Subsidy for Introduction of Information Security Facilities at Private Enterprises Utilizing the Important Economic Security Information Protection Act (FY2026 1st Call)

This subsidy is administered by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Trade and Economic Security Bureau, General Affairs Division, Information Security Office, for FY2026. Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical risks and a worsening international security environment, the program supports private enterprises and incorporated administrative agencies in building information protection systems through the proper application of the Important Economic Security Information Protection Act (Act No. 27 of 2024). The goal is to share threat and risk information between public and private sectors and contribute to securing Japan's economic security. Eligible applicants are private companies and incorporated administrative agencies that: (1) have a base in Japan; (2) possess organization and personnel capable of executing the project; (3) have the management foundation and fund-management capacity to carry it out smoothly; (4) are not subject to METI subsidy or contract suspension measures; (5) cooperate with EBPM (Evidence-Based Policy Making) initiatives; (6) have attended the briefing session or received an equivalent explanation. Applicants must be entities that METI envisions designating as Conformity Business Operators under Article 10(1) and recipients of Important Economic Security Information under Article 3(1). Eligible expenses, directly required for project execution, are divided into six categories: (1) design fees, (2) equipment costs, (3) construction costs, (4) supplies costs, (5) outsourcing fees, (6) miscellaneous expenses (postage, utilities tied to dedicated meters, equipment maintenance, translation, literature purchase, etc.). Ineligible costs include personnel salaries (incl. dispatched labor), travel, meeting costs, honoraria, and accident-handling expenses. Proposals must document the consideration of using existing facilities (e.g., existing safes) and describe measures in executive offices aligned with operational standards and Cabinet Office guidelines. Subsidy rates and ceilings: incorporated administrative agencies receive a flat (10/10) rate up to JPY 30 million; SMEs receive up to 2/3 with a ceiling of JPY 20 million; large enterprises receive up to 1/2 with a ceiling of JPY 15 million. SMEs effectively controlled by large enterprises are subject to the large-enterprise terms. Project period runs from the grant-decision date (expected early to late September 2026) to 26 February 2027 (Fri). The call is open from 18 May 2026 (Mon) to 26 June 2026 (Fri) 12:00 (must arrive). A Teams briefing is held on 26 May 2026 at 11:30; registration deadline is 17:00 on 25 May. Applications (Form 1, Form 2, company profile, financial statements) must be hand-delivered in a single envelope to METI's Information Security Office (1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8901). Mail, email and fax are not accepted.