Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH): price, who can join and alternatives
Osaka Innovation Hub is a startup support hub set up by the City of Osaka, based in Grand Front Osaka. Startup membership is free and includes networking, members-only events and use of the facilities, and there is support for overseas founders moving to Osaka, including the Startup Visa.
Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH) at a glance
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Startup members: people aiming to start a business and executives of startups | innovation-osaka.jp |
| About | A startup support hub for every stage, set up by the City of Osaka in 2013 | innovation-osaka.jp |
| Activity | Upcoming: Tech Osaka Summit 2027, 26 to 27 January 2027, free admission | innovation-osaka.jp |
| Price | Startup membership annual fee is free | innovation-osaka.jp |
| How to join | Review the terms, apply, then a 30 to 60 minute interview | innovation-osaka.jp |
| Where | 7th floor, Knowledge Capital Tower C, Grand Front Osaka North Building | innovation-osaka.jp |
| Event volume | More than 250 events and programmes a year | innovation-osaka.jp |
| International founders | Startup Visa support with the City of Osaka | innovation-osaka.jp |
| Language | The English events list can be filtered to show events in other languages; event reports are published in Japanese | innovation-osaka.jp |
Who it suits
- Founders in Kansai who want a free, city-backed base with coworking and events
- Overseas founders looking at Osaka and the Startup Visa
- Startups that want introductions to companies, investors and universities
Who it doesn't suit
- Founders wanting instant entry with no interview
- Founders after an informal, founder-run social group
- Founders based in Tokyo who won't travel to Osaka
Alternatives to Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH)
| Community | Price | Entry rule |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Taipei) | Drop-in NT$400 /day; plans NT$2,800 to NT$6,800 /month | Day pass or monthly plan; many events open to the public |
| Founders Running Club :: Hong Kong | Not published | RSVP on Meetup; join the WhatsApp group |
| HK Entrepreneurs, Startups & Venture Capital Community | Mostly free; some paid events | Join on Meetup and the WhatsApp announcement group |
| HK Science Park Startup Ecosystem | Varies by event; several listed as free | Join the Meetup group, then register per event |
| Startup Hub Tokyo | Free | Register online as a member |
| The Bridge Circle (TBC) | Free (event on 29 October 2026) | Request to join; host approval required |
| The Trenches Co-Working Army | Co-working: one drink or food purchase; talks from 400 NTD | RSVP on Meetup |
| Venture Café Fukuoka | Free | Pre-register on the event website |
Compare all 471 founder communities, each row dated.
Questions about Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH)
- Is Osaka Innovation Hub membership free?
- Yes. Startup membership is listed with an annual fee of free.
- How do I become a member?
- Review the terms, apply with the startup member form, then have an interview of about 30 minutes to an hour with the office.
- Can overseas founders get help?
- Yes. OIH lists Startup Visa support, where a certificate from the City of Osaka lets you obtain a residence status to prepare a business in Japan.
- What's coming up?
- Tech Osaka Summit 2027 runs on 26 and 27 January 2027, with free admission.
- Website
- innovation-osaka.jp
- Price
- Startup membership: Annual fee: Free
- Entry rule
- Apply online, then an interview with the office
- Format
- City-run startup hub with events and membership, Grand Front Osaka, Osaka, Japan
- Checked
Osaka Innovation Hub isn't connected to Remote Builders. Prices and entry rules change, so check innovation-osaka.jp before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.