Calling2Scale Gunma: Gateway to Japan
A 3 month challenge-based programme supporting advanced European startups seeking entry into the Japanese market.
Calling2Scale Gunma invites EU-based startups to provide solutions to pressing business challenges sourced directly from leading Japanese corporates. Selected startups will receive:
- Japan market entry training
- Targeted matchmaking with Japanese corporates
- On-site visits and pitching opportunities in Gunma
- Expert support & mentorship
Who Should Apply?
- EU based Startups (Including Horizon Europe Associated countries)
- Have a market-ready product
- Have completed at least one funding round (e.g., seed or later)
- Actively seeking to expand into the Japanese market
- Able to commit a C-level executive (e.g., CEO, CTO, Co-Founder) to participate fully in the three-month programme, including an in-person Immersion Lab to Japan
- Your product offers a solution to one of the programme’s challenges.
Why Gunma? Why Japan?
Japan’s startup ecosystem is ranked #18 globally, #2 in East Asia by StartupBlink’s
Government Commitment: The Japanese government has committed to investing $67 billion from 2023 to 2027 to foster innovation, aiming to grow the startup ecosystem to 100,000 startups and 100 unicorns
Corporate Collaboration: Major Japanese corporates (e.g., Mitsubishi, Toyota) actively invest in almost every Tech industry and startups – from funding, co-programmes, accelerators, etc
Industrial Strength: Gunma is home to major corporates like Beisia, Taiyo Yuden, Subaru, a center for automotive, electrical equipment, and food industries, offering a strong industrial base for collaboration
Innovation Support: Gunma hosts the NETSUGEN initiative, a collaboration with Accenture to designed to accelerate the prefecture’s rapid growth as a major tech ecosystem in Japan
With manufacturing contributing to over 30% of its regional output, Gunma serves as a strategic center for industrial innovation and a prime location for piloting advanced technologies
Forward-Thinking Leadership: Gunma’s Prefectural Government actively promotes innovation, with strong regional support for startups and international collaboration as reflected by Co-leading this programme.
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