BRIDGE Initiative "Materials Startup Incubation Promotion Project" for fiscal year 2023
The BRIDGE program is a Cabinet Office initiative that aims to bridge the gap between R&D and the ideal society (Society 5.0) while generating economic and social value. Under the program, the Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CSTI) supports efforts to solve societal issues and other challenges beyond the realm of research and development. Rooted in an integrated innovation strategy and policies for science, technology, and innovation, BRIDGE identifies key issues that link the R&D policies of different ministries, including the Strategic Innovation Program (SIP) .
This project is integrated with NIMS Subproject C "Creation of Material Unicorn Reserve Forces", Individual Theme (1): Support for Creation of Material Reserve Forces, under the SIP Phase 3 Project "Construction of Materials Commercialization Innovation and Cultivation Ecosystem". We are conducting a public offering for the BRIDGE Initiative "Materials Startup Incubation Promotion Project" for fiscal year 2023.
Details of the public offering
Target research and development project
Goals of research and development
The research and development goal is to elevate offerings to a point where materials startups are able to make a quick start (up to Stage 2 as indicated in "Strategy and Plan", namely TRL6, BRL7, HRL5) during the BRIDGE support period.
Regarding societal implementation, the goal is to reach a level where funding equal to or greater than the total investment during the SIP+BRIDGE support period (assuming Series A finance for startups) can be achieved, leading to funding from venture capitalists, etc.
Public offering period
July 19, 2023 (Wednesday) – August 1, 2023 (Tuesday) Noon (Strict Deadline)
Scale of commissioned research funding & expected number of projects
For each selected research and development project, the commissioned research funding (including indirect costs) for the first year is expected to be around 100 to 300 million yen.
Around two to four projects are expected to be selected.
Research and development period
Qualified applicants
Researchers with the ability to act as project leader for implementing and promoting their own research and development idea as well as managing industry-academia collaboration. In addition to having a record of research in the field, applicants must have a track record of activities that demonstrate the ability to establish a coordination and cooperation system among the parties who will be involved in the research.
Applicants must be in a position to conduct their research and development in affiliation with a domestic research institution*.
* Domestic research institution: A university, independent administrative agency, national/public research institute, specially approved corporation, public interest corporation, company, etc. within Japan that undertakes research and development.
Already established as a material unicorn reserve force or expected to be established.
Applicants for this year's (fiscal year 2023) SIP Subproject C Individual Theme (1), namely, "SIP Project 'Construction of Material Commercialization Innovation and Cultivation Ecosystem' Subproject C 'Creation of Material Unicorn Reserve Forces' Individual Theme (1): Support for Creation of Material Reserve Forces," who have passed the document review and are undergoing the interview review as the principal investigator or main co-research and development responsible person (*1, *2, *3, *4).
*1 Although it is not mandatory for eligible applicants to apply, it is recommended to apply if part of the research and development proposal for the specific Theme (1) of the SIP Subproject C is considered equivalent to this BRIDGE initiative. In the case of applying solely to SIP, funding support cannot be provided for the portion deemed equivalent to this BRIDGE initiative during the selection process.
*2 Applicants for this BRIDGE initiative in the proposal may include not only the research and development leaders corresponding to the specific Theme (1) of SIP Subproject C but also the principal co-researchers. However, both commissioned research contracts and research and development implementation plans must be consolidated, with the research and development leaders of the specific Theme (1) of the SIP Subproject C serving as their representatives.
*3 It is not necessary for all research and development institutions applying to the specific Theme (1) of the SIP Subproject C to apply to this BRIDGE initiative.
*4 Research and development institutions that have not applied to the specific Theme (1) of the SIP Subproject C cannot apply only to this BRIDGE initiative.
・Being a researcher who does not violate the eligibility restrictions related to accounting malpractice.
・Having completed in advance a research ethics education program conducted by an affiliated research institution, such as eAPRIN (formerly CITI), or other research ethics education programs recognized by NIMS.
Inquiries
- For inquiries related to the public offering
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Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program Office
National Institute for Materials Science
E-Mail: Email: sip3material_koubo=nims.go.jp (replace “=” with “=”)(Please change "=" to "@")