The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) supports businesses that can contribute to solving social issues in developing countries through the “SME and SDG Business Support Program” (1), etc. On July 16, 2020, JICA signed an “Agreement on Support for Formation of Startup Ecosystem (2)” with eight government-affiliated organizations (3) to establish the “Platform for Unified Support for Startups”. (3), creating the Platform for Unified Support for Startups (commonly known as Plus: Platform for Unified Support for Startups). On November 11, 2022, seven new organizations officially joined Plus: Industrial Property Information and Training Institute, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance, Development Finance Corporation of Japan, Development Bank of Japan, Japan Organization for Regional Economic Revitalization, and Innovation Network Corporation of Japan. With the increase in the number of participating institutions, the support menu for startups will be expanded, enabling more seamless startup support that leverages the strengths of each institution.
(2) Promote mutual collaboration among individual projects in cooperating institutions
Collaborate with other institutions on start-up support initiatives of each cooperating institution.
Summary of support for startups by each organization
≪AMED≫.
R&D support in the medical field/Consultation services and information for startups
≪ JICA ≪ JICA ≪ JICA ≪ JICA ≪ JICA ≪ JICA
Support for research and demonstration necessary to build businesses that contribute to solving social issues in developing countries
Investment in startups that contribute to solving social issues in developing countries
≪ JST.
Support for startup creation, investment, and practical application development at universities
≪NARO.
R&D funding and expert accompaniment support for R&D start-ups in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food sectors
Support for diverse R&D expenses to create innovative technologies, products, and services in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food
≪ JETRO.
Overseas strategy through support for exhibiting at overseas tech events, acceleration programs and mentoring of partner companies
Assistance in formulating, meeting with potential investors and partners, etc.
≪IPA≫.
We provide technology and business professionals who aim to solve business and social issues with innovative ideas that utilize IT.
Cultivation through guidance and advice in terms of both
≪ NEDO.
R&D funding assistance for R&D startups, Plus office contact
≪ AIST ≫ ≪ AIST ≫ ≪ AIST ≫ ≪ AIST ≫ ≪ AIST
Provide technical consultation, etc., and grant venture titles and support to companies that utilize AIST’s research results.
≪ Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation ≪ Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation ≪ Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation
Provide funding for startups (fund business) and
Software support (FASTAR, J-GoodTech, etc.)
Comprehensive support, including hardware support (incubation)
≪INPIT.
Industry-University Collaboration/Start-up Advisor Program, IP Comprehensive Support Desk, IP Landscape Support Program
≪ JBIC.
Support for overseas expansion of domestic startups through lending
≪NEXI.
Support for overseas business development including dead procurement of startups through trade insurance
≪JFC.
Financing startups through “capital loans” and other means
≪DBJ.
Startup investment by DBJ Group, etc.
≪REVIC≫.
Investment in university-launched ventures and startups from funds established and managed with regional financial institutions, etc.
Business support, etc.
≪JIC.
Risk money for areas lacking private investment capital to realize Society 5.0 and create unicorns
Supply of. LP investment in private funds and a venture growth fund established primarily by JIC.
Investment in startups by the company (focus areas: deep tech, pre-seed/seed, and
(Growth, startups entering global markets, etc.)
JICA will continue to strengthen cooperation with various organizations to support Japanese startup companies and contribute to solving development issues in developing countries.
© Source JICA