A structured accelerator for hardware startups, uniting precision manufacturing, enterprise collaboration, and investor access to move from prototype to proof to production.
Scroll to learn more..
Scroll to learn more..
Who we are
Program Overview
What is Forge ?
Forge is a global hardware accelerator backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s TIB CATAPULT program. We pair Japan’s manufacturing strength with committed corporate partners to move hardware startups from prototype to proof and into production—combining co‑funded prototyping, a partner‑validated PoC pathway (subject to partner approval and team/product readiness), and investor access, supported by veteran mentors, fab access, and rigorous DFM (Design for Manufacturability). Designed for seed stage and beyond, Forge concentrates support into two phases—prep and build.
Why join Forge ?
Why Join Forge
Forge is a hardware-focused accelerator built on a network of manufacturing companies and large enterprises. It provides engineering support, fab space, PoC opportunities (implemented based on participating companies’ approval and the readiness of the team/product), and investor access, driving the process practically from prototyping through implementation to market launch.
01
Up to ¥2,000,000 prototyping voucher
We co‑fund your prototyping costs up to ¥2,000,000 so you can reach production‑ready faster and with less risk.
02
Investor matching
Warm, targeted introductions to aligned investors, plus hands‑on support for narrative, data room, and diligence.
03
PoC pathway
From scoping → field trials → integration with leading corporates—pending partner approval and team/product readiness.
How Forge Works
How Forge Works
Phase 1
Phase 1
Prep for Prototyping & PoC
Duration: 3 months — A focused ramp to get production-ready and PoC-ready: align milestones, start DFM and set manufacturability direction, design your PoC and success metrics, map stakeholders, and build momentum with regular mentoring, masterclasses, and co-working & fab access. Formal DFM lock happens in Phase 2 once the design is finalized.
What’s included
Refine prototype design and initiate DFM (set manufacturability direction).
PoC design: define hypotheses, success metrics, data & governance.
Stakeholder identification & engagement plan (customers, corporate partners, regulators).
Milestone planning & mentoring with industry veterans.
Masterclasses (manufacturing, supply chain, quality/compliance, fundraising).
Curated networking with potential PoC partners and investors.
Access to co‑working space and fabrication facilities (fab space, tools, lab time).
Phase 2
Phase 2
Build & Prove
Duration: 8 months — Accelerate prototyping and advance validation and implementation. Co-funded prototyping (up to ¥2,000,000), production-oriented engineering (including formal DFM lock), co-creation and implementation with large enterprise partners via a partner-validated PoC track (subject to partner approval and team/product readiness), and comprehensive investor introductions and fundraising support.
What’s included
We co‑fund your prototyping—covering up to ¥2,000,000 in costs. (also availabe for POC)
One‑stop prototyping support to reach production‑ready.
PoC pathway with leading corporates (scoping → field trials → integration)—depending on partner approval and team/product readiness.
Direct investor introductions and hands‑on fundraising support.
All Phase 1 support continues.
Visa support
For startups
What
You’ll Get
Joining Forge means more than mentorship — it’s hands-on, real-world support designed to move your startup forward.
Built for Global Hardware Startups
Built for Global Hardware Startups
Designed for Japan, Ready for the World
Designed for Japan, Ready for the World
🛠️ Upto 2M JPY in Prototyping Support
Refine your hardware with access to Japan’s advanced design, mechanical, and control systems — including CAD, 3D modeling, and fabrication.
🛠️ Upto 2M JPY in Prototyping Support
Refine your hardware with access to Japan’s advanced design, mechanical, and control systems — including CAD, 3D modeling, and fabrication.
🧠 Masterclasses & Mentorship
Learn from seasoned founders, domain experts, and Japan-market veterans. Sessions cover everything from local business culture to scaling strategy.
🧠 Masterclasses & Mentorship
Learn from seasoned founders, domain experts, and Japan-market veterans. Sessions cover everything from local business culture to scaling strategy.
🤝 Investor & Partner Matching
We connect you with the right people — VCs, corporates, and partners interested in your tech and ready to collaborate.
🤝 Investor & Partner Matching
We connect you with the right people — VCs, corporates, and partners interested in your tech and ready to collaborate.
📍 Tokyo Workspace
Access creative coworking and fabrication spaces in central Tokyo — perfect for meetings, building, or just getting things done.
📍 Tokyo Workspace
Access creative coworking and fabrication spaces in central Tokyo — perfect for meetings, building, or just getting things done.
