Scaling Japanese Industrial Bio Startups: J-StarX Bio Manufacturing Program 2026

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and SOSV NY are excited to launch the J-StarX Bio Manufacturing Program 2026 - a new initiative built to help Japan's most promising industrial biotech and bio manufacturing startups go global.

SOSV, one of the most active global early-stage industrial biotech venture capitalist firms, will work closely with Japanese founders to go further, faster. Selected startups will sharpen their strategies for global markets and build meaningful connections with international customers, investors, corporates, and ecosystem members.

Applications Are Open: Apply here now through Sunday, October 25th, 2026.

How Will This Work?

An opportunity for select Japanese startups to receive bespoke guidance, mentorship, introductions, and support from SOSV in NY and Japan. This 5-month initiative begins in Tokyo, visits New York, and continues remotely throughout.

• Phase 1: Build in Tokyo.
  Kick off the program in Tokyo with an intensive bootcamp working closely with the SOSV NY team to sharpen your business, positioning, and strategy, identify your biggest opportunities and challenges, and develop a tailored roadmap for the months ahead. Continue to work with SOSV NY and Tokyo team members against your individual startup roadmap and milestones, and prepare to engage with partners and investors in the U.S. and beyond.
  
• Phase 2: New York Expansion.
  Visit SOSV NY in the heart of Manhattan for hands-on work with the SOSV team, curated introductions to relevant ecosystem partners, and a Demo Day, where you'll showcase your startup to leading investors and corporates.
  
• Phase 3: Keep the Momentum Going.
  After your time in New York, continue working with the SOSV NY and Tokyo teams to turn introductions and feedback into action. The final phase will focus on advancing your fundraising and business development goals, following up with prospective partners and investors, and building momentum beyond the program.

Dates: November 16, 2026 to March 12, 2027.

Who Should Apply?

• Japanese startups targeting global expansion
• Startups within bio manufacturing and industrial biotech including food-tech, agri-tech, new materials, or sustainable manufacturing (this excludes drug discovery and pharmaceuticals)
• Startups just launched through Series A

About SOSV

SOSV is the world's most active deep tech venture capital firm investing at pre-seed with $1.5B in assets under management and a global ecosystem of 800+ startups operating across 58 countries. Located in the heart of Manhattan, SOSV NY is one of SOSV's three deeply resourced locations, investing in cutting-edge industrial biotech, healthcare and engineering biology, with wet-lab infrastructure and a team with deep technical, regulatory, FDA, and commercial expertise to de-risk biology and business. We know what it takes to move a science-driven company from lab to market. Now, we're bringing that experience to Japan's next generation of bio innovators.

About JETRO

JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.

About S-Star

J-Star X is a global entrepreneurship and training initiative launched by JETRO (the Japan External Trade Organization). It is designed to foster international growth and support the overseas expansion of Japanese startups. JETRO has partnered with dozens of leading investors and startup organizations, including 500 Global, Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre, Jason Calcanis, Berkeley SkyDeck, Mayo Clinic, and now SOSV NY to bring J-Star X to Japanese startups ready to go global.

Whether you are building the next breakthrough in industrial biotech or know someone who is, help us bring Japan's next generation of bio innovation to the global stage.

For more information or questions, contact Bethany Watson at [email protected].