Digitalization & AI Adoption Subsidy 2026 — Security Measures Promotion Frame (2nd Round)

This program subsidizes part of the cost incurred by Japanese SMEs and small businesses introducing IT tools that strengthen cybersecurity. It aims to reduce the risk that cyber incidents disrupt business continuity, thereby protecting productivity and mitigating downstream supply and price shocks. SMRJ funds the program; TOPPAN Inc. operates the office; applicants and registered IT Introduction Support Vendors form a joint body to file the grant application. Eligible applicants are SMEs and small businesses legally registered in Japan that conduct business domestically. Sector thresholds apply (manufacturing capital JPY 300m or 300 employees; wholesale 100m/100; service 50m/100; retail 50m/50). Medical, social welfare, school corporations, chambers of commerce, and NPOs are eligible. Applicants must hold a gBizID Prime and have declared IPA SECURITY ACTION one- or two-star. Subsidiaries majority-owned by large enterprises, entities with 3-year average taxable income above JPY 1.5 billion, adult-entertainment operators, religious corporations, and unincorporated bodies are excluded. Eligible expenses are the service usage fees (including up to 2 years of cloud subscription) for IT tools registered in advance by the support vendor. Tools must appear on the IPA Cybersecurity Helper Squad Service List. Any contract, order, delivery, or payment made before the grant decision is excluded. Payment must be by bank transfer or single-payment credit card from the applicant's own account; refunds, kickbacks, and cashback are prohibited. Subsidy rate is up to 1/2 for SMEs and 2/3 for small businesses; grant amount JPY 50,000 to 1,500,000. The application period opens 30 March 2026; round deadlines are posted on the site. Implementation and performance reporting run roughly six months from grant decision. Bonus points are given for two-star SECURITY ACTION, wage-raise plans, Health & Productivity Management 2026, Eruboshi/Kurumin certification, and use of SMRJ IT Strategy Navi-with. Corporate applicants must submit certificate of registered matters, corporate-tax payment certificate, and latest balance sheet and P&L.