Open Network Lab Seed Accelerator 31st Batch accepting applications!
Deadline: February 6, 2026, at noon (JST) | Program period: May to August, 2026
Open Office Hours
Open Office Hours are available for the startups and entrepreneurs.
We are having one-on-one meetings with our team to discuss ideas and business strategies.
In addition to the existing JAPAN Track, which supports growth in Japan, and GLOBAL Track, which supports startup’s global expansion from Day 1, utilizing the incubation center in San Francisco and various global networks.
JAPAN Track
This track is designed for startups aiming to expand their services in Japan and achieve growth. Onlab’s 15 years of expertise in supporting startups will help startups achieve the fastest possible business growth.
GLOBAL Track
This track is designed for startups that expand their business globally from Day 1, such as in San Francisco and London. We support local product-market fit (PMF) and business growth by conducting activities in target markets overseas.

AI

FinTech

Travel

Climate Tech

Commerce

Smart City

Entertainment
*These are just examples. We are looking for a wide range of products, services, and business models that can help solve social issues and create new value.

This community includes startups in the same stage inspring each other to work hard, alumni who have already exited, and dedicated mentors who can provide ongoing advice. We also provide an environment where founders can easily interact with each other.

Onlab Campus holds practical seminars based on startup needs and market conditions, which are open to our startups at any time. In addition, startups also have access to templates and knowledge that we have created based on our past support experience that can be used in various situations.

The three-month program consists of regular check-in meetings with mentors and a demo day at the end of the program, among other events. This set schedule motivates startups to grow faster than if they were on their own, due to higher accountability and peer pressure from other startups in the same cohort.
Especially in San Francisco’s Silicon Valley, we facilitate rapid expansion and establishment of businesses abroad by introducing local angel investors, venture capitalists, and entrepreneur communities, as well as supporting activities such as establishing US corporations, opening bank accounts, and visa acquisition.
Specialists and investors from various fields, both domestically and internationally, along with seasoned entrepreneurs, provide mentoring on services and products. Additionally, Onlab members support startups by assisting them in validating their business hypotheses, developing MVPs, and achieving product-market fit.
After the 3-month program, the Onlab team, alumni, and mentors continue to provide multifaceted support for business growth and organizational expansion for up to 2 years. They also offer hands-on assistance for startups’ next fundraising efforts. After that, hands-if support is provided thereafter.
Onlab’s alumni community comprises over 160 CEOs and numerous CXOs. They bring with them experience in IPOs, exits, and tackling significant challenges (and sometimes the hard things). Join this unparalleled entrepreneurial community and gain insights from seasoned senior entrepreneurs and like-minded peers at any time.
Participating teams can receive around 10 million yen to fund their activities. It depends on the company’s situation and performance.
We provide workspace in Shibuya, Daikanyama, San Francisco, and London (up to 2 years free). Startup team business camps’ accommodation is also available in Japan. *Conditions vary by location.
Gain access to various tools and resources tailored for startups, covering infrastructure, development, hiring, and business essentials, all available at special discounted prices.
Pitch to an audience of many investors (from Japan and overseas) at the culmination of the 3-month program, for a chance to raise additional capital. We have experience running demo days and doing matchmaking with VCs fully online.
*Assets and support details are just examples. Varies depending on the selected company.

Representative Director, President Executive Officer and Group CEO, Digital Garage, Inc.
Executive Chairman, Kakaku.com, Inc.
Board member, and Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Architect, Digital Garage, Inc.
Executive Officer, Manager, Incubation Promotion Dept., Incubation Company, Kakaku.com, Inc.
164
63.0%
14.4%


For us, Onlab is like a launchpad to the world. After participating in Onlab, we challenged ourselves in the United States, and with the support of the Onlab team, we were able to take on this overseas challenge. In this sense, it truly felt like a launchpad to the world.


“SmartHR” was born through ten pivots during our time at Onlab. Without Onlab, SmartHR wouldn’t exist today. The strong pressure from the mentors and the time constraint of having a Demo Day in three months brought an incredible speed to our development.


Beyond extensive mentoring, we were connected to key experts via our mentors’ networks. These invaluable opportunities provided practical insights, ranging from CEO growth strategies to effective agency collaboration.


While “drone shows” are often seen as part of the event industry, this program revealed possibilities in advertising, art, and technology. Pursuing an IPO requires diverse learning; Onlab connects you with mentors and founders to help expand your market.


I think many people struggle with starting a business without knowing the basics. Receiving precise advice from mentors at Onlab broadened my perspective, and this support has helped me immensely in my current role. Objective and appropriate input on our business helped us convey the appeal and challenges of our service.


If you’re struggling with starting your business or raising funds, I highly recommend entering Onlab, which provides tailor-made support. The overseas fundraising workshops offered by Onlab were very practical, and the frameworks provided, as well as the emphasis on effective communication, were all purpose-driven and extremely beneficial.

| Program | Open Network Lab Seed Accelerator 31st Batch |
|---|---|
| Deadline | February 6, 2026, at noon (JST) |
| Selection Schedule | Document Screening : Until late February Due Diligence : From late February First Round Interviews : March 2 – 6, 2026 (online) Second Round Interviews : March 19 – 27, 2026 (onsite / Location: Shibuya or online) Pre-Final Screening Preparation Session : Thursday, April 9, 2026 (Optional) Final Screening : Thursday, April 16, 2026 (onsite / Location: Shibuya) |
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| Terms of Participation |
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