FY2026 SME Competitiveness Strengthening Promotion Project - Market-Responsive Product Development Support Program (Specific Industrial Sectors)

This Hokkaido subsidy supports small and medium-sized enterprises in processing/assembly manufacturing, foundational technology industries, food-related industries, environment/energy sectors, and IT industries to develop new products and enter new markets through product development and related market research expenses. Eligible applicants include SMEs registered in Hokkaido with principal offices or business locations in the prefecture, including sole proprietors and enterprise associations; out-of-prefecture head offices with Hokkaido branches may also apply under specified conditions. The maximum subsidy is 5 million JPY (with market research limited to 2 million JPY), covering prototype manufacturing, design development, software programming, market research outsourcing, and exhibition costs. Applicants must employ 300 or fewer staff and expenses must directly support product/service development and accompanying market studies. Applications are accepted from May 7 to June 19, 2026 at 5 PM; note that combining multiple business menus within this program is prohibited.