SHIFT Awarded Contract by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) for “Hands-on Advisory and Mentorship Services for Startups and Non-Defense Industries”

SHIFT Inc. (“SHIFT,” headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Masaru Tange, CEO and Representative Director), a company driving business transformation through quality, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) for “Hands-on Advisory and Mentorship Services for Startups and Non-Defense Industries,” initiating the project on July 9, 2026.

[Background of Project Launch]
Amid a rapidly changing security environment, there is a growing need to leverage advanced technologies and innovative ideas from startups and non-defense industries to address the diverse challenges facing the Ministry of Defense and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). However, applying and deploying commercial cutting-edge technologies into the defense sector requires more than demonstrating the performance of individual technologies; it demands a deep understanding of defense missions.

SHIFT has built a solid track record of supporting quality assurance and process management for advanced technologies, including defense-related systems and AI. Drawing on hands-on expertise and operational know-how gained since entering the defense field in 2022, SHIFT currently supports startups and non-defense companies seeking entry into this sector. This contract reflects SHIFT’s experience and capabilities.

[Project Overview]
Under this project, SHIFT will manage end-to-end operations for startups and non-defense companies with unique technologies and ideas interested in the defense sector—ranging from planning information sessions to designing and running the selection process.

Selected companies will be tasked with conducting research to evaluate the potential applicability and operational challenges of incorporating their proposed technologies into defense missions. Throughout the research phase, experts with extensive defense industry experience will provide hands-on mentorship and support.

Through these initiatives, SHIFT will support startups and non-defense companies in exploring opportunities within the defense sector. The project is scheduled to run for approximately nine months, from July 9, 2026, to March 26, 2027.

[SHIFT’s Defense Sector Business]
Since entering the defense sector in 2022, SHIFT has continued to build expertise and practical knowledge in this field. In 2025, SHIFT further strengthened its commitment to the sector by establishing JADC, a consulting firm specializing in defense-related services.

JADC provides a broad range of security consulting services, including:
– RMF Compliance Consulting Services
– Defense Industry Cybersecurity Standards Compliance Support Services
– Eligible Contractor System for Defense Business: Contracting and Certification Support Service

Through the combined strengths of SHIFT and JADC, the Group will continue to leverage its expertise as a professional partner for both government and private-sector stakeholders in the defense domain, together with SHIFT’s core competencies in quality assurance. By doing so, the Group aims to further promote public-private collaboration in the defense sector and contribute to enhancing the safety and reliability of defense-related technologies.

JADC Corporate Website:
https://shift-jadc.jp/en/