Tokyo Financial Award 2026: An opportunity for FinTech startups to enter the Japanese market

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has opened applications for the Tokyo Financial Award 2026, inviting domestic and international FinTech startups to submit innovative solutions addressing social challenges in the financial sector.

Around 15 shortlisted startups will receive free support after the initial screening, including mentoring, business plan development, networking opportunities, and business matching with Tokyo-based companies.

The winners of the final round will receive:

• 1st Place — JPY 10 million (≈ $62,000)
• 2nd Place — JPY 5 million (≈ $31,000)
• 3rd Place — JPY 3 million (≈ $18,600)

In addition, a Special Award may be presented to other outstanding initiatives.

Applications are accepted in the following areas:

• Improving user convenience
• Asset formation and asset management
• Improving operational efficiency
• Risk and compliance solutions
• New technologies

The program is open to domestic and international FinTech companies that already operate in Tokyo or plan to establish a presence there in the future. Applicants are not required to have a Tokyo office at the time of application, provided they intend to establish one.

Application deadline: August 7, 2026

Apply here: https://www.finaward.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/financial-innovation/