Innovation Course
@Texas / Austin

FY2025 Activity Report

Accomplishments

OUTCOME

＋

The number of achieved outcomes post-program such as various contract signings, personnel recruitments and establishment of bases outside of Japan

3 pilot projects / PoCs, 2 joint research & development project, 4 contract agreement executed, 5 local hires, 5 U.S. office established, 1 successful fundraising achievement, and 3 other successful achievements

Satisfaction

4.1

Program Participants: 9 representatives from 7 companies

Hands-on support was provided by a team with strong ties to the U.S. military and government as well as an extensive network in the state of Texas

The program schedule was aligned with Austin Tech Week, where key players from the U.S. startup ecosystem gathered, efficiently supporting founders' network-building

Accelerators and mentors closely supported program participants, providing tailored advice based on the specific needs of each company

Several participating startups successfully signed various agreements with U.S. companies, established operations in the United States, and hired locally

Click here for participating startups in FY2025

Click here for admin in FY2025

Program Schedule（PST）

01. Selection / Interview

5/21~6/19

Candidates who passed the document screenings were interviewed online in English. Interviews were per company and consisted of a 5-minute pitch followed by approximately 10 minutes of Q&A

02. Domestic program (Online)

6/20~8/8

One-on-one mentoring sessions and workshops led by local professionals (approximately three sessions each)

One-on-One sessions helped participants address questions related to entering the U.S. market and identify potential challenges and key issues prior to their arrival in the United States.

Workshop sessions focused on strategic approaches to the U.S. market and systematic frameworks for achieving success in the United States.

Regular check-in sessions were provided even after the pre-departure program concluded, continuing until participants’ actual travel to the United States

03. 現地プログラム

10/20~11/7

Three weeks in the United States

Provided multiple pitch opportunities from the early stages of the program, creating an environment taht esily leads to network building and follow-up meetings

To showcase the diversity of industries and ecosystems across Texas, networking with state-level stakeholders was supported through initiatives such as a field trip to Dallas

01. Individual 1on1 mentoring

Mentors best suited to each company’s business provided hands-on support, offering individualized mentoring sessions of approximately one hour, twice per week. In addition, a flexible, hands-on support structure was in place to accommodate walk-in one-on-one consultations as needed.

02. Various sessions

Sessions provided focused on the essential skills required for U.S. expansion, including U.S. business practices, fundraising, brand strategy, legal matters, and negotiations.

03. Event

Immersed in direct-to-ecosystem events, including pitch opportunities aligned with Austin Tech Week and visits to off-site locations. These activities enabled participants to naturally gauge market dynamics in Texas while rapidly expanding their networks, business opportunities, and market insights.

※Schedule and content are based on the 2025 program. Please note this year may be different
※Unless otherwise specified, all programs will be conducted in English

Program Key Features

Beyond JAPAN Zero to X is a program designed to nurture entrepreneurs and leaders who will drive the next generation of innovation and contribute to Japan's growth strategy. This program provides personalized assistance and training specifically tailored to participants' grasp of startup phases and the North American business landscape. It aims to empower participants to take proactive steps and optimize their effectiveness.

Focus on specific business outcomes

This program enables participants to maximize their time efficiently, prioritizing business success and optimal outcomes. It focuses on independent tasks such as validating business ideas, crafting MVPs, and acquiring customers. Support and training are readily available as required to aid participants in their endeavors.

Support from Local Professionals

Local business professionals provide mentoring, training, workshops, networking, individual matching, and other business opportunities (Conducted in English). They also provide consultation (Conducted in Japanese and English) on issues and concerns unique to overseas expansion from Japan due to differences in business practices between Japan and the U.S.

Expenses for accommodation and the program fully covered

To make it easier for early-stage startup founders to participate, the Beyond Japan Program and the Japanese government fully subsidizes the entire program and accommodation during the US training period. The decision of these two categories have been decided by the Japanese government.

Features of Austin

Austin is a city of tech and music. In addition to precision machinery such as semiconductors, it has characteristics similar to the early days of Silicon Valley, with strong connections to the aerospace and military industries.