- Ripple and Web3 Salon launch a $200K grant program for Japan-based XRPL startups.
- Startups will receive funding, mentorship, and access to Ripple’s global partner network.
- The initiative includes four major events to promote blockchain innovation through March 2026.
Ripple has announced a new partnership with Web3 Salon to support Web3 startups in Japan. The collaboration is supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and powered by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan. The program will focus on projects building on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), especially in DeFi, tokenization, and payments.
Ripple will provide up to $200,000 per startup through the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund. This initiative is part of Ripple’s broader 1 Billion XRP commitment to the XRPL ecosystem. The funding will be available over the next year to early-stage teams based in Japan. Startups will be selected based on their innovation, technical expertise, and potential for growth.
In addition to funding, Ripple will give access to its global partner network. Selected startups will also receive support in business development and ecosystem navigation. Ripple will oversee the grant process to ensure the projects match their investment goals.
Web3 Salon will handle mentoring and startup growth support. This includes workshops, founder coaching, and strategic connections with regulators and investors. The goal is to help startups scale in Japan’s tightly regulated but promising blockchain environment.
The program is designed to be more than just financial aid. It aims to connect the public and private sectors around blockchain development. Ripple and Web3 Salon will co-host four events between now and March 2026 to raise awareness. These events will include pitch competitions, policy discussions, and investor networking.
Workshops will cover compliance, tokenization, and growth in global markets. The goal of each event is to help the Web3 sector in Japan develop further. Founders will meet with leaders, share knowledge, and explore real-world applications of blockchain.
Japan is regarded as a tech-forward nation with a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. However, local startups often face high barriers to entering the market. This program seeks to remove those hurdles and bring new talent into the space.
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Hinza Asif of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan said the partnership will support visionary founders. Christina Chan of RippleX stated that Ripple is excited to help grow Japan’s blockchain economy.
With support from JETRO and others, the program aims to accelerate innovation in the region. It demonstrates how cooperation between institutions and startups can drive meaningful progress in digital finance.
