January 8, 2025 Solicitation for Entries for the "2025 Nippon Startup Awards" is Now Open! - We will recognize entrepreneurs and startups.

　To drive innovation and promote the development of industries in the information and communications sector, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will present the "Information and Communications Startup Award (Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Award)" at the Nippon Startup Awards.
　We are pleased to announce that the solicitation for entries for the Nippon Startup Awards from startups is now open.

1. What is the Nippon Startup Awards?

　The Nippon Startup Awards is a program that recognizes and honors entrepreneurs and startups that have created new influential businesses that serve as role models for the next generation. This program intends to instill aspiring business founders and society at large with the importance of embracing challenges and the social recognition of entrepreneurs, thereby raising the overall awareness of entrepreneurship.
　The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the MIC, and the Ministry of Defense will solicit entries. A judging panel consisting of experts and others will select the winners. Both self-recommendations and recommendations from others are welcome. Please be sure to apply for entries.

2. Overview of recognition categories

　(1) Nippon Startup Award (Prime Minister's Prize)
　The award is granted to the company rated the highest in business vision, business novelty and innovation, entrepreneurial challenges, and potential for business expansion.

　(2) Japan Startup Excellence Award (Award from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry)
　The award is granted to outstanding companies that serve as role models for the next generation in terms of business vision, business novelty and innovation, entrepreneurial challenge, and potential for business expansion.

　(3) Agricultural Startup Award (Award from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
　The award is granted to companies that are highly rated for driving innovation in the field of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries and contributing to its development.

　(4) University Startup Award (Award from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
　The award is granted to companies that meet the definition of a university startup and are highly rated for their contributions to commercializing research outcomes from universities.

　(5) Medical and Welfare Startup Award (Award from the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare)
　The award is granted to companies that are highly rated for driving innovation in the medical and welfare field and contributing to its development.

　(6) MLIT Startup Award (Award from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
　The award is granted to companies that are highly rated for driving innovation in the land and transportation field and contributing to its development.

　(7) Information and Communication Startup Award (Award from the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications)
　The award is granted to companies that are highly rated for driving innovation in the information and telecommunications field and contributing to its development.

　(8) Defense Startup Award (Minister of Defense Award) [Newly established this year]
　The award is granted to companies that are highly rated for driving future innovation in the defense field and contributing to its development.

　(9) Special award from the judging panel
　In addition to the awards listed in (1) through (8) above, this award is granted to companies that are highly rated for specific aspects in business vision, business novelty and innovation, entrepreneurial challenges, and potential for business expansion.

3. Call for entries period and future schedule

　Wednesday, January 8, 2025: Start of entry solicitation
　Wednesday, February 12, 2025: End of entry solicitation (All necessary documents must be received by this date)
　March 2025: Examination and selection of winners