AIDAO will begin accepting consultations for a new service supporting AI development through tax incentives and the use of patents. Eligible projects include in-house development, outsourced development and development commissioned to AIDAO, with an initial consultation provided free of charge.
The service will reduce the cost burden of in-house and outsourced development and provide integrated support through R&D tax incentives and patent utilization for AI development related to new business development and operational improvement using generative AI. Consultations will begin on 1 November 2026, with tax, intellectual property and AI specialists working together to assess applicability.
Japan's R&D tax incentive system was established in 1967, and the amount claimed has reached approximately ¥1 trillion annually in recent years. Although large companies account for much of the use of the system, AIDAO has indicated that it plans to expand its support to encourage small and midsize companies to use it. Advances in generative AI are also expanding the scope of software development and operational improvement eligible for support.
The service is designed to reduce the burden of R&D costs while protecting technologies developed in the course of development through patents, with support from the initial stage aimed at commercialization and monetization of intellectual property. It is provided in 4 stages: free consultation, theme design, implementation and preparation of supporting documentation, and use of tax incentives, intellectual property protection and monetization.
The initial consultation is free and includes an assessment of applicability with a certified tax accountant. Support is quoted individually when the contract is signed, and the agreement includes a provision to refund the difference if the support fee exceeds the economic benefits. Applications can be submitted through the official inquiry form.