[RFP] Request for Global Innovator Program “BEYOND JAPAN” (Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin Texas)
May 26, 2023
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Subject: Global Innovator Program “BEYOND JAPAN” Program
2. Term of contract: the contract start date to March 29th, 2024
3. Closing date for Application: 15:00 (PST) on June 12th, 2023
4. Content of Contract: As indicated in Application Guidelines (Attachment 1)
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
1. Qualification Requirement
1) Prospective candidate(s) engaged in the project must satisfy conditions stated in the Application Guidelines (Attachment 1)
2) Not under the circumstances of being denied participation due to unethical and/or unlawful activities by either JETRO or Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
3) Has an established organizational structure and capabilities to manage and complete the project properly. Has a global network, and knowledge necessary for the implementation of the project.
4) Has broad and effective experience of implementation of acceleration programs in the world. Has experience of building up unicorns in the past five years (desirable).
5) Has investment arms and has close connections with top tier global VCs.
6) Can adhere to JETRO’s requests, as well as report to, communicate with, and consult with JETRO in an adequate manner. Can present efficient data for the program evaluation.
7) Has knowledge and systems/tools for handling confidential and/or personal information accordingly.
8) Can comply with applicable laws and regulations, especially the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and state unfair competition laws.
9) Is willing to invest in Japan and establish an entity in Japan (desirable).
v In addition, prospective contractor(s) will be evaluated by the following preferred specifications:
- Project implementation skill Wide, various, open mentor network which matches this program
- Strong connection to Angels, VC and CVC, including list of contacts in each selected sector
- Experience supporting companies in each selected sector
- Ability to support alumni companies through follow-ups and checking in
- Experience working with government agencies or any other economic organizations to build local ecosystem all over the world
2. Preparation of Application
Non oral, telephone, or facsimile will be accepted. All costs of preparation shall be borne by the Applicants.
The proposal document or presentation submitted by the applicant should include the following:
a. Project implementation
· Project details about each phase
· Implementation structure (arrangement of personnel in charge / responsibilities of each)
· Operating procedure, Method, Proposal on how to complete all the tasks of the project in an effective manner and enhance project outcome
· Ability to conduct online *Description of online tools to be used
· Frequent communication *Description of digital communication tools with companies and JETRO to be used
b. Experience and Capabilities of the Organization
· Experience with similar projects
· Networking and information gathering skills to enhance project outcome
· System to manage personal/confidential information
· Include 2 or 3 notable recent successful case studies of international alumni going global from their local market
c. Project implementation skills of assigned personnel
· Mentor network list with mentor profiles
· Profiles of each project personnel
· Sector experience
· Strong connection to venture capital, accelerators, corporates, universities
*List of the Angeles/VC/CVC/ connections or partners should be included (They should be invited to the pitch/networking events)
3. Delivery of Application
· All Application and proposal document (see below) shall be sent to the following address by 15:00 (PST) on June 12th, 2023
4. Required to submit:
· Application Form
· Proposal document or PowerPoint presentation.
Attn: Yoshiko Tsuwaki(Ms.) , Maai John(Ms.)
E-mail: yoshiko_tsuwaki@jetro.go.jp, maai_john@jetro.go.jp
Address: JETRO Los Angeles 777 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
5. Language of Application:
English or Japanese
6. Evaluation of Application:
Screening of Application documents by JETRO
7. Announcement of Tender
Tender will be announced to bidders by email. Given the nature of the bidding process, JETRO will refrain from providing feedback on the results.
8. Contact:
JETRO Los Angeles 777 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1-2: Application Guideline - Global Innovator Program “BEYOND JAPAN Los Angeles”
Attachment 1-3: Application Guideline - Global Innovator Program “BEYOND JAPAN San Diego”
Attachment 1-4: Application Guideline - Global Innovator Program “BEYOND JAPAN Austin Texas”
Attachment 2: Application Form
