Finally
January 2026
About ItoStar's startup support
（2026年1月 設立予定）
ItoStar is a startup support center scheduled to open near Kyushu University's Ito Campus.
Aiming to be established in January 2026, we are currently preparing to create a space where students, international students, and local entrepreneurs can freely take on new challenges.
Our concept is "Turning ideas into reality, from the local area to the world."
We provide support from start-up to growth of your business.
Main support contents
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💡 Business idea consultation: Professional mentors will support you in creating business plans, sorting out issues, building revenue models, etc.
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🤝 Team building and matching: Create opportunities for encounters between Kyushu University students, local professionals, and foreign creators.
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🧭 Startup preparation support Practical support for company establishment, fundraising, subsidy applications, intellectual property management, etc.
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🌏Support for foreign entrepreneurs Multilingual support provided by English and Japanese speaking staff.
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🏢 Coworking space available. We will provide Wi-Fi-equipped workspaces (starting November 5th), conference rooms, and event areas.
The startup support page is currently under preparation.
Please contact us for the latest information or if you would like to participate.
Startup Support
ItoStar is an international startup hub where Kyushu University students, international students, and local entrepreneurs can take on new challenges with peace of mind.
We provide one-stop support, from business consultations to business plan creation, pitch competitions, and investor introductions.
① Business consultation (available in Japanese and English)
Business Consultation (Available in Japanese / English)
From brainstorming ideas for your business to organizing your business model,
We provide individual support, from determining the direction of market research to monetization.
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Pre-startup consultation
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Basic information about visas for international students and starting a business
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Mentor consultation (Kyushu University researchers and entrepreneurs)
② Business plan creation support
Business Plan Development Support
We will support you in creating your business plan and pitch materials from scratch.
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Business plan template provided
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Revenue and expenditure planning and service design
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Advice on creating materials for investors and financial institutions
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English pitch decks also available
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Guidance on points that VCs evaluate
③ Support for applying for government subsidies
Government & Subsidy Application Support
Administrative procedures required when starting a business in Japan
We will also assist you with available subsidies and grants.
English guidance is also available for foreign visitors.
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Flow of business start-up notification and incorporation
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Guidance on business-related administrative procedures
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Support for preparing applications for startup subsidies and various grants
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Support is also available for foreigners who are not good at English.
④ Pitch competition and demo day
Pitch Contests & Demo Days
ItoStar holds pitch events several times a year.
Students, international students, and local entrepreneurs can present their businesses to investors and companies.
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Mini-pitch competition (monthly)
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Annual Demo Day (participation of VCs and business companies)
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Supports both English and Japanese
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Outstanding candidates will be connected to mentoring and investment consultations
⑤ Venture capital investment and fundraising support
Venture Capital & Fundraising Support
ItoStar works with domestic and international VCs and angel investors.
We will introduce you to the best investors for your business and support you through the meeting.
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Introducing VC/Angel investors
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Investor pitch training
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Business plan evaluation and improvement
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Support for approaching overseas investors
⑥ Support for acquiring sponsors (corporate collaboration)
Corporate Sponsorship & Partnership Support
We help startups find sponsors to continue their activities.
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Searching for sponsors and partners
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Introducing project collaborators
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Support for creating sponsor proposal materials
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Matching with local companies
⑦ Joint development space (NDA and intellectual property collaboration available)
Co-Creation Space (NDA & IP Collaboration Ready)
Provides a space for students, researchers, and businesses to collaborate on development projects.
The handling of NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) and intellectual property (IP) has also been clarified.
You can proceed with your project with peace of mind.
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Joint research and joint projects
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Initial verification of technology development
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Complete NDA and IP guidelines
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Collaboration with overseas companies is also possible
inquiry
If you would like to receive business consultation, pitch participation, or mentoring, please contact us using the inquiry form.