J-BRIDGE: Cross-Border Business Platform

Aug 04, 2026

What is 

J-Bridge is a business platform to facilitate collaboration between Japanese and overseas companies. Through this program, JETRO supports cross-border open innovation with the goal of accelerating digital and green transformation.

*Please note: the purpose of J-Bridge is to encourage collaboration, not expanding sales channels.

For Canadian companies also interested in opening an office in Japan, please click here.


Who are  Members?

J-Bridge Members are comprised of Japanese companies who are interested in collaboration with overseas startups etc. Over 3,000 people from more than 1,970 companies are registered from various industries ranging from ICT to trading, chemicals, finance and manufacturing.

Focus Fields


DIGITAL

  •   Mobility   ・Health Tech   ・Life Sciences   ・Agri Tech   ・Retail Tech

    ・FinTech    ・Robotics   ・Information securiity

                                                                                                                      etc.


GREEN

・Renewable Energy (offshore wind power, biomass, etc.)   ・Energy conservation   ・Storage batteries   ・Hydrogen   ・Smart infrastructure

・Greening and environmental conservation technologies

                                                                                                                        etc.


Objectives

Cooperation between Japanese companies and overseas startups for the development of new businesses, thereby:

  • Business alliance including technical cooperation, joint R&D, and M&A
  • Capital alliance including investment, setting up JV (Joint Venture), etc.


What you can expect?


  1. Publicity of your business activities and potential areas of collaboration to “J-Bridge Members,” JETRO’s membership program among Japanese corporates with special interests in business collaboration and alliance with overseas companies

  2. Networking opportunities with Japanese corporates through JETRO’s various online seminar/matching events

  3. One-on-one business meetings with J-Bridge Members and follow-up by JETRO

  4. Individualized support from JETRO in line with your business development stage (i.e. further consultation on business alliance formation and/or introduction of other Invest Japan programs)


 Japanese Partner Finder

As a J-Bridge member, you will receive access to the J-Bridge "Japanese Partner Finder," which contains information on Japanese companies interested in collaboration.

On the "Japanese Partner Finder" webpage, you will be able to find Japanese partners and request meeting arrangements with those companies. JETRO will arrange the meetings on your behalf.

This resource is only available for the foreign startups/companies who are registered to J-Bridge. IF you are interested, please contact:


JETRO Toronto
inquiry@jetro.go.jp


Learn more about 

For more information about J-Bridge, please visit the official J-Bridge website.




Regenerative Medicine Japan Entry Acceleration Programme (JEAP) 2026


Japan Entry Acceleration Programme, JEAP, invites pioneering startups in regenerative medicine/cell and gene therapy to join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Japan. As part of JEAP, selected startups gain access to Japan's business ecosystem, from tailored mentorship and market insights to direct connections with leading CDMOs/CROs and Pharmaceutical companies, providing the support needed to accelerate entry, collaboration, and growth in one of the world's most advanced markets.


Details:

- Programme Period: November 1, 2026 - February 20, 2027 (TBD)

- Location: The programme will be held mainly online, with Site Visits & Demo Day taking place in person in Tokyo and Osaka.

- Capacity: Approx. 10 startups selected globally

- Participation fee: Free* (incl. one round-trip economy-class airfare and accommodation at our designated hotel during the official programme period) *Participants are responsible for all accommodation and travel expenses outside of the programme period, as well as the expenses of accompanying persons.


- Application Period: July 1 to October 16, 2026* (Final Deadline: October 16, 2026, 11:59pm JST)

*Applications submitted by Aug 16 Japan time (so effectively Friday, Aug 14 Canada time), will be reviewed first, with at least 5 companies selected in this first phase.

The application window may close early once the cohort reaches approximately 10 companies.

- Apply HERE!

(Note: in Question 6 Referral by JETRO staff, please indicate “Niya Kabir, JETRO Toronto”).


Eligibilities:

1. Fields of Focus

    - Regenerative Medicine

    - Cell Therapy

    - Gene Therapy

    - Tissue Engineering (including Scaffolds)

    - ATMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products)

    - Cell & Gene Therapy Products


2. Development Stage

    Companies with identified clinical development candidates


3. Interest in Entering the Japanese Market

    Companies that are considering business expansion into Japan or have a concrete interest in the Japanese market.


4. Commitment to Participate in the Program

    Companies are required to commit to participating in multiple sessions of the program, including the Demo Day to be held in Japan in February 2027.


For additional program details please check the website. (Link to PDF)

If you have any questions, please contact Niya Kabir at: inquiry@jetro.go.jp


NOTE:

As part of JEAP, applicants not selected for the cohort may still be considered for limited-time meetup opportunities with Japanese companies through JETRO's J-Bridge service.