July 8, 2026 Results of the Public Solicitation for Applications for the "Project to Support the Overseas Deployment of Safe and Reliable Digital Infrastructures" under the FY2026 Regional Enterprises and Startups Track and Launch of the Second Call for Applications

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has completed its review of proposals submitted in response to the first FY2026 call under the "Regional Enterprises and Startups Track" of the Project to Support the Overseas Deployment of Safe and Reliable Digital Infrastructures. As a result of the review, nine proposals have been selected, as set out below.
　In addition, MIC will open a second call for proposals from July 10 (Friday) to July 31 (Friday), 2026.

1　Overview

　Through the Project to Support the Overseas Deployment of Safe and Reliable Digital Infrastructures and other initiatives, MIC supports companies that contribute to addressing global social challenges by deploying digital infrastructure and digital solutions　overseas, as well as companies that deploy critical systems and services that contribute to ensuring economic security.

　In particular, the overseas deployment of the advanced digital technologies developed by Japanese regional companies and startups not only helps address social challenges in destination countries but also contributes to revitalizing the regional economies where these companies are based.

　To further promote the overseas expansion of regional companies and startups, MIC conducted the first FY2026 call for proposals under the " Regional Enterprises and Startups Track ". The track provides support for activities related to project identification, proposal development, and project formation, with the aim of helping participating companies secure future projects overseas.

　The Ministry reviewed the 73 proposals submitted in response to the open call and selected nine proposals, as listed in the attached document.

2　Results of the public call for applications

　Following the review process, nine proposals were selected, as shown in the attached document .

(Related Press Release)

Call for Applications for the FY2026 " Regional Enterprises and Startups Track " Category under the Project to Support the Overseas Deployment of Safe and Reliable Digital Infrastructures
(https://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_news/s-news/01tsushin06_02000343.html )

3　Launch of the Second Call for Applications

　A second call for applications for the FY2026 " Regional Enterprises and Startups Track " Category will be open from Friday, July 10, 2026, to Friday, July 31, 2026.

4　Projects Eligible for Application

• (1) Project Description
  Initiatives to identify, develop proposals for, and formulate projects for the overseas deployment of digital infrastructure and digital solutions by regional companies and startups.
• (2) Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
  The applicant must meet either of the following requirements: (a) or (b).
  • (a) A regional company headquartered in Japan outside Tokyo.
    (An ICT small or medium-sized enterprise with paid-in capital of JPY 　100 million or less and a strong regional presence.)
  • (b) A startup company headquartered in Tokyo.
    (A company that has been established for no more than 15 years, has paid-in capital of JPY 100 million or less, possesses innovative technologies or business models, and aims for rapid growth.)
  • * The applicant must not be subject to a suspension of designation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) or any other ministry or government agency.
  • * The applicant must be a member of the Japan Platform for Digital Infrastructure Deployment (JPD3).
  • * Entities that served as subcontractors under previous "Regional Category" projects are also eligible to apply. However, applicants must clearly demonstrate the rationale for utilizing the FY2026 " Regional Enterprises and Startups Track " Category, such as differences in the stage of overseas expansion or the target overseas market.

5　Application Period, Submission Method, Announcement of Selection Results

• (1) Application Period
  From Friday, July 10, 2026, to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026
• (2) Submission Method
  During the application period, applicants must complete the online application form with the required information and submit the required application documents by email to the Secretariat (info.jpd3★jpd3.jp).
  • * Please replace "★" with "@" before submitting your application.
  • * The application form for the second call for applications and the required application document templates will be available on the dedicated webpage for the "Regional Enterprises and Startups Track" Category (https://jpd3.jp/hot-topics/overseas-expansion-support-business-2026/ ) on Friday, July 10.
• (3) Announcement of Selection Results
  Scheduled for around the end of August 2026.
• (4) Application Information Session
  An online application information session will be held on the date below. Companies interested in applying are encouraged to attend.

Date and Time: Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Format: Online (using Microsoft Teams)
If you wish to participate, please register using the application form below. The meeting URL and other participation details will be provided separately to those who have registered.

https://forms.office.com/r/FpK4ATjZTC