Forge is a global hardware accelerator program, supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s TIB CATAPULT initiative, designed to assist hardware startups in their journey from prototype to production. The program leverages Japan's manufacturing capabilities and a network of corporate partners to provide a structured pathway for scaling. It is structured into two distinct phases, prep and build, offering a combination of co-funded prototyping, a partner-validated Proof of Concept (PoC) pathway, investor access, mentorship, and access to fabrication facilities.
Program Benefits
• Prototyping Support: A voucher of up to ¥2,000,000 to co-fund prototyping costs, which can also be used for PoC activities.
• Investor Matching: Targeted introductions to aligned investors, along with hands-on support for narrative development, data room preparation, and diligence.
• PoC Pathway: Opportunities to pilot products in real-world environments with support from testbed partners in mobility, robotics, and drones, progressing from scoping and field trials to integration with corporate partners, subject to approval and readiness.
• Masterclasses & Mentorship: Sessions led by seasoned founders, domain experts, and Japan-market veterans covering topics from local business culture to scaling strategies.
• Tokyo Workspace: Access to co-working and fabrication spaces in central Tokyo for meetings, building, and operations.
• Engineering and Design Support: Access to Japan’s advanced design, mechanical, and control systems, including CAD, 3D modeling, and fabrication.
Program Structure
• Phase 1 - Prep for Prototyping & PoC (3 months): A focused period to prepare for production and PoC readiness. Activities include aligning milestones, initiating Design for Manufacturability (DFM), designing the PoC and success metrics, and stakeholder mapping. This phase includes regular mentoring, masterclasses, and access to co-working and fabrication spaces.
• Phase 2 - Build & Prove (8 months): An extended phase focused on accelerating prototyping, validation, and implementation. This includes co-funded prototyping, production-oriented engineering with a formal DFM lock, a partner-validated PoC track, comprehensive investor introductions, fundraising support, and visa assistance. All support from Phase 1 continues.
Eligibility Criteria
• Product Development Stage: Applicants should have or be building a hardware prototype (MVP acceptable), be in the DFM/engineering validation stage, or be preparing for pilot or early mass production. Core design files (e.g., CAD, basic BOM) must be available for DFM review.
• Tokyo Focus: The program is open to startups that are Tokyo-based or are exploring Tokyo as a potential market and are open to evaluating it during the program.
• Stage & Team: Startups should be at the seed stage or later, with a technical owner (founder, senior engineer, or committed external partner) accountable for product and DFM.
• Commitment: A core team member must be able to engage regularly throughout the program for check-ins and design/DFM reviews.
• PoC Readiness: Applicants must be able to define a PoC hypothesis and success metrics during the prep phase. Progression to a PoC is subject to partner approval and team/product readiness.
Application Timeline (Cohort 2)
• Applications Open: March 1st - May 6th, 2026
• Screening & Results: May 7th - May 15th, 2026
• Phase 1: May 25th - August 14th, 2026
• Phase 2: August 17th, 2026 - March 29th, 2027
Prototyping and Support Services
• Materials Handled: Prototyping services are available for a range of materials including Plastics, Metal (Aluminium, Iron, Stainless, etc.), Rubber, Leather, and Fabric.
• Representative Equipment: Access to equipment suited for small-lot and pilot builds, such as a Machining center, CAD/CAM, Wire EDM, Injection molding machine, 3D printers, Laser cutter, Large-format grinder, and a Digital printer.
Forge offers a comprehensive accelerator for ambitious hardware startups aiming to scale globally, whether they are Japanese startups looking outward or international startups seeking to leverage Japan’s deep tech and manufacturing strengths. The program is designed to provide hands-on, real-world support to move startups forward. Applications for the second cohort are scheduled to be open until May 6, 2026.