and service improvement purposes. If you need to cancel, contact us at [email protected].
────────────────────────
Organised by Technology Seed Incubation Co., Ltd. (TSI)
— Forge Programme Office