TSC Activities : Frontier Incubation Program

What Is the Frontier Incubation Program?

Based on frontier areas identified in Innovation Outlook, NEDO’s Frontier Incubation Program supports early-stage research in those designated as priority frontier areas by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The program aims to realize a decarbonized society and create new industries in fields that are expected to experience significant future growth.

Program Directors (PDs) are appointed for each frontier area. In addition to monitoring research progress, they also assess commercialization potential and formulate exit strategies. This framework accelerates the process of translating research results into practical applications such as the formation of national projects or the creation of startups.

The program will address the challenges of commercializing Japan’s relatively small share of R&D outcomes and managing initial business risks. With real-world social implementation expected around 2040, the program will foster innovative technologies that reconcile decarbonization with economic growth and contribute to the establishment of a sustainable industrial base.

Who Are Program Directors (PDs)?

The Frontier Incubation Program is led by PDs with broad expertise in technology, market, and policy developments relevant to each frontier area. They also possess proven capabilities in research and analysis, strategic communications, project management, business development, leadership, and negotiation.

PDs identify and select promising R&D themes in each frontier area and develop strategies that cover the entire path from technology development to real-world social implementation. By working closely with relevant stakeholders, including other departments within NEDO and METI and experts working on R&D and deployment for each frontier area, PDs provide end-to-end leadership across the entire process, overseeing program execution, evaluation, and refinement; planning and formulating national projects; and facilitating private-sector investment.