The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Japan You Should Enter in 2024
The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Japan You Should Enter in 2024
Japan, known for its technological advancements and innovative spirit, offers a thriving ecosystem for startups. From funding opportunities to mentorship and networking, Japan's startup competitions are a great way to accelerate your business growth. If you're a budding entrepreneur looking to make your mark, here are the top 20 startup competitions in Japan you should consider entering in 2024.
1. Japan Startup Pitch
What it is: A national competition that brings together startups from various sectors to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors and industry experts.
Why enter: Offers significant exposure, funding opportunities, and valuable feedback from experienced judges.
2. Tech in Asia Tokyo Startup Arena
What it is: A prominent startup competition held during the Tech in Asia conference in Tokyo, featuring pitches from top startups across Asia.
Why enter: Provides international exposure, networking opportunities, and potential investment from top VCs.
Website: Tech in Asia
3. J-Startup Program
What it is: An initiative by the Japanese government to support startups with funding, mentorship, and global market access.
Why enter: Offers extensive government support, access to a wide network of investors, and opportunities for global expansion.
4. Slush Tokyo
What it is: The Japanese edition of the global startup event Slush, featuring a pitch competition for early-stage startups.
Why enter: Access to international investors, media coverage, and networking with global startup community.
5. Tokyo Startup Gateway
What it is: A competition aimed at identifying and nurturing innovative startups in the Tokyo area.
Why enter: Offers funding, office space, mentorship, and local government support.
6. Fukuoka Growth Next
What it is: A regional startup competition in Fukuoka, focusing on tech and innovation.
Why enter: Strong local support, funding opportunities, and access to a growing tech hub.
Website: Fukuoka Growth Next
7. Seedstars Tokyo
What it is: Part of the global Seedstars competition, this event selects the best startup in Tokyo to compete in the global finals.
Why enter: Offers international exposure, potential investment, and the chance to compete on a global stage.
8. Fintech Japan Pitch Contest
What it is: A competition for fintech startups to pitch their ideas to investors and industry leaders.
Why enter: Access to a specialized network of fintech investors and potential partnerships with financial institutions.
Website: Fintech Japan
9. Keio Startup Contest
What it is: A university-led competition by Keio University, focusing on student and alumni startups.
Why enter: Offers mentorship from academic experts, funding, and connections with industry leaders.
10. Global Startup Academy Japan
What it is: An accelerator program and pitch competition that supports startups with mentorship, funding, and market entry strategies.
Why enter: Provides a structured program to accelerate growth and access to a global network of investors.
11. Shibuya Startup Support
What it is: A regional competition in Shibuya, aimed at supporting local startups with funding and resources.
Why enter: Strong local government support and access to a vibrant entrepreneurial community.
12. Kyoto Startup Summer School
What it is: A unique program that combines a startup competition with a summer school, providing education and funding for startups.
Why enter: Access to educational resources, mentorship, and a chance to pitch for funding.
Website: Kyoto Startup Summer School
13. Osaka Innovation Hub
What it is: A regional startup competition and support program in Osaka, focusing on innovation and tech.
Why enter: Offers funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities in one of Japan's major tech hubs.
Website: Osaka Innovation Hub
14. Impact Japan
What it is: A competition that focuses on startups with a social impact, providing funding and resources to scale their solutions.
Why enter: Support for socially impactful businesses and access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and investors.
15. Japan HealthTech Startup Contest
What it is: A competition specifically for health tech startups, providing exposure to investors and industry experts.
Why enter: Specialized focus on health tech with opportunities for investment and partnerships with healthcare institutions.
16. Hokkaido Startup Contest
What it is: A regional competition in Hokkaido, supporting startups with funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Why enter: Strong regional support and opportunities to connect with local investors and industry leaders.
17. Nagoya Innovation Pitch
What it is: A startup competition in Nagoya, focusing on innovative tech and manufacturing startups.
Why enter: Access to Japan's manufacturing industry and potential partnerships with major corporations.
18. Sony Startup Acceleration Program
What it is: An accelerator and competition run by Sony, offering funding, mentorship, and market entry support.
Why enter: Access to Sony's resources, mentorship from industry experts, and potential for corporate partnerships.
19. Hiroshima Global Startup
What it is: A global startup competition in Hiroshima, providing funding and support for innovative startups.
Why enter: Strong regional support, funding opportunities, and access to a global network of investors.
20. Tohoku Startup Pitch
What it is: A regional competition in the Tohoku area, focusing on innovative startups with high growth potential.
Why enter: Access to local investors, mentoring from industry experts, and strong regional support.
Conclusion
Japan's startup ecosystem is rich with opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. These competitions provide not only funding and mentorship but also invaluable exposure and networking opportunities. Whether you're a local entrepreneur or an international startup looking to expand in Asia, participating in these top 20 startup competitions in Japan can significantly boost your chances of success. Prepare your pitch, refine your business model, and get ready to take advantage of these exciting opportunities in 2024.
