[RFP] Global Startup Acceleration Program 2024 (BioTech & HardTech)
May 23, 2024
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Subject: Global Startup Acceleration Program
2. Term of contract: the contract start date to March 19th, 2025
3. Closing date for Application: 15:00 (PST) on June 6th, 2024
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) from previous procurement offerings.
3) Prospective candidate(s) must meet the following minimum specification;
- Accelerator, Venture Capital or any other related organization
- Unicorn Alumni in past 5 years (preferable)
- Experience working with international startups
- Investment team or department
- Adaptability and flexibility to various markets
4) In addition, Prospective candidate(s) will be evaluated by the following preferred
specifications:
- Project implementation skill
- Wide, various, open mentor network which matches the selected courses (See below)
2. Preparation of Application
No oral, telephone, or facsimile will be accepted. All costs of preparation shall be borne by the Applicants. Applicants must select the program for which they are applying from the following:
A) Market Evaluation Bio/Pharmaceutical/Healthcare
Hard Tech/Manufacturing
*Applicant can submit proposal for multiple or all programs. JETRO may choose separate contractors for each program or one contractor for multiple programs.
In addition, the proposal document or presentation submitted by the applicant should include the following:
A.) Project Implementation (See Attachment 1)
- Project details about seminar and interactive coaching session
- Project details about mentor assignment process
- Project details about Demo Days
- Implementation Structure (arrangement of personnel in charge / each responsibilities)
- 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 startups and JETRO to be used.
*Note: Startup program groups are based on preparedness, global mindset and market readiness.
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 Angles/VC/CVC connections or partners should be included (They should be invited to the pitch/demo day.)
3. Delivery of Application
All Application and proposal document (see below) shall be sent to the following email address by 15:00 (PST) on June 6th, 2024
Required to submit:
Application Form
Proposal document or PowerPoint presentation
Attn: Mr. Will Ferguson, Mr. Ken Yoshida
E-mail: will_ferguson@jetro.go.jp, ken_yoshida@jetro.go.jp
4. Language of Application:
English
5. Evaluation of Application:
1st evaluation
Screening of Application documents by JETRO San Francisco
2nd evaluation
Zoom Presentation
(Please include your scheduled availability at 4:00am-7:00pm PST on June 7th and 10th. The call will include staff from JETRO San Francisco as well as JETRO Tokyo organizers. The detailed schedule for the presentation will be notified to the companies who pass the 1st evaluation)
6. 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.
7. Contact:
Attn: Mr. Will Ferguson, Mr. Ken Yoshida
E-mail: will_ferguson@jetro.go.jp, ken_yoshida@jetro.go.jp
APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1-1: Application Guideline-Market Evaluation - Bio/Pharmaceutical/Healthcare ＜PDF＞
Attachment 1-2: Application Guideline-Market Evaluation - Hard Tech/Manufacturing ＜PDF＞
