The startup scene in Philippines

Sendai Startup Studio describes itself as a support hub for startups and aspiring founders from Sendai and Tohoku, connecting them with local and Tokyo-area supporters. The Studio lists the City of Sendai, ATOMica, and ReGACY Innovation Group as operating partners and provides a consultation booking link. [102410, 102412]

The City of Sendai describes a Startup Visa pathway for foreign nationals wishing to start a business in Sendai. The pathway may provide up to two years of Designated Activities status for preparation, subject to city confirmation of the plan and immigration approval. The city says visa consultations are free; its page lists two different inquiry email addresses, so the correct contact route should be verified on that page. [102413, 102414]

Tohoku University's venture support office says it advises faculty and students considering research-based businesses and connects this support with Tohoku University Venture Partners and the T-Biz incubator. [102415]

For context on the wider Sendai startup ecosystem, Science Japan reported 370 cumulative successful startups in the Sendai area on November 28, 2024. StartupBlink's 2026 Sendai entry reported 30 startups and 23.7% growth from April 2025 to April 2026; these are publisher-reported figures for its defined entry, not a citywide count. [102420, 102421]