🌐 PoC Opportunities
Pilot your product in real-world environments with support from our testbed partners in mobility, robotics, drones, and more.
🌐 PoC Opportunities
Pilot your product in real-world environments with support from our testbed partners in mobility, robotics, drones, and more.
who we're looking for
ELIGIBILITY
Forge is designed for ambitious hardware startups aiming to scale globally — whether you’re a Japanese startup looking outward or an international startup eager to tap into Japan’s deep tech and manufacturing strengths. You’re a great fit if
Prototype / DFM / Pilot build
You have or are building a hardware prototype (MVP acceptable), are in DFM/engineering validation, or are preparing for pilot or early mass production; you can share core design files (e.g., CAD, basic BOM) for DFM review.
Tokyo focus
You are Tokyo-based, or you’re exploring Tokyo as a potential market and open to evaluating it during the program (market discovery, pilots, and/or incorporation).
Tokyo Is on Your Roadmap
You’re exploring Tokyo as a key market — or a launchpad into Asia and beyond.
Stage & team
Seed stage or later, with a technical owner accountable for product and DFM (founder, senior engineer, or committed external partner); full‑time preferred but not required.
Commitment:
A core team member can engage regularly throughout the program (check‑ins, design/DFM reviews; onsite sessions as needed).
PoC readiness:
You can define a PoC hypothesis and success metrics during the prep phase; progression to PoC is subject to partner approval and team/product readiness.
Timeline
Program Timeline
Forge is designed to move fast — and move you forward. Here's what to expect:
Applications Open
Sep 1st - Sep 28th
2025
Submit your startup for review. No equity, no fees — just bring your vision.
Screening & Results
Sep 28th - Oct 3rd
2025
We select high-potential startups through document reviews, interviews, technical and business evaluations with our manufacturing partners.
Phase 1
Oct 6th - Dec 28th
2025
A focused ramp to get production‑ready and PoC‑ready: align milestones, lock DFM, design your PoC and success metrics, map stakeholders, and build momentum with regular mentoring, masterclasses, and co‑working & fab access.
Phase 2
Jan 5th - Aug 31st
2026
Build, validate, and commercialize: co‑funded prototyping (up to ¥2,000,000), one‑stop engineering toward production readiness, a partner‑validated PoC track (depending on partner approval and team/product readiness), and direct investor introductions with hands‑on fundraising support.
Support menu
Prototype menu
At a glance: production‑minded prototyping services, representative equipment, and commonly handled materials—suited to small‑lot and pilot builds.
Plastics
Plastics
Metal (Aluminium, Iron, Stainless, etc.)
Metal (Aluminium, Iron, Stainless, etc.)
Rubber
Rubber
Leather
Leather
Fabric
Fabric
Machining center
Machining center
CAD / CAM
CAD / CAM
Wire EDM
Wire EDM
Injection molding machine
Injection molding machine
3D printers
3D printers
Laser cutter
Laser cutter
Large‑format grinder
Large‑format grinder
Digital printer
Digital printer
FAQ
FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the program.
01
Is it really free to join?
02
Do I need to be based in Tokyo to apply?
03
What kind of startups are you looking for?
04
What sectors are a good fit?
05
What language will the program be condudcted in ?
Latest Updates
Latest news
Updates on programs, partners, and events from the Forge cluster.
About the project
ABOUT TIB CATAPULT
TIB CATAPULT is a Tokyo‑led initiative where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government partners with multi‑company innovation clusters to drive collaboration with startups across strategic industries and technologies. TSI (Technology Seed Incubation) serves as the lead organization for the manufacturing cluster “Forge,” accelerating co‑creation between corporates and startups and turning concepts into real outcomes. *This program is being operated as part of TIB CATAPUILT in parallel with the conclusion of the agreement.
Let's Work Together
Contact Now
Contact Us!
Got questions about Forge or the program fit?
Drop us a message; we’re happy to connect and share more.
A structured accelerator for hardware startups, uniting precision manufacturing, enterprise collaboration, and investor access to move from prototype to proof to production.
Scroll to learn more..
Who we are
Program Overview
What is Forge ?
Forge is a global hardware accelerator backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s TIB CATAPULT program. We pair Japan’s manufacturing strength with committed corporate partners to move hardware startups from prototype to proof and into production—combining co‑funded prototyping, a partner‑validated PoC pathway (subject to partner approval and team/product readiness), and investor access, supported by veteran mentors, fab access, and rigorous DFM (Design for Manufacturability). Designed for seed stage and beyond, Forge concentrates support into two phases—prep and build.
