JUNE 2023
500 Global is collaborating with the Aichi Prefectural Government to develop and grow the startup ecosystem within Aichi aiming to build a strong base for startups to land and work in the region. There are 3 types of programs planned under this initiative which are all aimed at creating successful startups, building an innovation culture, and stimulating ecosystem growth in Aichi Prefecture.
GDPで日本第2位/SECOND-HIGHEST IN GDP IN JAPAN
日本は世界第3位の経済大国であり、愛知県は東京に次いでGDPと一人当たりの所得が全国第2位です。自動車産業や製造業を中心に、多くの大手企業がこの地域に本社を置き、ビジネスを展開しています。また、1977年以降、愛知県は製造品出荷額で日本一を維持しています。
Japan is the third largest economy in the world1 and Aichi Prefecture is ranked second in highest GDP and per capita income in Japan after Tokyo2. Many leading companies particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors chose this region to establish regional headquarters for business. Since 1977, Aichi has maintained the No.1 position in Japan in the total shipment value of manufactured products3.
戦略的な立地/STRATEGIC LOCATION
東京と大阪に挟まれた日本の中心に位置する愛知県は、国際的なビジネス・ベンチャーのアジア市場へのゲートウェイのひとつとなることを目指しています。また、東京や大阪などの大都市に比べ、ビジネスコストが比較的低く抑えられています。
Situated at the heart of Japan in between Tokyo and Osaka, Aichi Prefecture seeks to be one of the gateways to the Asian market for international business ventures. In addition, the business expenses are relatively low compared to other major metropolitan cities such as Tokyo and Osaka2.
成熟したスタートアップエコシステム/MATURE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM
愛知県は、2020年に内閣府から「スタートアップエコシステム世界拠点都市」に認定されています。海外スタートアップの新規事業立ち上げを支援することを目的とした指定市場拡大オフィスや、スタートアップ向けに無料のコワーキングスペースやメンター制度を提供するスタートアップサポートセンターなど、ミッションに沿った取り組みで知られる地域です。
Aichi Prefecture was identified as a “startup ecosystem global hub city” by the Cabinet Office in 20204. The region is well-known for their mission-driven initiatives including designated market expansion offices that aim to help foreign startups set up new business and a startup support center that offers coworking space and mentorship for startups5.
A 5-day immersive program followed by 7 weeks of post-program support, designed to help pre-seed / seed-stage startups in Japan get ready for global exposure
An 8-week Landing Pad Market-Access Program that aims to bring 15+ international startups to Aichi. Apply before September 08, 2023 to be considered.
A series of sessions under the Corporate Innovation Program curated for business units and innovation teams of corporations in Aichi
by 500 Global
Seed Bootcamp
Program Overview
Working directly with global mentors, each participating founder will have the opportunity to learn about sales and pitching and develop a tailored action plan through hands-on workshops and mentoring sessions.
Startups in Japan who want the opportunity to connect with 500 Global's international and local communities of founders, investors, and mentors are encouraged to apply. These innovative thinkers are committed to shaping the future through technology and entrepreneurship.
If you are an ambitious founder who is looking for effective ways to take your company to the next level, apply now to join this 5-day immersive program that’s designed to help you grow with clarity!
*Please note that this is a non-investment, equity-free, and free-of-charge program. For the transportation & accommodation fees etc., it will need to be covered by the startups.
Application Period
Applications are on a first-in-first-served basis, so be sure to apply early. The deadline to apply is August 04, 2023.28 AUGUST ’23 - 01 SEPTEMBER ’23
Seed Bootcamp (In-person in Aichi)
This in-person bootcamp will run for 5 days from Monday, August 28 through Friday, September 01. (co)Founders and/or participants are expected to attend the bootcamp in full in order to maximize their program experience and graduate.01 SEPTEMBER ’23
Showcase / Graduation Ceremony
Founders will have the opportunity to showcase startup solutions and growth potentials to 500 Global and a curated group of ecosystem stakeholders and partners on Friday, September 01, 2023.4 SEPTEMBER '23 - 20 OCTOBER' 23
7-Week Post-Program Support (Mainly Online)
* May have some in-person events during the post-program period.
Who Should Apply?
- Actionable guidance to sharpen their core business foundations, and learn best practices in finding your customers, doing enterprise sales, pitching to clients and more.
- To validate their existing customer acquisition strategy to either break through barriers or to prepare their business for anticipated challenges in a competitive landscape.
- To gain fresh perspectives that may help them break established thinking patterns, and discover new growth opportunities.
This Program Aims to Help Founders
Grow with Clarity
Take a step back in order to move forward. Re-evaluate your existing customer acquisition strategy through a robust curriculum, and personalized insights in an immersive environment.
Turn Goals into Actions
Work directly with our global mentors to analyze your current sales challenges and opportunities, and develop an effective action plan to realize your strategic vision.
Access a Curated Community
Meet in person with other founders to exchange ideas, share resources and experiences, and get direct feedback on your products and services.
Expand Connections Globally
Participate in curated social events and connect with startup founders, venture capital industry stakeholders, corporates from various industries in Japan and across the globe.
- Based in Aichi Prefecture or Japan
- Interested in global exposure
- Have an MVP and some traction
- Who can join in-person in Aichi during the 5-day Seed Bootcamp
- Who can be committed during the 7 weeks of post-program
+
- Founders with scalable, technology-enabled businesses (B2B preferred)
- Startups with solutions that span across different industries and sectors or solutions that will help solve regional challenges in Aichi Prefecture
- Startups that are interested in exploring collaboration opportunities with corporates
- Preferably focused on sectors including: Smart Cities, Digital Transformation, Manufacturing, Automotive, Sustainability, and innovative and disruptive founders in other sectors.
Applicants will go through a 2-step selection process, as detailed below:
- Round 1.Filling out the Application Form prior to the deadline.
- Round 2. Shortlisted candidates from Round 1 will go through a 30-min panel interview with 500’s Selection Committee members
The Selection Committee’s final decision will be communicated at least 2 weeks prior to the program’s start date.
Scheduled Timeline until program:
- Offer / Acceptance: Aug 7 - Aug 10
- Onboarding / Week 0: Aug 21 - Aug 25
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
- SOURCE: JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANIZATION
- PUBLIC INFORMATION AS AT AUGUST 2020. SOURCE: AICHI PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT, INVESTMENT AND TRADE DIVISION
- SOURCE: JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANIZATION
- SOURCE: AICHI-STARTUP
- SOURCE: AICHI-STARTUP
