About

J-Startup summary

VISION

In Japan, over 10,000 startups are challenging the frontiers of the new business world.
Few will be able to expand on a global level.
The J-Startup project aims to make winning startups in the global market and bring new value to the world. We will create successful, cutting-edge Japanese startups and empower Japan’s startup ecosystem.
© Petri Anttil

PROGRAM

SELECT

Boosting the growth of
top-level startups by selective and intensive support

Dedicated recommenders; such as top-venture capitalists, accelerators, representatives from large companies responsible for innovation; will select the best candidates among approximately 10,000 Japanese startups. Then an external judging committee will review them in accordance with the reasons of recommendation. Startups passing through the rigorous examination will be granted certification as special startups of the J-Startup program.
  • Candidates
    Deep tech, platform and SDG-oriented startups
  • Criteria
    Mission, originality, growth potential, etc.
  • Recommenders and members of the external judging committee
    These will be appointed by the secretariat; the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; based on abundant experience and achievements in supporting ventures.
  • J-Startup
CONNECT

Presence improvement and strengthening cooperation system by developing the J-Startup support community.

We will develop the J-Startup support community and connect private/public support to the selected startups.
Venture capitalists, accelerators, large corporations and government organizations are the main players in the support community.
Connect

Support by the private sector

When implementing policy, the government will apply supportive frameworks for startups such as the following using priority ranking and point addition systems:
  • Providing business space and granting fee preferential treatment
    (office space, vacant space within factory, training facilities, and show rooms, etc.)
  • Working together in doing experimental studies with robots, products and parts, and infrastructure network providing the test environment and analysis equipment
  • Providing accerelation programs and granting preferential treatment in manufacturing support programs
  • Providing advice by specialists and humen resources with know-hows
  • Referring startups to its customers and related companies

Support by the government

When implementing policy, the government will apply supportive frameworks for startups such as the following using priority ranking and point addition systems:
  • Allowing startups to use the official logo of J-Startup (branding as a certified company)
  • Publisizing through a dedicated website and domestic and overseas media outlets
  • Welcoming startups on overseas missions led by ministers and other government officials
  • Assisting in exhibiting at large-scale overseas and domestic events
  • Granting preferential treatment in support measures such as subsidies, and simplifying procedures
  • Providing business matching (individual connections to executives of large firms, ministries and agencies)
  • Utilization of a regulatory sandbox system
  • Handling requests related to regulations
GO GLOBAL

Assisting companies of J-Startup program in expanding business overseas

Companies of the J-Startup program will be assisted in entering the overseas market through the Startup Tour and JETRO Global Acceleration Hub.

JETRO Global Acceleration Hub

Consultation staff in major cities provide local information, mentoring and networks in the local community.

Startup Tour

Consultation staff in major cities provide local information, mentoring and networks in the local community.
Candidate conferences
SLUSH, SXSW, CES, TECH IN ASIA, GITEX FUTURE STARS, Web Summit
  • SLUSH
  • SXSW
  • CES
  • TECH IN ASIA
  •  GITEX FUTURE STARS
  • Web Summit
INBOUND

Attracting entrepreneurs from around the world in order to strengthen Japan's venture ecosystem.

Startup Visa

Relaxed visa requirements for international entrepreneurs under the support of local governments six-month preparation period expanded to one year under the new program.

Startup Visa

JETRO Global Acceleration Hub

Consultation staff in major cities supporting Japanese market entry.
Support to include Japanese market surveys and assistance in creating business plans.

Documents

You can download materials from here.