105 Japanese Startups Join Global Acceleration Program for 2024

A total of 105 Japanese startups have been selected to join the Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP) for its 2024 cohort. This program, which now includes over 500 startups since its inception, aims to support Japanese companies in expanding their global presence.

Program Overview and Structure

Founded in 2020 by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japanese government, the GSAP collaborates with top technology accelerators worldwide. The program offers six specialized courses designed to cater to the specific needs of startups. New additions for the 2024 cohort include courses in B2B Commercial Traction, AI and Sustainability, and Manufacturing Tech.

The AI and Sustainability course, in collaboration with StartX, marks GSAP's first partnership with this accelerator. The BioTech and MedTech courses are offered in conjunction with Ensanté, while the Manufacturing Tech course is partnered with Industry 4.0 specialists. These new courses are developed alongside top U.S. accelerators, enhancing the program's curriculum.

Program Duration and Format

The GSAP 2024 program is scheduled to run until March 2025 and will follow a hybrid format. This includes both online sessions and on-site activities, allowing flexibility for participants. The program features business lectures, intensive boot camps, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and demo days. Additionally, startups will have opportunities to participate in overseas exhibitions, showcasing their innovations to a broader audience.

Strengthening International Collaboration

JETRO, established in 1958, currently operates over 70 offices worldwide. The organization aims to strengthen U.S.-Japan collaboration through initiatives like GSAP. A recent example of these efforts includes a three-day visit by 23 delegates from 19 Japanese companies to North Carolina, representing industries such as trading, banking, research and development, and medical devices.

The program's location at SakuLab-Tsukuba in Tsukuba, Japan, serves as a hub for fostering innovation and supporting Japan's drug discovery capabilities. Backed by Japan's Ministry of Health, this initiative focuses on enhancing Japan's role in the global biotech and medtech industries.

Showcasing Innovation

JETRO plans to host "Japan Innovation Night" on June 18, 2025, an event dedicated to showcasing Japanese biotech startups. This event aims to highlight the progress and potential of the 105 startups participating in the GSAP 2024 cohort and their contributions to the global innovation landscape.

The ultimate goal of the Global Startup Acceleration Program is to help Japanese startups achieve global success by providing them with the necessary resources, knowledge, and networks. As the program continues to expand and evolve, it remains a vital component of Japan's strategy to position itself as a leader in technology and innovation.