Startup Program

At Plug and Play, our ultimate goal is the growth and success of startups. We believe that innovation has the power to change the world for the better. By partnering with visionary entrepreneurs, we aim to create a profound social impact. Since our founding in 2006, we have been dedicated to driving open innovation between startups and corporations while investing in the world’s most promising founders.

Driving Open Innovation Between Global Corporations and Startups

Who We Look For

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Solving Global Challenges

Addressing universal social issues on a global scale. We attract high-impact startups that look beyond regional borders to solve fundamental global challenges. Our ecosystem is a hub for visionary teams dedicated to creating positive social change through innovative, cross-border solutions.

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A "Go-to-Global" Mindset

Scaling presence from Japan to the world. Our participants possess a "Go-to-global" mindset, leveraging success in the Japanese market as a strategic stepping stone for worldwide expansion. We host agile startups that embrace borderless growth and continuously evolve to stay ahead in a changing world.

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Expanding into the Japanese Market

Global startups recognizing Japan's unique potential. We bring together international startups attracted by Japan's high technical standards and unique business landscape. Through our program, these teams establish a strategic base in Japan to develop new business models and actively explore market opportunities.

Why Join Plug and Play?

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A Powerful Network to Maximize Business Opportunities

Access to key stakeholders and strategic connections. Gain exclusive access to a community of influential stakeholders, including corporate decision-makers, investors, and government agencies. We facilitate the building of high-trust relationships in a short timeframe, creating impactful business opportunities that drive growth.

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Multi-faceted Support from Specialized Teams

Comprehensive guidance from industry and functional experts. In addition to our industry-expert teams, specialists in talent acquisition, fundraising (VC), and PR are dedicated to backing your growth. We address the core challenges startups face through a cross-functional, holistic approach, partnering with you every step of the way.

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Strategic Market Insights for Japan Entry

Localized intelligence to navigate the Japanese landscape. Gain deep insights into Japan’s unique business customs, market trends, and evolving user needs. We go beyond simple information sharing, providing the strategic intelligence necessary to build a solid foundation and execute a successful expansion in the Japanese market.

Program Schedule

An intensive 3-month program built around our industry-specific "Verticals." By leveraging our global corporate network and expert mentorship, we provide multi-faceted support to facilitate your business growth and social implementation.

Our Industry-Specific Accelerator Themes

 

We run industry-specific programs that we call "Verticals." In Japan, we currently operate programs across 8 specialized Verticals, fostering focused innovation in each sector.

Startup Testimonials

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Allganize Japan

Yasuo Sato

Country Manager, Allganize Japan

日本において、大企業とスタートアップの協業で成果を出すには、両者ともまだまだトレーニング・経験が足りていない。そんな中、不足部分をPlug and Playさんが補ってくれることによって、しっかりと成果の出るサイクルがPlug and Playプログラムには存在している。 特に、グローバルと日本を繋いでくれる存在は稀有で、これからもっと必要になる。一層このチャレンジを大きなものにして欲しい。僕たちも卒業生として恥ずかしくないよう、しっかりと結果を出していきます。応援しています!

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Asilla

Daisuke Kimura

CEO, asilla 

We will release our new product, Asilla SDK in March, 2021 with our ultimate vision of “Transforming the world to a place where crimes and accidents are prevented ensuring everyone’s safety through gentle AI.”

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for Plug and Play and for everyone who supported us for accelerating our journey “From Machida to the world.”

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BeBridge

Takahide Kondo

COO, BeBridge

Plug and Play Japanは当社にとって初めてのアクセラレータープログラムへの参加でしたが、事業をスケールするきっかけになる非常に素晴らしい機会だったと思います。特によかったところは、大手企業からのフィードバックを聞いてきてくれたり、間に入って面談調整などの様々なハンズオン支援をしてもらえたことです。業界を横断してこれまでに関わりのなかった異業種との協業にもチャレンジすることができたことで、提案の幅を広げることができたと思います。

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decadoo

Sakura Kawakami

Head of Business Development, decadoo

今回のプログラムはほぼオンライン参加であったため、Plug and Play Japan本来のダイナミックな雰囲気を体験する事はできませんでしたが、スタートアップをサポートしてくれるスタッフ、ノウハウのコンテンツ、企業へのアクセス、どれをとっても一流の内容ばかりでした。ここまでスタートアップを支援してくれる体制が整った組織は他にないと思います。今後とも卒業生として、Plug and Play Japanのコミュニティーに参加をしていきたいです。

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Zoi Meet

Kevin Oranje

CEO, Zoi Meet

Plug and Play Japan was an amazing experience for which we are grateful to have been a part of. My cofounder and I were greeted and treated like part of the Plug and Play family that opened up their network with trust and confidence in us as a company and team. Our company managed to build a new network of great people with whom we are in contact with until this day. We thank the entire Plug and Play team for their support and hard work during our participation.

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Moneytor Japan

Waki Yoneoka

Managing Director, Moneytor Japan

「根差す」手助けをしてもらったように思います。スパルタ式にピッチが要求されたのでピッチの改善ができた、会いたいクライアント候補に繋がることができた、様々な繋がりができた、など色々ありますが、海外スタートアップとしてこれまで表面的にしか存在できていなかったのが、短期間でコミュニティーに深く根差すきっかけになったと思います。

*Participation is free of charge, and we do not require any equity.

*Startups that have previously participated in programs in other countries or under different themes are welcome to apply. However, re-application for the same theme within the same country is not permitted.

Examples:
Past: Tokyo/Insurtech → Current: Tokyo/Fintech: Eligible
Past: Silicon Valley/Energy → Current: Tokyo/Energy: Eligible
Past: Osaka/Smart Cities → Current: Tokyo/Smart Cities: Not Eligible (Same country and theme)