BEYOND MAKERS PROGRAM

Co-creating innovation with Japanese Manufacturers

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Program Overview

Wave Makers Program is a structured initiative that pairs world-class Japanese manufacturing SMEs with high-potential Australian deep tech and hardware startups. Across online preparation, in-country visits and co-creation sprints in both countries, you will explore real manufacturing challenges, develop joint solutions, and build pathways into Japan market.

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Supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Selected and funded by the TOKYO SUTEAM iniative.

Learn more here

Travel and accommodation are covered or subsidised to enable focused discussions and collaboration activities in Japan.

There are no program participation fees.

Program Structure

The program is delivered in three structured stages, with the goal of progressing toward MoU signing and the start of a PoC project with a Japanese partner.

MODULE 1

Japanese SMEs visit to Australia

    • Proof of Concept (PoC) projects and partnership structures.

    • Mentoring by experts will also be provided for planning.

    • Orientation

    • Understanding Japan's manufacturing ecosystem

    • Cultural business practices preparation

    • Preliminary networking with Japanese SMEs

    • Pre-pitch preparation and feedback

MODULE 2

Online MoU/PoC Planning

  • April: Pre-Departure Orientation

    • Program overview, cultural preparation, networking, and pre-pitch.

    • Reverse pitch events with Japanese SMEs

    • Co-creation sprint workshops

    • One-on-one matching sessions

    • Collaborative solution development

    • Preliminary partnership planning

MODULE 3

Australian Startups visit to Japan

  • August: Pre-Departure Orientation

    • Understanding Japanese culture and manufacturing landscape

    • Factory and facility tours

    • Joint technical workshops

    • MoU signing ceremonies

    • Investor engagement sessions

    • Prototype development planning

    • Market entry strategy sessions

Opportunities may extend to PoC execution, certification support, and manufacturing scale up depending on collaboration outcomes.

What you can expect

  • Direct introductions to high precision Japanese manufacturing SMEs with deep technical capability, supporting prototype refinement or PoC deployment with improved quality and scalability.

  • Guidance across product readiness, integration constraints and Japanese business practice ensures smooth communication and sustained progress throughout collaboration.

  • Startups are matched with committed partners to align engineering requirements, manufacturability and deployment plans, with a clear pathway toward MoU and pilot project implementation.

  • The program supports exploration of joint business structures and market strategies aligned with Japan’s industrial priorities and long term commercial value.

  • Access to factory environments, industrial networks and prospective customers and investors helps validate feasibility, adoption and commercial models directly in the market.

  • Access to factory environments, industrial networks and prospective customers and investors helps validate feasibility, adoption and commercial models directly in the market.

You will be
collaborating with…

High-quality Tier 2 and 3 Japanese manufacturing parters that support key Japanese industries including automotive, energy, construction and industrial machinery.

  • Example:

    • Precision machining

    • Metal forming and welding

    • Surface treatment and coating

    • Materials testing

  • 大田区の事例を記載

Collaboration Pathways

  • Category A: Prototype co-development with Japanese SMEs

    For hardware and advanced manufacturing startups requiring precision engineering, production grade prototyping or validation of manufacturability and quality.

    Examples include:
    ・Medtech devices
    ・Sensors and electronics
    ・Robotics and mobility
    ・Industrial and energy technologies
    ・Advanced material applications

    This category is right for you if you are:
    ・Beyond 3D-printing stage and looking to prototype or scale hardware using Japan’s high-precision, quality-certified manufacturing.
    ・Open to conducting PoCs or pilot production in Japan as a pathway to market entry.

    Goal: Co-develop and validate a working industrial prototype with a Japanese SME, aiming for PoC and scaled production.

  • Category B: Deployment of DX solutions for Japanese SMEs

    For startups offering industrial software or digital systems that solve operational problems inside factories or industrial workflows.

    Ideal for solutions such as:
    ・Predictive maintenance
    ・Quality automation and defect detection
    ・Energy and resource optimisation
    ・Smart logistics and workflow digitalisation
    ・Safety and productivity analytics
    ・Inbound process optimisation in manufacturing

    This category is right for you if:
    ・You have real deployments and paying industrial customers or will be deployable soon.
    ・You want to rapidly launch a PoC or commercial pilot in Japan.

    Goal: Deploy a PoC or early commercial project in Japan.

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*If unsure which category applies, choose the closest fit and our team will assist.

Timeline

Stage 1. Application

DEC 20th, 2025 - JAN 31st 2026

Pre-registration open

FEB 2nd - MAR 20th 2026

  • Online application open

  • Online information session

MAR 20th - APRIL 3rd 2026

Shortlisted startups invited to an online interview

Stage 2. Interviews and Selection

APRIL 10th 2026

Top 20 selection announced

Stage 3. Matching and Preparation

  • Startups paired with Japanese SMEs for co creation

  • Pre collaboration planning for in market activities

MAR - APRIL 2026

A detailed onboarding schedule will be provided to selected applicants.

Selection Criteria

A total of 6 to 8 startups will be selected across both categories.

Applications are evaluated on:

Product or service fit with Japanese SME needs
Aligns with Japanese SME capabilities or addresses a specific industrial challenge.

1.

Team capability and PoC execution capacity
Capable of managing a pilot and maintaining collaboration momentum with Japanese partners.

2.

Innovation value with Japan relevance
Technology aligns with Japan’s industrial priorities and market needs.

3.

Feasible within the program period
Pilot or prototype progress can be achieved during the program.

4.

Commercial traction and scale potential
A scalable business model with signs of market validation.

5.

Transparent and compliant operations
Low risk regarding IP, data handling and regulatory alignment.

6.

ARE YOU QUALIFIED?

The program is open to Australian startups with strong alignment to Japanese industrial needs. 

    • Pre seed to Series A stage and beyond

    • Have a clear intention to expand business operations or engage in joint development within the Japanese market.

    • Have a proactive interest in pursuing collaboration opportunities with Japanese companies, customers, and investors to support market entry and business growth in Japan.

    • Have a well-defined proof-of-concept theme aimed at research and development, manufacturing, or regulatory certification (e.g., product testing, prototyping, JET/ISO/CE certification pathways).

    • Willing to establish or relocate business, manufacturing, or research operations in Tokyo as a result of the program’s outcomes.

    • Relevance to Japanese SMEs
      Clear use cases aligned with Japanese manufacturing needs and priorities

    • Execution & Collaboration Readiness
      Team capability, responsiveness, and ability to work in a structured PoC environment

    • Technical or Deployment Feasibility
      Realistic scope, timeline, and requirements suitable for SME collaboration

    • Commercial Potential
      Viable business model and long-term potential in Japan

    • IP, Risk & Transparency
      Clear IP position, willingness to sign NDAs early, and no unresolved compliance risks

  • This program involves both online and in person components. Participants should expect:

    • Participate in online sessions and on-site engagements throughout the program period

    • Regular online meetings with Japanese partner

    • Technical or commercial preparation ahead of factory engagement

Pre-pegister now and ride the New Waves into Japan’s manufacturing future!

Pre-Register Now