The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), in collaboration with the Government of Japan’s Cabinet Office, is launching the Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP) in September. This program is designed to support Japanese startups in expanding their operations overseas and will include 100 carefully selected startups.
Key points about the GSAP program:
Collaboration with Leading Accelerators: JETRO has partnered with renowned accelerators, including AlchemistX, Berkeley SkyDeck, Blue Startups, Cambridge Innovation Center, Draper University, and Plug and Play Japan. These accelerators will offer specialized courses to the participating startups.
Specialized Courses: The program will provide six different specialized courses, with five of them conducted exclusively in English. These courses cater to the diverse needs of startups and focus on various aspects of business growth and expansion.
Global Expansion Support: JETRO will offer support tailored to each startup’s requirements for global expansion. This support may include mentoring, business planning assistance, and marketing promotion strategies.
Hybrid Format: The GSAP program will be conducted in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person components. It will run from September and continue until March 2024.
Evolution of the Program: Originally known as the Startup City Acceleration Program, GSAP was established in 2020 to foster the growth of Japanese startup ecosystems. In the past year, its scope expanded from targeting specific startup hubs to encompassing the entire nation.
Face-to-Face Boot Camps: Some partner accelerators will visit Japan to conduct face-to-face boot camps. This hands-on approach aims to provide startups with valuable in-person guidance.
Access to Opportunities: Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interviews with potential business partners, receive in-person mentoring, explore local startup ecosystems through tours, and participate in demo days and joint events with global startups.
Building Networks: The primary objective is to help Japanese startups establish strong networks with overseas investors, potential collaborators, and active startups from around the world.
Business Plan Development: The program will assist startups in formulating robust business plans that cater to the overseas market.
Marketing Promotion: Startups will also receive support in developing marketing strategies targeted at international audiences.
The Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP) represents a significant initiative to empower Japanese startups in their quest for global expansion, offering a comprehensive support system and valuable international networking opportunities.
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