Why join Forge ?
Why Join Forge
Forge is a hardware-focused accelerator built on a network of manufacturing companies and large enterprises. It provides engineering support, fab space, PoC opportunities (implemented based on participating companies’ approval and the readiness of the team/product), and investor access, driving the process practically from prototyping through implementation to market launch.
01
Up to ¥2,000,000 prototyping voucher
We co‑fund your prototyping costs up to ¥2,000,000 so you can reach production‑ready faster and with less risk.
02
Investor matching
Warm, targeted introductions to aligned investors, plus hands‑on support for narrative, data room, and diligence.
03
PoC pathway
From scoping → field trials → integration with leading corporates—pending partner approval and team/product readiness.
How Forge Works
Phase 1
Phase 1
Prep for Prototyping & PoC
Duration: 3 months — A focused ramp to get production‑ready and PoC‑ready: align milestones, lock DFM, design your PoC and success metrics, map stakeholders, and build momentum with regular mentoring, masterclasses, and co‑working & fab access.
What’s included
Finalize prototype design and DFM (design for manufacturing).
PoC design: define hypotheses, success metrics, data & governance.
Stakeholder identification & engagement plan (customers, corporate partners, regulators).
Milestone planning & weekly mentoring with industry veterans.
Masterclasses (manufacturing, supply chain, quality/compliance, fundraising).
Curated networking with potential PoC partners and investors.
Access to co‑working space and fabrication facilities (fab space, tools, lab time).
Phase 2
Phase 2
Build & Prove
Duration: 8 months — Build, validate, and commercialize: co‑funded prototyping (up to ¥2,000,000), one‑stop engineering toward production readiness, a partner‑validated PoC track (pending partner approval and team/product readiness), and direct investor introductions with hands‑on fundraising support.
What’s included
We co‑fund your prototyping—covering up to ¥2,000,000 in costs.
One‑stop prototyping support to reach production‑ready.
Partner‑validated PoC pathway with leading corporates (scoping → field trials → integration)—pending partner approval and team/product readiness.
Direct investor introductions and hands‑on fundraising support.
All Phase 1 support continues.
Visa support
For startups
What
You’ll Get
Joining Forge means more than mentorship — it’s hands-on, real-world support designed to move your startup forward.
Built for Global Hardware Startups
Designed for Japan, Ready for the World
🛠️ Upto 2M JPY in Prototyping Support
Refine your hardware with access to Japan’s advanced design, mechanical, and control systems — including CAD, 3D modeling, and fabrication.
🧠 Masterclasses & Mentorship
Learn from seasoned founders, domain experts, and Japan-market veterans. Sessions cover everything from local business culture to scaling strategy.
🤝 Investor & Partner Matching
We connect you with the right people — VCs, corporates, and partners interested in your tech and ready to collaborate.
📍 Tokyo Workspace
Access creative coworking and fabrication spaces in central Tokyo — perfect for meetings, building, or just getting things done.
🌐 PoC Opportunities
Pilot your product in real-world environments with support from our testbed partners in mobility, robotics, drones, and more.
who we're looking for
ELIGIBILITY
Forge is designed for ambitious hardware startups aiming to scale globally — whether you’re a Japanese startup looking outward or an international startup eager to tap into Japan’s deep tech and manufacturing strengths. You’re a great fit if
Prototype / DFM / Pilot build
You have or are building a hardware prototype (MVP acceptable), are in DFM/engineering validation, or are preparing for pilot or early mass production; you can share core design files (e.g., CAD, basic BOM) for DFM review.
Tokyo focus
You are Tokyo-based, or you’re exploring Tokyo as a potential market and open to evaluating it during the program (market discovery, pilots, and/or incorporation).
Stage & team
Seed stage or later, with a technical owner accountable for product and DFM (founder, senior engineer, or committed external partner); full‑time preferred but not required.
Commitment:
A core team member can engage regularly throughout the program (check‑ins, design/DFM reviews; onsite sessions as needed).
PoC readiness:
You can define a PoC hypothesis and success metrics during the prep phase; progression to PoC is subject to partner approval and team/product readiness.
Timeline
Program Timeline
Forge is designed to move fast — and move you forward. Here's what to expect:
Applications Open
Sep 1st - Sep 28th
2025
Submit your startup for review. No equity, no fees — just bring your vision.
Screening & Results
Sep 28th - Oct 3rd
2025
We select high-potential startups through document reviews, interviews, technical and business evaluations with our manufacturing partners.
