Summary
Hokkaido Startup Studio is offering an AI-supported idea program and a longer venture development track for aspiring and early-stage founders.
The Hokkaido Government has launched the 2026 Hokkaido Startup Studio, a regional founder support initiative that combines short idea-development workshops with a longer program for entrepreneurs preparing to build and finance new businesses.
What happened
The initiative consists of two tracks: the IDEA Program for people with an early business concept, and the ADVANCED Program for aspiring founders and early-stage entrepreneurs seeking to move toward commercialization.
IDEA Program
The IDEA Program uses AI-assisted exercises to identify local strengths, define customer or community problems and build an initial business model. It begins with an online session on July 25, followed by regional workshops in Obihiro, Hakodate, Kushiro, Kitami, Asahikawa and Tomakomai between August and October.
The published application period for the IDEA Program ran from July 2 through July 21, 2026.
ADVANCED Program
The ADVANCED Program is scheduled to run for approximately five months, from autumn 2026 into February 2027. It will include expert mentoring, business idea validation, planning support and a final pitch event in Sapporo. The announcement states that participants may receive support of up to JPY 250,000 per person for minimum viable product development and testing.
- Applications for the ADVANCED Program are expected to open in mid-August.
- The planned cohort is approximately 10 participants.
- The program is aimed at people seeking to commercialize a business idea in Hokkaido.
Why it matters
The program adds a structured route from idea creation to testing, mentoring and investor-facing presentations. Its regional workshops also extend startup support beyond Sapporo to several major cities across Hokkaido.
For international readers
The published eligibility focuses on founders developing businesses in Hokkaido. Overseas entrepreneurs or companies interested in the program should confirm participation requirements directly with the organizer.
Source: Hokkaido Government
Source Details
| Source | Hokkaido Government |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 「北海道スタートアップスタジオ」が始動！～7月2日（木）から受付開始！～ |
| Original Published | 2026-07-02 |
| Region | Hokkaido |
| Target Reader | investors |
| Review Status | needs_review |
| Risk Level | normal |
| Original Source | Hokkaido Government |
Editor Note
IDEAプログラムの募集期限は2026年7月21日で終了しています。公開前にADVANCEDプログラムの募集開始日、定員、支援額、応募条件を公式サイトで再確認してください。