From inquiry to launch
in six steps.
Six steps to the mark.
The usual flow for applying to the GranovaQ® Inside Program: inquiry, NDA, samples, review, qualification and launch. Six steps: four to six months to qualification on average, and around 12 months to launch. We set out the timeframe, deliverables and fee timing for every step.
01 / Six steps
What each step involves.
Typical duration, deliverables and fee timing for each step. A transparent process is where trust with a brand begins.
Step 01 · Inquire
01
Inquiry
Duration: Same day to 1 week
Use the Apply for Inside form to tell us your application, how far your formulation review has progressed, your planned launch date and your current formulation. Our first point of contact will respond within 1 business day.
- Deliverables
- · Inquiry form submitted
- · Questionnaire (PDF)
- Cost
- Free
Step 02 · NDA
02
NDA
Duration: 1–2 weeks
Once a non-disclosure agreement is signed, we share technical details, formulation proposals, detailed quality criteria and patent information. This step often includes time for legal review, and we adapt to your internal procedures.
- Deliverables
- · Signed NDA
- · Technical proposal
- · List of candidate formulations
- Cost
- Free
Step 03 · Sample & Trial
03
Samples & trials
Duration: 4–8 weeks
We supply samples in three particle-size grades (10 / 20 / 50 nm), and you make prototypes, review formulations and run preliminary evaluations. Our technical support team works alongside you and can advise on optimizing the blend.
- Deliverables
- · Samples (in units of a few hundred grams)
- · Prototype recipe
- · Preliminary evaluation results
- Cost
- Sample fee (varies with scale)
Step 04 · Review & Audit
04
Review & audit
Duration: 8–12 weeks
We check that the product meets the criteria for genuine GranovaQ material, the required loading and quality control, and carry out an audit. Detailed criteria are provided individually. This is the core step of Inside qualification.
- Deliverables
- · Formulation review report
- · Quality-control review results
- · Audit report
- Cost
- Review fee (varies with the number and type of products)
Step 05 · Qualify
05
Qualification & agreement
Duration: 2–4 weeks
You sign the Inside logo license agreement. The product is registered in the annual renewal cycle, and we start preparing the logo files, guidelines and your listing among adopting brands.
- Deliverables
- · Inside qualification letter
- · Full set of logo files (5 variants)
- · Logo usage guidelines
- Cost
- Annual license fee
Step 06 · Launch
06
Joint launch
Duration: 4–8 weeks
We support joint press releases, trade-press features, trade-show tie-ins and exposure on the list of adopting brands. You can also use Inside Program advertising slots to give your launch the strongest start.
- Deliverables
- · Joint press release draft
- · In-store POP and e-commerce product page assets
- · Trade-show tie-in plan
- Cost
- Launch fee (varies with scale)
02 / FAQ
Common questions about the process.
- Q. How long does the whole process take?
- A. Four to six months on average from inquiry to qualification (3 to 9 months, depending on the number of products and the complexity of the formulation). Joint launch typically follows at around 12 months. Step 04 (review and audit) takes about half of the total time, so the formulation largely determines the timeline.
- Q. What does it cost?
- A. Costs vary widely with the tier, scale and number of products, so we quote individually after Step 02 (NDA). Sample fees start at several hundred thousand yen, followed by review and audit fees in stages. Tier 01 (Powered by GranovaQ) lets you start at the lowest cost.
- Q. Can we stop partway through?
- A. Yes. You can stop at any point during Steps 01–03 (NDA obligations remain in force). From Step 04, review fees apply, so if you stop, actual costs are settled. Once the agreement is signed in Step 05, the annual license fee is payable in advance.
- Q. Can we launch in several markets at the same time?
- A. Yes. You can launch in parallel, following the laws and labeling rules of each market. The functions described on this site are those marketed in Japan, under Japanese rules. Which functions may be stated differs by market, so requirements for markets outside Japan are agreed case by case.
- Q. Can we apply through an OEM?
- A. Yes. Either the brand or the OEM can lead the application. We have a dedicated flow for OEM and private-label manufacturers, and we support rolling out to several brands at once.
— Apply
Think graphene.Think GranovaQ.
Start with Step 01. Use the form to tell us how far your formulation review has progressed, your planned launch date and your current formulation. Our first point of contact will respond within 1 business day.