KUMIHIMO Tech Camp in Bulgaria

Stage

• Hardware innovators, from early-stage start-ups to fast-growing scale-ups
• A working hardware prototype (at minimum MVP stage)
• Market traction or investor validation
• HQ, R&D or Engineering team in Bulgaria.

Component
Your project should have a meaningful integration with Murata technology – through selected components, connectivity solutions or both.

Impact
A technology that contributes to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient society.

Who can Apply
Applications are open to all team members. Anyone closest to the technology – founder, engineer or product lead – can apply and represent the company.

How to Apply

1. Explore Murata’s technologies
Review the selected Murata component list and ZENCROSS connectivity opportunity.

2. Identify what Murata could unlock
Tell us how Murata technology could improve your existing product or process, create a new capability or enable a new application.

3. Submit your application
The application covers your company, technology, market traction and proposed collaboration with Murata. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

All participants receive 6 months of hands-on support from Murata and Endeavor, including:

MURATA ENGINEERING

• 1:1 technical sessions with Murata engineers
• Hands-on guidance throughout integration, testing and validation
• Access to selected Murata components at no cost
• ZENCROSS Starter Kit for relevant projects, including IoT modules, antenna and eSIM
• Additional technical expertise or ecosystem support where relevant to the project

MENTORSHIP & NETWORK

• Access to Endeavor Bulgaria’s network of founders, mentors and industry experts
• Curated mentor and peer sessions based on each company’s needs
• Fundraising support through Endeavor’s investor network of 180+ investors across Europe

EVENTS & NETWORKING

• Kick-off event: meet the Murata team, connect with fellow participants, and join a special networking dinner with Kumihimo alumni
• Access to invite-only events hosted by Endeavor (workshops, peer sessions)
• Demo Day support: pitch and presentation guidance to help you clearly shape and communicate your idea ahead of Demo Day

Demo Day in Sofia 

• All participants will have the opportunity to showcase their projects in front of Murata Leadership from Japan and Europe, key local stakeholders and investors. Three winning companies will be selected.

Award Ceremony in Kyoto 

• The winning companies travel to Murata’s global HQ in Kyoto, Japan, for three days that include a prestigious Award Ceremony in front of Murata’s board and executives and tailored sessions with Murata’s R&D and business development teams – a rare behind-the-scenes look inside one of the world’s leading electronics manufacturers.

Ongoing Collaboration 

Murata will continue to support the winning companies after Kumihimo Tech Camp concludes. The teams will have the opportunity to continue co-developing their solutions with Murata through tailored partnership opportunities and long-term collaboration.

No. Participation in Kumihimo Tech Camp is completely free. All support and resources provided through the initiative come at no cost to the selected companies.

To make the most of Murata’s support and resources, participating companies must have at least a working prototype of their product. In case you have any questions, feel free to contact our team at bulgaria@endeavor.org

By the end of November, Murata’s leadership in Japan and Europe will review all applications and select the participants for this edition of Kumihimo Tech Camp. The Endeavor Bulgaria team will then contact selected companies and begin onboarding in December — including challenge definition and component selection.

No, presenting a fully working demo is not always feasible within the 6-month timeframe, and Murata understands that. What matters most is showing your progress, traction, and a clear implementation plan for the hardware component you have selected.

If you have questions about any of the listed components or how they could be used, get in touch. We’re happy to provide additional guidance and help you shape a strong application.