TOKYO — Japan's government is increasingly becoming a venture investor in space startups, soliciting ideas, pushing them to compete for money and investing in those with the most business potential.
On September 19, the government awarded a total of 10 billion yen ($69 million) in subsidies to three startups in the second round of a three-stage competition. The first round was held in September 2023 and four startups were selected. A final selection is scheduled for April 2026, where two finalists will be selected for full subsidies.