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.
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.
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.
Venture capitalists, accelerators, large corporations and government organizations are the main players in the support community.
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
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.
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.
Support to include Japanese market surveys and assistance in creating business plans.