- The Japan Entry Acceleration Program 2025 (JEAP 2025) targets startups in regenerative medicine, cell and gene therapies, with a structured program running from September 2025 to March 2026.
- Five startups will be selected to benefit free of charge from personalized support, strategic networking, and a Demo Day in Tokyo.
- The application phase is open until October 31, 2025, midnight.
An acceleration program designed for integration into the Japanese market
Launched by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), the Japan Entry Acceleration Program – JEAP 2025 offers innovative international startups the opportunity to position themselves in the Japanese market through a targeted pathway. This edition, focused on advanced medical biotechnologies, aims to connect high-potential companies with the Japanese industrial ecosystem.
Organized in partnership with the Invest Japan J-Bridge platform, the program is aimed at a limited number of startups — about five — rigorously selected according to technological criteria, clinical maturity, and strategic commitment to Japan.
Eligibility criteria and targeted sectors
JEAP 2025 is aimed at companies active in the following sectors:
- Regenerative medicine
- Cell and gene therapies (in-vivo and ex-vivo)
- Tissue engineering, including scaffolds
- ATMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products)
- Combined products or derivatives of cell and gene therapy
Startups must meet the following conditions:
- Ongoing clinical development: at least one candidate in preclinical or clinical development.
- Japan entry strategy: a project for commercial expansion or a concrete intention to integrate into the Japanese market.
- Operational availability: commitment to follow all program sessions.
- Participation in the Demo Day: ability to present in Tokyo in February 2026 and take part in associated communication actions.
A structured and progressive schedule
The program runs over six months, with clearly defined milestones:
- September 8 – October 31, 2025: applications via a dedicated online form
- Early November: pre-selection based on applications
- Mid to late November: online interviews with pre-selected startups
- End of November: announcement of selected startups
- December 2025: online workshops on regulations, Japanese business framework, and partnership preparation
- January to February 2026: tailored mentoring, matching with Japanese CDMOs/CROs and targeted pharmaceutical companies
- Late February 2026: Demo Day in Tokyo, in front of investors, industry leaders, and healthcare ecosystem partners
Participation conditions
Participation is free for selected startups. JETRO will cover travel and accommodation expenses, within its internal rules and subject to budgetary limits.
In case of force majeure (natural disasters, government restrictions, conflicts, pandemics…), JETRO will cover direct cancellation costs.
An opportunity for the health ecosystem of the Côte d’Azur
Startups from the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis engaged in regenerative medicine or gene therapy development benefit from structured access to one of the most advanced biotechnology markets.
This program represents a strategic lever to validate their model in Japan, identify reliable industrial partners (CDMO, CRO, big pharma), and develop a local commercial presence in a highly regulated environment.
How to apply?
Applications are exclusively online via the official form available at the following address:
🔗 JEAP 2025 application form
📅 Application deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm (JST)
Contacts for French startups
For additional information or application support:
- Miki Kadomoto-Barrat
JETRO Correspondent – Lyon Office
📧 miki_kadomoto@jetro.go.jp
Contact Team Nice Côte d’Azur
- Sana Bouyahia
Team Nice Côte d’Azur – Invest in Côte d’Azur
📧 sbouyahia@tnca.fr
