TOKYO & BOSTON – June 20, 2023 – CIC, the global leader in building and operating innovation campuses, in collaboration with MassChallenge, a global network for innovators, has been selected by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to create and operate a startup accelerator program for Japanese entrepreneurs focused on growing their businesses globally.
This program is designed for startups focused on Japanese tech startups who are interested in entering the global market, raising funds, and expanding their network. This project will be executed through CIC Japan Desk and CIC Institute, combining the unique expertise of two CIC business units to create and operate custom programming in collaboration with MassChallenge.
About the Bridge to MassChallenge Japan 2023 Program
MassChallenge supports founders who disrupt the status quo and create sustainable change – whether they fit the mold or break it. Since we take no equity in startups, we are able to support founders from all backgrounds with novel ideas by helping entrepreneurs identify goals and key initiatives , provide access to a meaningful network of experts, speakers, investors and corporates, and connect entrepreneurs with a deep peer network.
“We’re committed to helping bolster the Japanese entrepreneurship ecosystem by identifying the most high-impact Japanese startups and connecting them with our US network,” said Sunanda Narayan, Senior Director of Global Partnerships at MassChallenge. “This custom hybrid US-entry focused program will include both virtual and in-person components in Tokyo and Boston post an intensive selection process. The program will encompass LEANSTACK startup programming curriculum, functional, industry and market-focused mentorship and networking will support Japanese founders through every stage of the startup lifecycle and help them succeed beyond the Japanese market, and we are excited to able to support the same.”
The Bridge to MassChallenge can be accessed here. For more details in Japanese: Click here
About MassChallenge
MassChallenge is the global network for innovators. Headquartered in the United States with eight locations worldwide, it is the non-profit’s mission to help bold entrepreneurs disrupt the status quo and create meaningful change. Since launching in 2009, MassChallenge has run programs in 24 countries, supported more than 4,000 startups from around the world, and awarded over $18M in equity-free cash and prizes. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org.
About CIC:
CIC is a global leader in building and operating innovation campuses that support the growth of entrepreneurs and startups. Founded in 1999 with a single location in Kendall Square, the company now operates more than 1 million square feet of shared workspace, wet labs, and event space in the US, Europe, and Asia. Its collaborative work environments support thousands of individuals in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors who are focused on innovating solutions to local and global problems. Learn more at cic.com.
About CIC Japan Desk:
CIC Japan Desk works to open pathways for business between Japan and the United States. Through hands-on programming and tailored services, Japan Desk facilitates connections across the innovation ecosystems of Japan and Boston, utilizing its homebase of CIC Cambridge and sister site CIC Tokyo as launchpads for companies seeking to collaborate or expand internationally.
About CIC Institute:
CIC Institute is dedicated to supporting the growth of startups that can achieve global success in collaboration with national and local governments, universities and like minded organizations. The new business unit of CIC has been created to build on the success CIC Tokyo has had working with national, regional and local government entities, universities and the private sector, and connecting them with entrepreneurs to ignite innovation.