FY2026 "Small and Medium Enterprise Competitiveness Promotion Business" (Market-compatible product development support business [General])

This Hokkaido subsidy supports SMEs in developing new products or services for entry into new fields/markets, along with market research and exhibition participation costs. Eligible entities are SMEs registered in Hokkaido (as defined under the SME Credit Insurance Law) with principal offices or business locations in the prefecture, including improvement of existing product features, performance, and design. The maximum subsidy is 3 million yen (with market research expenses capped at 2 million yen), covering prototype materials, design development, program development, market research outsourcing, out-of-prefecture exhibition costs (booth fees, accommodation, transportation, shipping, PR video production, etc.), and salaries for newly hired engineers. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient expertise to lead product development and resolve the main technical challenges themselves; outsourcing the entirety or majority of development is ineligible. Contracted product development (with guaranteed compensation) and cases where development is substantially outsourced are excluded from support. The application period is May 7 – June 19, 2026 (5:00 PM deadline), and concurrent use with other sub-programs within this initiative is prohibited.