500 Global Landing Pad Program

October 29, 2022

The Accelerate Aichi by 500 Global Landing Pad program is designed to help international startups develop a customized Japan-focused go-to-market business plan and growth strategy.

Startups Eligibility Criteria:

Growth-stage global startups ready for market expansion
Committed to exploring expansion into Japan through the Aichi Prefecture
Able to commit at least one (1) key team member for the duration of the program who will be focused on expansion plans
Providing tech-enabled solutions from the sectors listed below
Willing to be physically present in Nagoya, Aichi for Phase 2 of the program (at least 4 weeks)

Please note that this is a non-investment program

Phase 1 (4 Weeks, Virtual)

Understanding the Japan Market and GTM Strategy

This 4-week phase 1 will be conducted virtually.
Startups will understand and learn how to navigate business expansion in Japan from our pool of expert mentors.
Startups will also develop their Japan-specific go-to-market strategy and roadmap learn sales and marketing best practices suitable for Japan, and refine product-market fit for your solutions.

Phase 2 (4 Weeks, In Person)

Japan Market Immersion & Exploration

This 4-week phase 2 will be held in person in Japan.
Startups will focus on running experiments, talking to Japanese customers and will have the opportunity to connect with Japanese corporate partners and ecosystem stakeholders through curated networking events and sessions.
In addition, startups will learn how to develop an effective presentation to Japanese audiences and work with assigned mentors to refine your capital attraction strategy.

(Optional) Post-Program Support (4 Weeks, Virtual Or In-Person)

Mentorship for Monitoring & Assessing

Each startup who attended Phase 2 will get 1 hour per week with their mentors (optional) for them to continue their expansion plans by getting the support from their mentors.
This can be done in person or virtually, depending on whether the team members choose to stay on in Japan.

We’re Looking For Startups in the Below Sectors

Sustainability

Carbon capturing/measurement
Gas or fuel purification
Waste management / recycling
Power generation tech (energy conversion, efficiency, storage)
Renewable energy tech
Lab grown meat or aquaculture technology

Manufacturing

Facilities or land management (inspection, communication, data)
Optimizing manufacturing or production processes
New materials, new technologies

Mobility/Smart Cities

Spatial design
Autonomous vehicle tech/enhancement
Future of work (virtual)
Disaster prevention

HealthTech / MedTech

Timeline

Applications Close: 4 November 2022

Program Duration: 21 November 2022 – 16 Feb 2023

Important dates

Online Phase 0: Onboarding & Discovery
14 – 18 Nov 2022 (1 week)
Online Phase 1: Market Education and
Roadmapping
21 Nov – 16 Dec 2022 (4 Weeks)
Online Holiday Break
16 Dec 2022 – 15 Jan 2023 (4 Weeks)
In-person Phase 2: Market Immersion & Exploration
16 Jan – 10 Feb 2023 (4 Weeks)
In-person Demo Day
16 Feb 2023 (1 day)
In-person or Online Post Program Support (Optional)
20 Feb – 17 Mar 2023 (4 Weeks)