Phase 1
Oct 6th - Dec 28th
2025
A focused ramp to get production‑ready and PoC‑ready: align milestones, lock DFM, design your PoC and success metrics, map stakeholders, and build momentum with regular mentoring, masterclasses, and co‑working & fab access.
Phase 2
Jan 5th - Aug 31st
2026
Build, validate, and commercialize: co‑funded prototyping (up to ¥2,000,000), one‑stop engineering toward production readiness, a partner‑validated PoC track (depending on partner approval and team/product readiness), and direct investor introductions with hands‑on fundraising support.
Support menu
Prototype menu
At a glance: production‑minded prototyping services, representative equipment, and commonly handled materials—suited to small‑lot and pilot builds.
Plastics
Metal (Aluminium, Iron, Stainless, etc.)
Rubber
Leather
Fabric
Machining center
CAD / CAM
Wire EDM
Injection molding machine
3D printers
Laser cutter
Large‑format grinder
Digital printer
FAQ
FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the program.
Is it really free to join?
Do I need to be based in Tokyo to apply?
What kind of startups are you looking for?
What sectors are a good fit?
What language will the program be condudcted in ?
Latest Updates
Latest news
Updates on programs, partners, and events from the Forge cluster.
About the project
ABOUT TIB CATAPULT
TIB CATAPULT is a Tokyo‑led initiative where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government partners with multi‑company innovation clusters to drive collaboration with startups across strategic industries and technologies. TSI (Technology Seed Incubation) serves as the lead organization for the manufacturing cluster “Forge,” accelerating co‑creation between corporates and startups and turning concepts into real outcomes. *This program is being operated as part of TIB CATAPUILT in parallel with the conclusion of the agreement.
Let's Work Together
Contact Now
Contact Us!
Got questions about Forge or the program fit?
Drop us a message; we’re happy to connect and share more.
A structured accelerator for hardware startups, uniting precision manufacturing, enterprise collaboration, and investor access to move from prototype to proof to production.
Scroll to learn more..
Who we are
Program Overview
What is Forge ?
Forge is a global hardware accelerator backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s TIB CATAPULT program. We pair Japan’s manufacturing strength with committed corporate partners to move hardware startups from prototype to proof and into production—combining co‑funded prototyping, a partner‑validated PoC pathway (subject to partner approval and team/product readiness), and investor access, supported by veteran mentors, fab access, and rigorous DFM (Design for Manufacturability). Designed for seed stage and beyond, Forge concentrates support into two phases—prep and build.
Why join Forge ?
Why Join Forge
Forge is a hardware-focused accelerator built on a network of manufacturing companies and large enterprises. It provides engineering support, fab space, PoC opportunities (implemented based on participating companies’ approval and the readiness of the team/product), and investor access, driving the process practically from prototyping through implementation to market launch.
01
Up to ¥2,000,000 prototyping voucher
We co‑fund your prototyping costs up to ¥2,000,000 so you can reach production‑ready faster and with less risk.
02
Investor matching
Warm, targeted introductions to aligned investors, plus hands‑on support for narrative, data room, and diligence.
03
PoC pathway
From scoping → field trials → integration with leading corporates—pending partner approval and team/product readiness.
How Forge Works
How Forge Works
Phase 1
Phase 1
Prep for Prototyping & PoC
Duration: 3 months — A focused ramp to get production-ready and PoC-ready: align milestones, start DFM and set manufacturability direction, design your PoC and success metrics, map stakeholders, and build momentum with regular mentoring, masterclasses, and co-working & fab access. Formal DFM lock happens in Phase 2 once the design is finalized.
What’s included
Refine prototype design and initiate DFM (set manufacturability direction).
PoC design: define hypotheses, success metrics, data & governance.
Stakeholder identification & engagement plan (customers, corporate partners, regulators).
Milestone planning & mentoring with industry veterans.
Masterclasses (manufacturing, supply chain, quality/compliance, fundraising).
Curated networking with potential PoC partners and investors.
Access to co‑working space and fabrication facilities (fab space, tools, lab time).
Phase 2
Phase 2
Build & Prove
Duration: 8 months — Accelerate prototyping and advance validation and implementation. Co-funded prototyping (up to ¥2,000,000), production-oriented engineering (including formal DFM lock), co-creation and implementation with large enterprise partners via a partner-validated PoC track (subject to partner approval and team/product readiness), and comprehensive investor introductions and fundraising support.
