Scaling a hardware startup is often described as a journey through the “Valley of Death”. Between a functional prototype and a mass-market product lies a complex web of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), supply chain logistics, and high-capital risks. For global founders, the barrier to entry into the Japanese market – a world leader in precision engineering – has historically been even higher.
TSI Inc. is aiming to bridge this gap. As the lead for the manufacturing cluster of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s TIB CATAPULT initiative, TSI has officially opened applications for Cohort 2 of “Forge“, an acceleration program specifically designed to scale hardware innovations through Japan’s industrial ecosystem.
The Value Proposition: Capital and Corporate Access
Unlike generic accelerators, Forge focuses on the physical realities of production. The program offers a structured two-phase approach (Prep and Build) that integrates startups directly into Tokyo’s manufacturing network.
Key benefits for participating startups include:
Prototyping Vouchers: Up to JPY 2 million (approx. $13,000) in co-funding to offset prototyping and PoC costs.
DFM Expertise: Direct access to Japanese small- and medium-sized manufacturers to refine product designs for mass production.
Corporate PoC Pathway: Opportunities for proof-of-concept collaborations with major Japanese enterprises, such as Toyota Boshoku.
Investor Matching: Targeted introductions to VCs and hands-on support for data room preparation and diligence.
Operational Support: Access to fabrication facilities (fab labs) in central Tokyo and visa support for international founders.
Eligibility and Timeline
Forge is looking for ambitious startups at the Seed stage or later. Applicants must have at least a pilot product or a high-fidelity mockup and be willing to explore Tokyo as a strategic market or a launchpad into the broader Asian region.
Program Duration:
- Phase 1 (Prep): May 25 – August 14, 2026.
- Phase 2 (Build & Prove): August 17, 2026 – March 29, 2027.
Immediate Next Steps: Online Information Session
To help founders navigate the application process and understand the technical requirements, TSI is hosting an online information session.
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Time: 14:00–15:00 JST (08:00–09:00 Kyiv time).
Format: Online (Zoom).
Registration: Register here.
The session will be led by Takayuki Kumagai, President & CEO of TSI Inc., a veteran in technology commercialization and venture investment.
Note for Ukrainian Startups: TSI has expressed a specific interest in engaging with the Ukrainian tech ecosystem. Founders can reach out directly to the program coordinator, Mr. Takeshi Kanamori, via email at takeshi-kanamori@tsi-japan.com for tailored inquiries.
The Bottom Line
As the global hardware sector shifts toward more resilient supply chains and deep-tech integration, the question for founders is no longer just how to build, but where to scale. With the Tokyo Metropolitan Government‘s backing and substantial manufacturing vouchers, Forge offers a rare “soft landing” into one of the world’s most sophisticated hardware hubs.
Will the next generation of industrial robotics or consumer electronics be “Forged” in Tokyo with Ukrainian engineering at its core? The window for the 2026 cohort closes in less than three weeks.
Editor’s Note: For more details on the program structure and technical menus (including 3D printing, injection molding, and CNC machining access), visit the official website at forge-tokyo.com.
