Acceleration Program

JETRO operates several acceleration programs for Japanese startups with a variety of different backgrounds and expertise in collaboration with top-tier accelerators and other organizations around the world.

JETRO, together with the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), supports domestic startups to expand their business overseas. Initially targeting startups active in eight startup ecosystem hub cities across the country, it has expanded the coverage nationwide.

In this program, world-class accelerators such as Alchemist, Berkeley SkyDeck, StartX, Ensante, and industry4.0, will provide specialized courses by leveraging their strengths and provide individual support for Japanese startups to expand business overseas while closely working with them.

In all courses, participant companies will aim at overseas market expansion and network building. They will receive support for business plan development and promotion activities, as well as having Demo Days geared toward international investors and visiting local ecosystems.

*Formerly known as Startup City Acceleration Program (SCAP)

X-HUB TOKYO is a platform that connects Tokyo with the global innovation ecosystem and accelerates the startups that will open up a new era.
OUTBOUND PROGRAM supports Tokyo-based start-up companies in their journey of global expansion. Consisting of six courses – in North America, Europe and Asia– we have partnered with global accelerators across the world with expertise in local ecosystems of the regions mentioned. In cooperation with global accelerators, this program will provide Tokyo-based start-up companies with abundant opportunities to connect with various global business partners and investors through bootcamps and mentoring sessions.

Techstars and Alchemist offer investment-backed programs in collaboration with JETRO. The application guidelines and investment terms vary for each program, so please check the details on the application guideline page of the respective accelerator.

The Sido program provides participants with a variety of opportunities in Japan and Silicon Valley to improve the quality of business plans, mindset, skill sets, business growth opportunities and networking in order to nurture businesses capable of dynamically changing society. The Sido community that we have cultivated over past years includes approximately 800 Sido alumni.