Japan boosts SME digital AI grants and launches IP360 platform funding

Tokyo Management Support, a consulting firm based in Tama, Tokyo, helped 44 small and medium‑sized enterprises secure the Digitalization & AI Introduction Subsidy in the first round of applications, representing about 4.9% of the 891 nationwide selections. The programme subsidises software and cloud‑service costs to promote DX among SMEs, and the firm has supported over 2,900 companies through the ten‑year life of the subsidy.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced that the second round of applications for the IP360 development‑platform support will open on 30 June. The grant is part of a ¥350 billion budget aimed at growing Japan’s content industry to ¥20 trillion in overseas sales by 2033. VIPO will manage four support areas, including overseas expansion, localisation, promotion and platform development.