Checked against the official page on 2026-10-20. Part of Oak’s directory of Japanese business grants.
Before you apply
- The money is not up front. You pay for the whole project yourself. The grant reimburses a share of it (often half to two-thirds) after a completion report has been checked, typically 6 to 18 months after applying.
- Do not spend before approval. Costs ordered, contracted or paid before the official grant decision (交付決定) are usually not eligible.
- Competitive and strict. Business plans are scored against other applicants and many are rejected. Eligibility rules on company size, ownership and tax compliance are applied to the letter.
- Obligations continue after payment. Reports for up to five years, inspections, and targets in your plan. Missing them can mean repaying part or all of the grant.
| Japanese name | デジタル化・AI導入補助金2026 複数者連携デジタル化・AI導入枠 |
|---|---|
| Level | National · Nationwide |
| Administered by | METI SME Agency / SMRJ |
| Type | IT / regional DX |
| Maximum amount | (1)+(2) combined 30,000,000; (3) admin and expert costs 2,000,000 |
| Subsidy rate | Base costs as invoice track (1/2–3/4, 4/5); analysis costs 2/3; admin 2/3 |
| Who can apply | Groups of 10+ SMEs: 商工会/商工会議所, shopping-street associations, まちづくり会社, DMOs, consortia |
| Support organisation | IT vendor co-application |
| How to apply | Own portal + GビズIDプライム |
| Rounds and deadlines | Rounds 1–3 only in FY2026 schedule |
| Adoption rate | n/a |
Can a foreign-owned company apply?
Japan-incorporated KK/GK (incl. foreign-owned) eligible if within SME capital/employee limits. Excluded as みなし大企業 if one large company owns >=1/2, large companies together own >=2/3, or large-company officers/staff hold >=1/2 of board seats; a foreign parent counts as a large company if BOTH its capital and headcount exceed SME limits. Branches of foreign companies (no Japanese HQ/本店) not eligible. Standard METI wording; confirm in this programme's 公募要領.
Points to note
Includes AI cameras, beacons and signage for consumer-trend analysis.
How Oak can help
Oak is a licensed gyoseishoshi (administrative scrivener) firm. We check eligibility before you spend time on an application, help set up the GビズID Prime account most programmes require, prepare and organise the supporting documents within the programme's rules, and handle the reporting that follows an award.