Leave a Nest and JT launch joint incubation platform “D-0.” to co-create future fulfilling moments — A new initiative by Leave a Nest and JT’s Corporate R&D Division, D-LAB —
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Yukihiro Maru) has launched a new incubation platform, “D-0.” (pronounced “D-Zero”), in collaboration with D-LAB, the corporate R&D organization of Japan Tobacco Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Chief Executive Officer : Masamichi Terabatake) in June 7, 2025. The platform aims to co-create future fulfilling moments.
Building on the extensive networks and experience of both Leave a Nest and D-LAB in nurturing entrepreneurs and researchers, D-0. will bring together passionate entrepreneurs, researchers, and creators to develop new ideas and ventures combining Science and technology that enrich the lives of future generations.
Leave a Nest, committed to “Advancing Science and Technology for Global Happiness,” supports entrepreneurship and research to address deep issues with deep technology. Since 2013 JT has actively contributed to the growth of the deep tech ecosystem together with Leave a Nest through incubation and investment transforming promising early-stage deep technologies startups and ideas into impactful businesses.
With JT Group Purpose, “Fulfilling Moments, Enriching Life”, JT Group aims to contribute to society and achieve sustainable growth amid rapid societal changes. D-LAB, the company’s R&D arm, plays a central role in this mission by exploring and creating seeds of future businesses that embody enrichment in life.
JT has been involved in deep tech ecosystem development since the launch of the “TECH PLANTER” initiative in 2014, partnering with Leave a Nest and investing in its joint venture “Glocalink Inc.” since 2015. JT further reinforced its incubation capacity by launching the incubation space “Center of Garage” in Tokyo in 2018.
Leave a Nest and JT now take a new step forward to co-create a platform dedicated to fostering ideas that shape a fulfilling moment for the future with the “D-0.”.
About the “D-0.” Platform
D-0. is an incubation platform that focuses on the exploration of “Day 0”—the stage before an innovative idea takes shape on “Day 1”. D-0. will ignite exploration, foster transformation, and accompany each participant from their first step toward meaningful impact realization through the journey.
Background and Concept
D-0. is a platform that actively engages with these fundamental questions. This is rooted from the experience, the partners have come to recognize the importance of supporting individuals not only at “Day 1” — when their business enters society — but even earlier, at “Day zero” The “dot” in “D-0.” symbolizes the first small step from “zero” to “0.” It represents the nurturing of value seeds that originate from personal inquiry, evolve into future-oriented visions, and grow through interaction and serendipity.
To realize this concept, the platform integrates Leave a Nest’s scientific expertise and global network, D-LAB’s dedication to fulfilling moments and future thinking, and the accumulated knowledge of investment and incubation through Glocalink and Center of Garage.
Program Overview
D-0. offers a multi-faceted framework, including a unique educational program, incentive funds for outstanding participants, and incubation/investment opportunities via Glocalink. Unlike conventional incubation programs, D-0. is notable for its early-stage, hands-on creation and its international scope, with a focus on both Japan and Singapore.
Recruitment & Selection (June 2025)
Candidates will be scouted through JT and Leave a Nest’s networks and programs such as TECH PLANTER. Following the kickoff event held on June 7 2025., program participants will be selected based on their passion and unique perspectives.
Educational Program (June–July 2025)
The program will feature sessions led by JT and Leave a Nest, joined by entrepreneurs and university lecturers. Through interactive workshops and dialogue, participants will deepen their self-understanding, broaden their vision, and explore approaches to creating value in collaboration with diverse peers. Details are available on the website.
Demo Day (November 2025)
Participants will present their business ideas developed through the program in front of stakeholders including corporate representatives and program supporters. This will offer them valuable feedback, new collaborative partnerships for further development, and potential funding through grants awarded to selected projects.
Ongoing Support & Investment
Selected teams will receive continuous mentoring from JT and Leave a Nest. They will also have opportunities for seed investment via Glocalink, access to incubation facilities such as the Center of Garage, and comprehensive support to turn their ideas into real-world impact.
Future Outlook
The first D-0. cohort will launch in both Japan and Singapore, aiming to uncover and nurture promising venture seeds. The platform will continue evolving, expanding into other regions, and contributing to the realization of both JT Group’s Purpose and Leave a Nest Group’s vision.
For more information and application details, visit:
👉 https://d-0.world
About Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.
Leave a Nest is a collective of researchers dedicated to “Advancing Science and Technology for Global Happiness.” The company is known for building Asia’s largest deep-tech ecosystem through initiatives such as ”TECH PLANTER” and the leadership development program ”Leave a Nest University”.
About Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT)
JT Group is a global enterprise centered on tobacco and processed food businesses. Guided by the Group Purpose “Fulfilling Moments, Enriching Life” the company strives to create value that exceeds expectations by respecting diverse values across nature, society, and people.
About D-LAB
D-LAB is JT's corporate R&D organization, formally established as a department in 2020. The “D” in its name stands for “Delightful Moments.” With a long-term vision and an emphasis on experimentation, it researches, explores, and creates new Delightful Moments to embody the JTG Purpose, “Fulfilling Moments, Enriching Life,” advancing over 100 projects.
Learn more: https://www.jti.co.jp/dlab/index.html
Contact Information
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.
Contact: Yuko Ueno
Email: [email protected]