InvestorEmpowering global innovation collaboration.
The startup scene in Japan
Osaka-based startup and research-commercialization support includes OSAP, which scheduled its 22nd cohort for November 10, 2026, through March 19, 2027. OSAP reports that, as of 2026, it had supported 170 companies whose aggregate funding was ¥47.1 billion. [28385, 28386]
About
Osaka-based startup and research-commercialization support includes OSAP, which scheduled its 22nd cohort for November 10, 2026, through March 19, 2027. OSAP reports that, as of 2026, it had supported 170 companies whose aggregate funding was ¥47.1 billion. [28385, 28386]
The University of Osaka reports business-planning and fundraising support through introductions to a 41-firm partner VC network. [28387] Nakanoshima Qross describes tailored, hands-on support for drug-discovery startups and reports 22 startups in its first supported cohort in 2025. [28390, 28391]
Osaka Innovation Hub describes SAKURA internet as founded in Osaka in 1999, with low-cost server rental as an early business wedge. [28383]
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Osaka ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Listed as | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Innovation Index: Innovation Cluster Ranking (formerly Science and Technology Clusters) | 2026 | Osaka–Kobe–Kyoto | #10 | Up 1 | B | Innovation, Research, Activity |
 Global Financial Centres Index | GFCI 40 | Osaka | #20 | Up 6 | B | Finance, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | Osaka | #146 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Emerging Ecosystems Ranking (GSER Top 100) | 2026 | Kansai Region | 51 to 60 | No prior edition | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent |
5 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Osaka
Investors 3
Investor
InvestorEmpowering corporate innovation through strategic partnerships.
InvestorInvesting in the future of technology and innovation.
Accelerators 1
AcceleratorRevitalizing rural Japan through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Incubators 1
IncubatorTotal support for overseas procurement and transactions.
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Osaka
UniversityListed in 2 rankings
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Your way in
Raising in Osaka
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Osaka
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Osaka
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Osaka
Business Insider Japan reported akippa's September 18, 2026 Standard Market listing was below its previous private valuation.
Source: 「株主には申し訳ない」akippaがスタンダード市場に上場。あえて“スモールIPO”を選んだ理由Business Insider Japan reports that akippa is Osaka City-based, was founded in 2009, and launched its parking-sharing service in 2014.
Source: 「株主には申し訳ない」akippaがスタンダード市場に上場。あえて“スモールIPO”を選んだ理由Nakanoshima Qross reports 22 startups in its first supported cohort in 2025.
Source: Drug Discovery Cluster Campus ProjectNakanoshima Qross describes tailored hands-on support for drug-discovery startups.
Source: Drug Discovery Cluster Campus ProjectThe University of Osaka reports VC introductions through a 41-firm partner network for business planning and fundraising.
Source: ベンチャー創成・社会実装支援OSAP reports 170 companies supported and ¥47.1 billion raised by selected companies as of 2026.
Source: 第22期募集｜OIHスタートアップアクセラレーションプログラム
Questions about Osaka
How does Osaka rank as a startup ecosystem?
Osaka is #146 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 4 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Osaka?
3 investors based in Osaka have a profile here, including グローバルDX｜Global DX, Ibex APAC and S8F Ventures. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Osaka?
Yes. Osaka has 1 accelerator and 1 incubator on record, including Inaka Labs and World Incubator International Corporation..
Which universities are in Osaka?
One university has a profile: The University of Osaka.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Osaka
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