(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I would like to unveil the “fast-track procurement” initiative, which promotes the use of flexible contracting systems to facilitate the rapid adoption of technologies developed by startups and other companies. Specifically, beginning in FY2026, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) will join others in implementing the Small/Startup Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, a government-wide scheme that supports research and development by startups and other companies. We will establish procurement methods that allow research, development, and equipment deployment to be conducted more quickly and flexibly than before. In addition, to advance this initiative, we intend to secure a budget of approximately 7 billion yen for the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) in FY2026 and contribute to startups and other companies’ participation in full-scale research and development worth approximately 710 billion yen. Furthermore, we will establish a new group, the Startup Utilization Accompaniment Support Group. This group will provide end-to-end accompaniment support, both to startups and to relevant MOD departments, including matching startups with the operational needs of the Self-Defense Forces and resolving obstacles that may arise when contracts are concluded. Details regarding the “fast-track procurement” will be made available on the ATLA website by the end of today. We encourage you to take a look.