The Vulcanus Market Research Initiative

Is Japan the right next market for your company?

This initiative is designed to help you answer that question with evidence, not assumptions. 

Applications are open until 15 July 2026. Places are limited. 

 
Apply Now · Read the Open Call

Through the Vulcanus Market Research Initiative, selected European SMEs receive a tailored market intelligence report on the Japanese market potential of their product, technology, or service — researched by STEM students on the ground in Japan and supervised throughout by experienced business professionals with Japan market expertise, appointed by the EU-Japan Centre. 

Students are drawn from the current cohort of the Vulcanus in Japan Programme — a highly competitive industrial placement programme coordinated by the EU-Japan Centre, first launched in 1997 and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2027. The programme has built an alumni network of nearly 800 professionals across Europe and Japan. 

Each edition selects a small number of SME projects. Early application is encouraged. 

"The initiative provided highly valuable insights into the Japanese mobility and ADAS ecosystem, helping AviSense better understand the technological, regulatory, and business dynamics of the market. It significantly refined our strategic thinking regarding partnerships, localisation, and market entry opportunities in Japan." — Gerasimos Arvanitis, CEO, AviSense.ai 

What Past Participants Say 

In a survey of past participating companies: 

• 100% rated the initiative as very satisfied 

• 100% reported a significantly improved understanding of the Japanese market 

• 100% went on to take follow-up actions, including partnership exploration, business development activities, and direct contact with Japanese stakeholders 

Past participants have consistently highlighted the identification of partnership and ecosystem integration pathways as among the most valuable outcomes — insights that are difficult to obtain through desk-based research alone. 

Designed for SMEs Exploring Japan 

Research is conducted by highly selected European STEM students participating in the Vulcanus in Japan Programme — giving your report ground-level perspective on the market it covers. Selected SMEs gain: 

• A clear picture of whether genuine demand exists for their product or technology in Japan 

• An understanding of who the real decision-makers and gatekeepers are in their sector 

• Early identification of regulatory and technical hurdles 

• A comparison of their offering against what Japanese buyers already have access to 

• An honest assessment of barriers to entry and how they might be approached 

• A concrete basis for deciding whether and how to pursue the Japanese market 

"The initiative was very helpful for LAM'ON as it provided us with valuable insights on the market trends in Japan as well as possible collaboration frameworks and accelerator opportunities." — LAM'ON 

Areas of Focus 

Past projects have spanned smart mobility, AI-driven software, XR training, bio-based packaging, and clean-tech filtration. The initiative is open to SMEs active in the following sectors: 

• Artificial Intelligence & Digital Technologies  

• Advanced Electronics & Intelligent Systems 

• Smart Infrastructure & Mobility 

• Industrial Technologies & Engineering Solutions 

• Sustainable Innovation & Green Technologies  

• Biotechnology & Life Sciences  

• Cybersecurity & Digital Trust 

• Quantum & Space Technologies 

Timeline 

September 2026 – March 2027 (detailed timeline in Open Call for Applications) 

Deliverables 

Selected companies will receive: 

• A 60-minute Market Research Presentation in January 2027
• A final market intelligence report and updated slide deck in March 2027
• An optional Follow-Up Presentation of up to 30 minutes in March, if requested following the Market Research Presentation

All projects are supervised by experienced business professionals appointed by the EU-Japan Centre to act as coaches throughout the initiative. They support project coordination, guide the student teams throughout the research process, and help ensure the quality and relevance of the final deliverables. 

Selection & Participation 

Eligibility 

The initiative is open to SMEs headquartered in: 

• the European Union  

• countries associated with the Single Market Programme  

Evaluation & Matching 

Applications will be evaluated based on relevance, feasibility, and alignment with the programme’s objectives. 

Please note that shortlisting does not automatically guarantee final selection. Final project allocation will also depend on the matching process with participating Vulcanus students based on their academic background, technical interests, and project compatibility. Further details regarding the matching schedule are available in the open call documentation. 

Participation Fee & Invoicing 

Participation in the initiative is subject to a contribution fee of EUR 500, covering project coordination, business coaching, and research supervision throughout the project period. The fee will be invoiced only following successful matching and final confirmation of participation. 

SMEs that are shortlisted but not ultimately selected will be invited to participate free of charge in EU-Japan Centre Business Training Modules in 2026–2027 — a two-day online preparation programme combining practical guidance on doing business in Japan with sector-specific market intelligence delivered by industry experts. 

"The Vulcanus Market Research helped us gain a clearer understanding of the Japanese market, especially in the technology sector, while taking context and cultural differences into account. We now feel much more confident about our strategy for succeeding in Japan!" — Céline Lam, Head of International Strategy, AWIT 

What to Expect After Applying 

Once you submit your application, the Centre will review all submissions after the deadline. Shortlisted companies will be contacted directly. If shortlisted, you will be matched with a suitable student team based on your sector and research priorities. Once a match is confirmed, you will receive a participation agreement and scope of work to complete before the research phase begins. In September, you will have a kick-off meeting with your student team and coach to align on the project scope and get started. 

How to Apply 

Application Form  

Preview (PDF) of application questions. We recommend preparing your answers before starting the online form. 

Full programme details and timeline: Open Call (PDF). 

Application deadline: 15 July 2026. 

For any questions not covered in the open call documentation, please contact us at vinj@eu-japan.or.jp