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Japan's Blockchain Revolution: Ripple's $200K Grant Initiative for Startups

Ripple has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Japan's Web3 Salon to foster innovation among blockchain startups in the region.

This initiative will provide selected early-stage projects with up to $200,000 in grant funding, as part of a larger $1 billion commitment aimed at developing the XRP Ledger.

Targeting sectors like decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized assets, and digital payments, this funding aims to empower startups demonstrating strong technological potential.

In addition to financial support, the initiative will offer mentorship and access to Ripple's extensive global network, enhancing growth opportunities for participating startups.

Workshops and one-on-one coaching will be provided, enabling founders to navigate Japan's complex regulatory landscape more effectively.

Four major events are planned between now and March 2026, which will include pitch sessions and panels to showcase outstanding teams and facilitate investor connections.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will play a crucial role in aligning startups with government bodies and streamlining compliance processes.

This collaboration is seen as a pivotal move that aligns Japan's robust regulatory framework with global Web3 innovation efforts.

Ripple's investment is set against a backdrop of increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrency, as evidenced by recent validations of XRP by Japan's banking sector.

As these initiatives roll out, they promise to position Japan as a crucial hub in the blockchain technology landscape, invigorating its startup ecosystem.