SAKIGAKE管理人 Selected for the “J-StarX” Program by METI and JETRO
We are excited to announce that we were selected for the overseas dispatch program “J-StarX”, organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and JETRO, and were given the opportunity to visit Silicon Valley in the United States. This program is designed to support companies and entrepreneurs aiming to expand into overseas markets. During our one-week stay, we gained invaluable experiences and insights.
For more details about this program, please check out this article:
In Silicon Valley, we experienced firsthand the ecosystem created by U.S. investors and entrepreneurs, as well as the sheer scale of available capital. This provided us with invaluable insights to refine and enhance our business model.
Participating in the Silicon Valley Summit Hosted by Plug and Play
During our stay, we participated in the Silicon Valley Summit, hosted by Plug and Play. This event brought together more than 300 startups from around the world, offering us the chance to showcase our services to a global audience.
What is Plug and Play?
Plug and Play is one of the world’s largest innovation platforms, headquartered in Silicon Valley. The organization connects startups, major corporations, and investors to foster a thriving ecosystem. Established in 2006, Plug and Play now operates globally, promoting innovation across various industries.
Key Features
- Startup Support
Plug and Play offers growing startups support with fundraising, networking, and partnerships with industry leaders. This helps accelerate business growth and market entry. - Accelerator Programs
The Plug and Play Accelerator Program provides selected startups with resources and networks to accelerate their business growth. - Corporate Collaboration
Plug and Play runs open innovation programs tailored to specific industries, helping corporations collaborate with startups to adopt new technologies and ideas. - Global Reach
With a presence in over 30 countries, Plug and Play focuses on diverse sectors such as fintech, healthtech, mobility, and sustainability.
What is the Silicon Valley Summit?
The Silicon Valley Summit is an annual event hosted by Plug and Play, serving as a hub for startups, corporations, and investors from around the world. It is a prime opportunity for participants to showcase cutting-edge technologies and form valuable connections.
Key Features
- Startup and Investor Matching
Startups from around the globe connect with investors and corporations through presentations and booth exhibitions, fostering collaboration and growth. - Showcasing the Latest Technologies
Participating companies introduce innovative solutions across various fields, including AI, IoT, fintech, and healthtech, providing a glimpse into the future of technology. - Global Networking Opportunities
The event creates a space for diverse participants to engage, paving the way for new partnerships and market opportunities.
At this year’s summit, we engaged with startups from Stanford University and global corporations, gaining opportunities to discuss potential collaborations and distribution partnerships. We also encountered cutting-edge technologies like “Meta Glass” and “Cybertruck,” which highlighted Silicon Valley’s forward-thinking ecosystem.
Takeaways from Our Stay in Silicon Valley
We visited Stanford University and Google, where we explored the local ecosystem and cutting-edge technologies. These experiences broadened our perspective and helped us reassess our vision and strategy for global market expansion.
On our way back, we were greeted by a magnificent rainbow in the Silicon Valley sky.
We took it as a sign of good fortune and are more determined than ever to continue our journey of growth and innovation.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to JETRO and Plug and Play Japan for making this dispatch possible, and to my fellow J-StarX students who studied with me. Stay tuned as we keep challenging ourselves and sharing updates on our journey!