New incubator fund aims to boost Japanese VR development

As a new generation of virtual reality starts to hit the market, Tokyo VR Startups (TVS) has launched an incubation program, led in part by game industry execs, to help nurture the Japanese virtual reality industry. 

As part of the program Japan-based startups will be invited to develop prototypes of VR products and services for six months. All participants will be provided with support in the form of seed funding, workspaces, and back-office services. 

Throughout the program those involved will have the chance to work with a number of high-profile TVS mentors, who'll be on hand to offer expert guidance as well as development and business support.  

The incubator is being led by Hironao Kunimitsu, CEO of mobile game developer and publisher Gumi, who believes the "rising demand" for virtual reality tech makes programs like this a necessity. 

“We believed it was the right time for us to support the advancement of this market by bringing together the financial and mentorship resources needed to accelerate open innovation in the Japanese technology industry," said Kunimitasu.

"As such, we've brought together some of the leading minds in the industry to help Japanese VR upstarts expand globally, and we're looking forward to the growth of this market in the coming years."

Kunimitsu isn't the only high-profile member of the Japanese game industry to get involved, with other experts such as Naoki Aoyagi, senior vice president at Gree, Kazuyuki Hashimoto, Nvidia Japan's senior director, and former Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada all lending a helping hand.