J-StarX US Growth Catalyst for Japanese Startups

The program

Five selected companies get a guided path from introduction to meeting, built to turn the right conversations into US customers, partners and investors.

Lead Mentor

After the Program Launch, each startup is matched with an industry expert to build out the network development strategy, identify target events, and plan the meeting outreach strategy.

Industry Events & Summits

Selected startups will attend and exhibit at major US industry events and summits, offering a platform to meet customers and investors.

Business and Investor Meetings

Key Appointments per company: confirmed meetings with decision-makers, plus online introductions through SOSA's network of 100+ corporates and investors.

Why J-StarX US Growth Catalyst?

Conferences, summits, and event festivals play a major role in any startup's business development strategy. It's at these gatherings, both in the venue hall and on the sidelines, that the right people meet face-to-face, create a personal connection, and begin commercial or investment conversations. That's why SOSA has partnered with JETRO to support 5 Japanese-founded startups in maximizing the business development and fundraising potential from startup-identified events in the United States.

Each startup is paired with a Lead Mentor or a SOSA executive, and together, build a strategy for engaging, qualifying, and nurturing leads at multiple events in the coming months. For Japanese-founded startups who know that in-person engagements with their target market is a valuable approach to growing their business, this program is for you.

10+

Key Appointments per company

Confirmed with decision-makers.

50+

Hours of 1:1 mentoring

From an operator or investor in your sector.

2–3

Major US industry events

With meetings set in advance.

100+

Corporates and investors

In SOSA's network for introductions.

Sharper US strategy

Refined ideal customer profile, clear KPIs and a networking playbook.

Ready to apply?

We're looking for Japanese-founded startups that are already operating in the U.S. and are ready to scale through in-person engagements at industry events and summits.

Only five companies will be selected, and applications are screened as they arrive. The earlier you apply, the more time there is to understand your business and match you with the right mentor.

Applications close Sunday, Nov 1, 2026 (23:59 JST).

Apply Now

Program Timeline

Applications open Oct 21st until Nov 1st 2026

Evaluation during November 2 to 5

November 10th 2026 the selected companies notified

Nov 18–20, 2026 Kickoff Bootcamp, San Francisco

Nov 2026–Mar 2027 1:1 mentoring with your anchor mentor

Nov 2026–Mar 2027 2–3 U.S. industry events, aligned with your sector

Who we’re looking for

Japanese startup with a US presence: a legal entity, office or team, and plans to grow further

Seed to Later stage, with a product mature enough to win US customers and investors

Technology-driven, with a clear competitive edge in product, technology or service

US traction: customers, partners or pilots that show market demand

A CXO or head of US operations to take part, with English for pitches and business meetings

Key Verticals

Startups in any technology vertical are eligible to apply for this program.

Enterprise AI

Fintech

Cybersecurity

DeepTech

HealthTech

CleanTech

ClimateTech

SOSA is a global open innovation company that connects governments, corporations, and tech companies through a range of accelerator and market entry programs. SOSA has worked with governmental entities in 13 countries with operations across the United States, as well as in Sao Paulo, Tel Aviv, and Singapore; to deliver over 45 accelerator programs over the past six years, supporting over 400 companies globally with their expansion into new markets. With offices in New York, São Paulo, and Tel Aviv, and partnerships across Europe, Asia, and North America, SOSA supports the global exchange of innovation.

Learn more

JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO’s core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.