According to the statement, the funding is tied to a new partnership with Web3 Salon, a program supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Ripple will provide financial backing, while Web3 Salon will deliver guidance to help early-stage companies grow.
The grants target early-stage startups in Japan working on XRPL-based solutions. Ripple aims to foster projects in key areas such as DeFi, tokenized real-world assets (RWA), and digital payments. Startups will be selected based on their growth potential, technical capabilities, and alignment with Ripple’s strategic priorities.
In addition to funding, recipients will gain access to Ripple’s global network of partners, experts, and customers.
Beyond the grants, Ripple and Web3 Salon will collaborate on four major community events through March 2026. These events will spotlight promising startups, explore evolving policy trends, and foster connections between founders, regulators, and enterprise leaders.
The planned activities include startup pitch competitions, industry panel discussions, investor networking sessions, and educational workshops.
Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, said:
“Japan is one of the most exciting and challenging markets for Web3 and blockchain adoption. Through this partnership with Ripple, we aim to support visionary founders and strengthen the bridge between global innovation and Japan’s tech landscape.”
This vision has become somewhat evident in the quality of projects the blockchain network has recently attracted.