Aichi Prefecture, in collaboration with eiicon Co., Ltd., has announced AICHI NEXT UNICORN LEAGUE Season 9, the final edition of the program for fiscal year 2026. Under the theme “Sustainability × Innovation,” the competition invites seed and pre-Series A startups from across Japan to develop innovative solutions in disaster prevention, infrastructure, supply chains, energy, environment, agriculture, and food. With a total prize pool of ¥10 million, the initiative supports startups aiming to implement and commercialize their technologies in Aichi Prefecture. Applications are open from October 13 to November 16, 2026, with the final pitch competition scheduled for January 26, 2027, at STATION Ai in Nagoya.
Program Overview
- Program Name: AICHI NEXT UNICORN LEAGUE Season 9
- Theme: Sustainability × Innovation
- Organizer: Aichi Prefecture
- Program Operator: eiicon Co., Ltd.
- Target Stage: Seed, Pre-series A
- Target Region: Japan
- Total Prize Pool: ¥10,000,000
- Application Deadline: November 16, 2026
- Final Pitch Competition: January 26, 2027
- Location: STATION Ai, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Focus Areas
The program supports innovations across three sustainability-focused areas:
1. Disaster Prevention, Infrastructure, and Supply Chains
- Disaster prevention technologies and digital solutions
- Infrastructure maintenance and management
- Supply chain resilience and optimization
2. Environment and Energy
- Decarbonization and climate change adaptation
- Renewable energy and sustainable energy systems
- Energy security and environmental technologies
3. Agriculture and Food
- Smart agriculture and agricultural innovation
- Food security and sustainable food production
- Food waste reduction and supply chain efficiency
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an early-stage startup, primarily at the seed or pre-Series A stage.
- Have been established or succeeded through business succession within approximately 10 years.
- Have a specific product or service intended for implementation and commercialization in Aichi Prefecture.
- Be a STATION Ai office member or intend to become one if selected.
- Not have won an award in Seasons 1 through 8 of the competition.
Important: Winners must become STATION Ai office members to receive their prizes. A specific office membership plan is not guaranteed.
Funding and Prizes
The program provides ¥10 million in total prize funding to support business implementation and commercialization in Aichi Prefecture.
- First Place: ¥5,000,000
- Second Place: ¥3,000,000
- Third Place: ¥2,000,000
Prize funding is intended for activities supporting the implementation and commercialization of winning solutions within Aichi Prefecture.
Program Benefits
- Financial Support: Prize funding to accelerate business development and commercialization.
- Pitch Development: Guidance to help finalists refine their presentations.
- Business Matching: Connections with companies, municipalities, and startup support organizations.
- Commercialization Opportunities: Support for implementing innovative products and services in Aichi Prefecture.
- Ecosystem Access: Opportunities to engage with STATION Ai and Aichi's startup community.
Selection Process
- Application and Screening: Startups submit their applications, and approximately 10 finalists are selected.
- Pitch Preparation: Selected startups receive support to improve their presentations.
- Final Competition: Finalists present their business plans before a judging panel on January 26, 2027.
- Awards and Business Matching: Winners receive prize funding and support to explore partnerships and commercialization opportunities.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: October 13, 2026
- Application Deadline: November 16, 2026
- Final Event Registration Deadline: January 25, 2027
- Final Pitch Competition: January 26, 2027
Final Pitch Competition
The final judging event will feature approximately 10 shortlisted startups presenting their innovations to a judging panel.
- Date: January 26, 2027
- Time: 13:30–17:30 JST (planned)
- Venue: STATION Ai, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
- Format: In-person event with planned online streaming
- Participation Fee: Free
- Capacity: 150 in-person attendees and 500 online participants
The event will include startup pitches, an awards ceremony, networking opportunities, and exhibition booths.
About the Organizers
Aichi Prefecture implements AICHI NEXT UNICORN LEAGUE as part of its startup development strategy and STATION Ai Project, promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional economic growth.
eiicon Co., Ltd. operates the program and specializes in open innovation, business matching, and corporate-startup collaboration. Through its AUBA platform, the company connects startups with businesses, governments, and innovation stakeholders.
AICHI NEXT UNICORN LEAGUE Season 9 offers seed and pre-Series A startups across Japan an opportunity to win up to ¥5 million in prize funding, improve their business pitches, and establish valuable partnerships within Aichi Prefecture's startup ecosystem. With a focus on sustainability and commercialization, the competition supports startups developing practical solutions in disaster prevention, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and food. Eligible startups should apply by November 16, 2026, ahead of the final competition on January 26, 2027.