Tokyo Metropolitan Government Invites Applications for Accelerator Program: Blockchain Business Camp Tokyo

TOKYO, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) has been actively working to attract foreign companies to raise international competitiveness and bring about further growth for the capital city by promoting the creation of a more business-friendly environment for overseas businesses and startups.

Building on its efforts to date, the TMG will hold the "Blockchain Business Camp Tokyo" accelerator program for foreign companies that possess advanced blockchain technology in such areas as transactions, securities, IoT, supply chains and the sharing economy. The TMG aims for this intensive three-month program to generate groundbreaking innovation.

In addition to having Tokyo-based, leading Japanese companies that are involved in fields such as transactions, securities, IoT, supply chains and the sharing economy serve as mentors at the camp, the opportunity to connect with investors, Tokyo-based businesses, and others will also be provided. Furthermore, the technologies and services of the foreign companies participating in the program (about five companies) will be advertised for an extended period (*) using digital signage located around Shinjuku and Tokyo stations in the heart of Tokyo, and support will be extended to foreign companies that decide to establish their business in Tokyo.

(*) Length of period varies by location.

1. Eligibility and how to apply

- Eligibility

Foreign startups that possess advanced blockchain technology and business models in transactions, securities, IoT, supply chains and the sharing economy, and have yet to establish a business in Japan. Refer to the program website noted below for application details.

- How to apply

After confirming the application details provided on the website, send the required documentation to the program secretariat by Friday, November 24, 2017, 11:59 p.m. (JST). http://www.seisakukikaku.metro.tokyo.jp/bdc_tokyo/english/bizcamptky/blockchain

2. Schedule (tentative)

- October 20, 2017: Begin accepting applications

- November 24, 2017: Application deadline

- December 2017: Announcement of companies selected for the program (about five companies)

- January 2018: Introductory seminar

- January - March 2018: Blockchain Business Camp Tokyo (mentoring, creating a business plan, networking event(s), connecting with businesses in Tokyo)

- March 2018: Presentation of business plans (open to the public)