Impact Policy Tracker Policy

J-Startup Impact



Within the context of former-PM Kishida’s “new form of capitalism”, in 2023, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry launched the J-Startup Impact programme to support startups that tackle social issues while achieving sustainable growth, with the potential to succeed globally. The programme operates through a public-private partnership, providing selected startups with intensive support to drive innovation and bring new value to the world. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to boost awareness and foster a ripple effect throughout Japan’s impact startup sector.

Highlights

  • Joint public-private support to impact startups: Leading figures from the private sector nominate startups with high potential. Once selected, startups gain access to a robust support network comprising individuals from both government bodies and private enterprises. Moreover, while the government offers benefits such as inclusion in overseas official missions and tax incentives, the private sector offers bidding opportunities, business matching and professional mentorship from industry leaders and marketing services. Startups also receive expert help in impact measurement, global certification, and raising public visibility.

  • Impact-specific leg: J-Startup Impact was launched as a dedicated track within the broader J-Startup, which aims to internationalise Japanese startups and aligns with the Japanese government's 'new form of capitalism' vision. In addition to the support already offered by J-Startup, this impact-focused initiative provides tailored consultation services to help selected startups measure and manage their impact, as well as obtain global certifications.

Government’s Role:
Market Facilitator


Country:
Japan

Policy Type:
Capacity Building Programmes

Year: 2023

Responsible Institution:
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Additional information:
J-Startup Impact Launched as Public-Private programmefor Supporting the Growth of Impact Startups
J-Startup Impact (in Japanese)

Capacity Building Programmes

What are capacity building programmes for impact-driven enterprises?

Capacity-building programmes aim to strengthen the skills, systems, and strategies of impact-driven enterprises so they can grow sustainably, deliver measurable social or environmental outcomes, and attract investment. These programmes typically provide targeted support such as business planning, financial management, impact measurement and management (IMM), legal and governance structuring, and market access. Support may come in the form of technical assistance, training, mentorship, grants, or facilitated access to networks of investors and advisors. Capacity-building programmes often involve partnerships between governments, private sector actors, and intermediary organisations (such as incubators or accelerators). These programmes aim to bridge the gap between promising impact-focused initiatives and the investment ecosystem, enabling them to scale their operations and increase their positive impact.