Deadline: 9-Jun-23
Applications are now open for the Bridge to MassChallenge Japan, a national startup competition in partnership with METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) Japan that identifies and accelerates the top startups in Japan while connecting them to the MassChallenge global network and hubs, like Boston, MA.
The program is focused on supporting early-stage startups across all industries that are based in Japan and interested in growing their business beyond the Japanese market with a specific focus on US market access.
Bridge to MassChallenge strengthens innovation ecosystems and drives the creation of high-quality jobs by supporting entrepreneurs and connecting them to MassChallenge’s global network. The program collaborates with local entities to understand the potential and strategic value of their unique ecosystem, empowers them to build their own innovation communities, and connects them to global markets.
Who they are?
- Bridge to MassChallenge Japan will identify and accelerate top startups that are based in Japan and interested in learning from US-based market experts and growing their business in the US market. All startups which are accepted into the program will participate in extensive training which will help them develop their businesses and marketing their initiatives in both Japan and the US.
- The program will run in a hybrid format. Parts of the program will be in-person in Tokyo and Boston, and the rest of the program will be virtual curriculum and mentorship with in-person networking options in Tokyo. Startups selected for the program will participate in a MassChallenge-led virtual startup bootcamp followed by an in-person program in Tokyo that will culminate at a pitch competition that will determine the finalists of the Bridge to MassChallenge Japan program. The finalists will participate in an immersive in-person experience in Boston consisting of bootcamps and networking where they’ll have access to the MassChallenge Boston ecosystem, followed by virtual curriculum and coaching through LEANSTACK.
What’s in it for startups?
- Top startups will be selected to participate in an intensive, 4-month program that encompasses both online and in-person portions, where startups develop and implement bespoke project plans to further their localization journeys and get exposed to the US market. Acceptance into the program will be judged by a panel of experts, and will be at the sole discretion of the Bridge to MassChallenge team.
- Startups will also receive:
- LEANSTACK Training: They are proud to be partnering with LEANSTACK, a continuous innovation platform that helps early-stage entrepreneurs find repeatable and scalable business models.
- World class industry experts and mentors along with 1:1 mentorship opportunities.
- Tailored curriculum based on startups’ specific needs
- Top startups will have the opportunity to participate in two week-long immersive innovation ecosystem and boot camp in Boston, USA
- Access to the MassChallenge US network
Eligibility Criteria
- They are looking for entrepreneurs who want to take their businesses to the next level.
- They accept applications from early-stage and growth-stage startups from all over Japan and across any industry. They’re looking for Japan startups who want to grow both locally and, in the US, while having global access to the MassChallenge network.
- Startups must:
- Demonstrate product/market fit
- Have a skilled and experienced team
- Have at least one team member who is conversant in English
- Be located in Japan and aspire to grow and scale within the Japanese ecosystem and globally (US-specific)
- Have raised less than ~$1M in equity-based funding and generated less than ~$2M in revenue in the last 12 months
For more information, visit Bridge to MassChallenge.