Starting with Kyoto University, which has many Nobel Prize winner professors, there are the most advanced academic research institutes such as AI, IoT, and life sciences concentrated in Kyoto. It has an environment which constantly produces innovative companies.
Last year, Plug and Play, global accelerator/VC, established an office in Kyoto and operates the acceleration program in Kyoto. The ecosystem in Kyoto is rapidly developing. Of course, you can enjoy a living environment wrapped in the essence of Japanese culture in Kyoto.
Startup visa program in Kyoto, “Startup Capital Kyoto”
In cooperation with Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, JETRO Kyoto support startup business in Kyoto by entrepreneurs from abroad. The program will provide support for getting startup visa which makes entrepreneurs getting the visa in Japan much easier as well free co-working space, subsidy for the company registration fee, free consultation with specialists such as tax accountants, judicial scriveners for company set up etc., and last but not least, networking with ecosystem players in Kyoto.
For further information, please access below.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-capital-kyoto/
Introduction of the ecosystem in Kyoto:
https://www.kyoto-obc.jp/en/kigyouyuuchi/
Coming Pitch event
Joint Project: Latitude 59×Startup Capital Kyoto
Invitation to Startup Online Pitch Contest for Kyoto
Startup Capital Kyoto, an initiative to promote overseas startups business in Kyoto, in cooperation with Latitude 59, will organize online Startup Pitch Contest for Kyoto on October 28, 2020.
Date & Time: October 28, 2020
Program:
l Selected startups among applicants will make a pitch in front of experts (VCs, accelerators) and companies from Kyoto via online (max 10 minutes depending on numbers of pitches).
l Winners of the pitch contest (2-3 companies) will be invited to Kyoto, Japan in 2021. Flight ticket to Kyoto (economy, return) and accommodation in Kyoto (4-5 nights) will be provided. We will provide opportunities for pitch events, B2B matching, and company visits in Kyoto.
l In starting a business in Kyoto, you will be provided with co-working space for one year for free. We can provide subsidies for company registration fees, office rent as well as first consultation service by judicial scriveners, tax accountants, social insurance labour consultant, and so on. Also, you can apply for a startup visa.
Schedule:
l August 27, 2020 Application starts (the first day of Latitude 59)
l September 30, 2020 Application deadline
l October 5, 2020 Announcement of selected startups
l October 28, 2020 Pitch Contest (Online)
Selection criteria:
There is no restriction on the fields of targeted start-ups and entrepreneurs. The assessment will be based on 1) whether the start-up can contribute to solving issues Kyoto is facing (such as tourism, mobility, agriculture, education, healthcare, industry or any other issues), and 2) whether there is the probability of establishment of its business in Kyoto.
How to apply to the contest
Application can be made via online:
https://www.jetro.go.jp/form5/pub/kyo/onlinepitchcontest
“Kyoto, ideal place to live and start a business!”
Contact:
KYO-startup@jetro.go.jp (Ichimura)
