Japan Startup Awards 2026 Ceremony Held
Overview
On September 25, 2026, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry held the Japan Startup Awards 2026 ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. Mujin, Inc. received the Prime Minister’s Award, and Regional Fish Co., Ltd. received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award. Ten companies in total were honored. The awards recognize startups that have created new businesses, promote awareness of the importance of taking on challenges and appreciation for entrepreneurs, and aim to raise the spirit of challenge throughout society.
Key points
- A total of 10 startups were honored.
- Mujin, Inc. received the Prime Minister’s Award (Japan Startup Award).
- Regional Fish Co., Ltd. received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (Japan Startup Excellence Award).
- Through the awards, the organizers aim to promote awareness of the importance of taking on challenges and appreciation for entrepreneurs, and to raise the spirit of challenge throughout society.
Overview
On September 25, 2026, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry held the Japan Startup Awards 2026 ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence.
Mujin, Inc. was selected for realizing automation in manufacturing and logistics settings through its proprietary robot-intelligence technology. Regional Fish Co., Ltd. was selected for combining quality-improvement and smart-aquaculture technologies in pursuit of a sustainable fisheries industry.
Impact
The awards aim to recognize startups that serve as role models for young people who will lead the next generation and for entrepreneurs, and to raise the spirit of challenge throughout society.
Details
At the ceremony, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and ministers from various ministries presented certificates of commendation, received explanations of products and services at the recipient companies’ booths, and offered their congratulations to the executives.
The other recipients were Oishii Farm, Inc. for the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award; Rapyuta Robotics, Inc. for the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award; Ubie, Inc. for the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award; SkyDrive, Inc. for the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award; Sakana AI, Inc. for the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award; Oceanic Constellations, Inc. for the Minister of Defense Award; and Iris, Inc. and Acompany, Inc. for the Selection Committee Special Award.
The awards were renamed in 2022 from the Japan Venture Award, which has been held since 2015.