KDDI Mugen Labo Partner Programme
Connecting startup innovation with enterprise resources.
Overview
KDDI ∞ Labo (KDDI MUGENLABO) is a comprehensive business co-creation platform launched by KDDI Corporation. The Mugen Labo Partner Programme connects startup innovation with enterprise resources, enabling startups to access corporate assets, market channels, and partnership opportunities while providing enterprises access to emerging technologies and new business models. The program operates through a network of 116 Japanese enterprises across various sectors, supporting early-stage startups with viable products seeking scale and market penetration.
Investment focus
KDDI ∞ Labo operates on a business co-creation model that combines startup speed and innovation with enterprise scale and resources. The program believes that breakthrough innovations emerge at the intersection of startup technology and established company operational capacity.
Program details
Designed for Founders, Corporate Innovators, Operators. The program is hybrid. Participation is generally unknown.
Who it is for
Eligible applicants are incorporated, unlisted startups founded within 10 years, with a commercially available service or technology. Participation is free, and applicants must have raised equity from a venture capital firm, corporate investor, angel investor, or similar backer, or have the potential to do so in the future.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for KDDI Mugen Labo Partner ProgrammeAdmissions and application
Startups interested in MUGENLABO programs should review program focus areas and partner companies, assess technology-partner alignment, and submit an application through the official KDDI ∞ Labo website.
Benefits
Participants gain access to partner company assets including development environments, customer access, market validation opportunities, supply chain channels, and regulatory expertise.
Timeline
KDDI announced the Partnership Program on July 14, 2014 for Phase 7 of its Mugen Labo incubation program. Separately, recruitment for the 2026 Support Program runs from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027; those are recruitment dates, not cohort dates. [63220,63230,63231]
What came of it
KDDI reported roughly 1,000 startup business-support activities during fiscal 2023. This is an operator-reported activity count, not a count of funded startups or verified commercial outcomes. [63246]
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
Applications are open. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
The program does not provide direct financial compensation to participants.
Questions about this program
What companies qualify for the 2026 MUGENLABO Support Program?
Applicants must be unlisted companies established within ten years, have raised equity or have the potential to do so, and offer a service or technology commercially. KDDI’s general FAQ also requires corporate registration and permits applicants regardless of nationality or residence, subject to routine partner communication.
What does the application require, and how are proposals reviewed?
Submit a business overview and a separate proposal for each desired partner through the email-based entry route. KDDI reviews the documents and meets applicants before deciding whether proposals may proceed to partners. Timing and process vary by case.
Does participation cost anything?
KDDI’s general Mugen Labo FAQ describes participation as free, but participants pay their own travel costs.
Does the 2026 Support Program guarantee investment?
No allocation is promised. KDDI lists investment consideration as an opportunity.
When does recruitment for the 2026 Support Program run?
KDDI lists recruitment from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. These are recruitment dates, not cohort dates.
About KDDI Corporation
KDDI Corporation
From public sources
What the sources say about KDDI Mugen Labo Partner Programme
KDDI's 2026 Support Program page gives an email-based entry route and submission instructions.
Source: MUGENLABO支援プログラム 2026KDDI's historical startup directory dates removal of the acceptance-count cap to 2020.
Source: Past selected startups | KDDI ∞ LaboKDDI's 2024 release reports roughly 1,000 startup business-support activities during fiscal 2023; this is an operator-reported activity count.
Source: KDDI Infinity Labo Partner Alliance Surpasses 100 CompaniesKDDI's Mugen Labo FAQ says intellectual-property rights generally remain with applicants.
Source: FAQ | KDDI ∞ LaboKDDI's FAQ says participants pay their own travel costs.
Source: FAQ | KDDI ∞ LaboKDDI's Mugen Labo FAQ describes participation fees as zero.
Source: FAQ | KDDI ∞ Labo
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