Key Takeaways
- Ripple teams up with Web3 Salon and JETRO to support Japan-based XRP Ledger startups.
- Grants up to $200,000 will be awarded to early-stage DeFi, tokenization, and payments projects.
- Four major blockchain events are planned through March 2026 to fuel Japan’s Web3 ecosystem.
Ripple has launched a landmark initiative with Web3 Salon and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to support early-stage blockchain startups in Japan.
The partnership is aimed at driving innovation on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), specifically in decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized real-world assets (RWA), and payment infrastructure. This collaboration is supported by Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, a key player in regional blockchain growth.
At the core of this initiative is the company’s grant program that offers up to $200,000 for each project. Such grants will be disbursed in the coming year under the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund. It is part of Ripple’s larger 1 billion XRP pledge to stimulate developer activity on the XRPL.
Christina Chan, Senior Director of Developer Growth at RippleX, noted that projects chosen will get the strategic support component of financial assistance by linking them to Ripple’s worldwide partners and customer ecosystem.
Grant recipients will be awarded based on criteria such as scalability, innovation, and alignment with Ripple’s roadmap. Japan’s sophisticated regulatory environment, coupled with its deep tech talent, will significantly accelerate the adoption of blockchain use cases designed for practical implementation.
Startup Support System to Drive Ecosystem Maturity
Ripple provides the project with financial and strategic support, but Web3 Salon will take care of community engagement and founder support. Those are tailored mentorship programs, investor matchmaking, and guidance on how to navigate Japan’s regulatory frameworks.
Hinza Asif, president of the Asia Web3 Alliance in Japan, emphasizes that the partnership is not about innovation but integration so that startups can align with the country’s strict compliance landscape while staying relevant in the world.
Web3 Salon will also host educational sessions designed to equip founders with insights on market expansion, go-to-market strategies, and regulatory best practices.
The platform is designed to serve as a connector among policymakers in the public sector, business leaders, and developers. It is not just a funding initiative but rather a form of strategic infrastructure to further bolster Japan’s leadership in the Web3 space.
Ripple and Web3 Salon Plan Four Events Through 2026
Ripple and Web3 Salon will host four major events between now and March 2026. These are startup showcases, investor networking, and panels featuring international as well as local blockchain thought leaders. Events will highlight new and emerging projects while nurturing partnerships throughout various sectors.
Nevertheless, Ripple’s entry into Japan’s startup ecosystem is more than a market expression; it’s a long-term commitment to empowering builders of Web3 in Asia’s most vibrant technological hub.
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