What’s included
We co‑fund your prototyping—covering up to ¥2,000,000 in costs. (also availabe for POC)
One‑stop prototyping support to reach production‑ready.
PoC pathway with leading corporates (scoping → field trials → integration)—depending on partner approval and team/product readiness.
Direct investor introductions and hands‑on fundraising support.
All Phase 1 support continues.
Visa support
For startups
Pro Services®
Joining Forge means more than mentorship — it’s hands-on, real-world support designed to move your startup forward.
Built for Global Hardware Startups
Designed for Japan, Ready for the World
🛠️ Upto 2M JPY in Prototyping Support
Refine your hardware with access to Japan’s advanced design, mechanical, and control systems — including CAD, 3D modeling, and fabrication.
🧠 Masterclasses & Mentorship
Learn from seasoned founders, domain experts, and Japan-market veterans. Sessions cover everything from local business culture to scaling strategy.
🤝 Investor & Partner Matching
We connect you with the right people — VCs, corporates, and partners interested in your tech and ready to collaborate.
📍 Tokyo Workspace
Access creative coworking and fabrication spaces in central Tokyo — perfect for meetings, building, or just getting things done.
🌐 PoC Opportunities
Pilot your product in real-world environments with support from our testbed partners in mobility, robotics, drones, and more.
who we're looking for
ELIGIBILITY
Forge is designed for ambitious hardware startups aiming to scale globally — whether you’re a Japanese startup looking outward or an international startup eager to tap into Japan’s deep tech and manufacturing strengths. You’re a great fit if
Prototype / DFM / Pilot build
You have or are building a hardware prototype (MVP acceptable), are in DFM/engineering validation, or are preparing for pilot or early mass production; you can share core design files (e.g., CAD, basic BOM) for DFM review.
Tokyo focus
You are Tokyo-based, or you’re exploring Tokyo as a potential market and open to evaluating it during the program (market discovery, pilots, and/or incorporation).
Stage & team
Seed stage or later, with a technical owner accountable for product and DFM (founder, senior engineer, or committed external partner); full‑time preferred but not required.
Commitment:
A core team member can engage regularly throughout the program (check‑ins, design/DFM reviews; onsite sessions as needed).
PoC readiness:
You can define a PoC hypothesis and success metrics during the prep phase; progression to PoC is subject to partner approval and team/product readiness.
Timeline
Pro Services®
Forge is designed to move fast — and move you forward. Here's what to expect:
Applications Open
Sep 1st - Sep 28th
2025
Submit your startup for review. No equity, no fees — just bring your vision.
Screening & Results
Sep 28th - Oct 3rd
2025
We select high-potential startups through document reviews, interviews, technical and business evaluations with our manufacturing partners.
Phase 1
Oct 6th - Dec 28th
2025
A focused ramp to get production‑ready and PoC‑ready: align milestones, lock DFM, design your PoC and success metrics, map stakeholders, and build momentum with regular mentoring, masterclasses, and co‑working & fab access.
Phase 2
Jan 5th - Aug 31st
2026
Build, validate, and commercialize: co‑funded prototyping (up to ¥2,000,000), one‑stop engineering toward production readiness, a partner‑validated PoC track (depending on partner approval and team/product readiness), and direct investor introductions with hands‑on fundraising support.
Support menu
Prototype menu
At a glance: production‑minded prototyping services, representative equipment, and commonly handled materials—suited to small‑lot and pilot builds.
Plastics
Metal (Aluminium, Iron, Stainless, etc.)
Rubber
Leather
Fabric
Machining center
CAD / CAM
Wire EDM
Injection molding machine
3D printers
Laser cutter
Large‑format grinder
Digital printer
FAQ
FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the program.
01
Is it really free to join?
02
Do I need to be based in Tokyo to apply?
03
What kind of startups are you looking for?
04
What sectors are a good fit?
05
What language will the program be condudcted in ?
Latest Updates
Latest news
Updates on programs, partners, and events from the Forge cluster.
About the project
ABOUT TIB CATAPULT
TIB CATAPULT is a Tokyo‑led initiative where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government partners with multi‑company innovation clusters to drive collaboration with startups across strategic industries and technologies. TSI (Technology Seed Incubation) serves as the lead organization for the manufacturing cluster “Forge,” accelerating co‑creation between corporates and startups and turning concepts into real outcomes. *This program is being operated as part of TIB CATAPUILT in parallel with the conclusion of the agreement.
Let's Work Together
Contact Now
Contact Us!
Got questions about Forge or the program fit?
Drop us a message; we’re happy to connect and share more.