FY2026 Kumamoto New Product Development Support Subsidy

Overview: This Kumamoto Prefecture subsidy supports local businesses that develop and market new products using prefectural agricultural, forestry and fishery products under agri-commerce-industry (農商工) collaboration. It has two tracks: (1) new product development & test marketing, and (2) sales channel development through trade shows held outside the prefecture (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, etc.). Eligibility: Track 1 requires support from Kumamoto Industrial Technology Center, Agri-System Research Institute, or chamber-of-commerce-type bodies. Track 2 requires that the product be developed via 農商工 collaboration since FY2025 and that the applicant be a Kumamoto-based business exhibiting at off-prefecture trade fairs. Businesses that have not received this subsidy in the past 5 years are prioritized; award-winning products receive preference. Eligible expenses: Track 1 covers prototyping/R&D materials, printing (packaging/brochures), equipment under ¥100,000 (tax-included), display decoration, and honoraria/travel for advisors. Track 2 covers booth fees, booth decoration, transport (with insurance), printing, and travel/lodging (gasoline, taxi, parking excluded). Only expenses incurred after the grant decision date and paid within the project period are eligible. Rate/cap/schedule: Subsidy rate is 1/2 of eligible expenses, capped at ¥300,000 (rounded down to ¥1,000). About 6 awards total (3 per track). Both tracks may be applied jointly but the combined cap per business is ¥300,000. Application period: 7 May 2026 (Thu) to 19 June 2026 (Fri) — must arrive by deadline. Performance report due within 1 month of project completion or by 12 March 2027, whichever is earlier.