The Japanese government is seen as an incubator of the space industry

TOKYO — The Japanese government is increasingly acting like a venture investor in space startups, acquiring ideas, forcing them to compete for money and investing in those with the greatest business potential.

On September 19, the government awarded a total of 10 billion yen ($69 million) in grants to three startups in the second stage of a three-stage competition. The first stage took place in September 2023 and four launch startups were selected. The last recruitment is scheduled for April 2026, during which two finalists will be selected who will receive full grants.