Empowering Japanese Startups within the UAE Innovation Ecosystem

As part of its efforts to support emerging technologies, JETRO launched acceleration program and related activities focused on Web3 and artificial intelligence (AI), providing Japanese companies with a structured pathway to explore technology adoption and market entry frameworks in the UAE.

In August, JETRO launched its first Web3 acceleration program for startups in the Middle East. Ten Japanese Web3 startups were initially selected to participate in Phase One of the program, which commenced with a Tokyo-based bootcamp. Following this phase, seven companies that met the program’s evaluation criteria advanced to Phase Two, which consisted of structured virtual mentoring sessions followed by an immersive UAE program week, marking the conclusion of the acceleration journey.

Upon completion of the program, the seven participating startups showcased their solutions during a Demo Day held at GITEX Expand North Star, where they pitched on stage to a panel of judges and engaged with exhibition attendees, investors, and industry stakeholders.

JETRO’s Web3 Global Growth Program for the Middle East was implemented in collaboration with Elixir Capital, which delivered the program content, and Hub71, which welcomed the startup cohort and facilitated their integration into Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem.

In conjunction with GITEX Expand North Star, JETRO organized the Japan Pavilion from 12 to 15 October at Dubai Harbour, featuring the seven Web3 cohort startups alongside three AI startups. The participating companies were encouraged to actively engage with investors, venture capital firms, and potential partners at JETRO’s networking side event at GITEX ENS. The event attracted more than 80 attendees with a strong interest in collaborating with Japanese startups.

To further enrich the immersive experience, JETRO arranged site visits for the participating companies to leading AI institutions in Abu Dhabi, including ADIA Lab, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).