Ripple, a leading blockchain company, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to support Japanese startups building on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). The company plans to offer grants totaling up to $200,000 to early-stage companies in Japan working on innovative XRPL-based solutions.
The initiative, unveiled on June 9, is part of Ripple’s larger strategy to foster blockchain innovation in Japan. In collaboration with Web3 Salon, a program supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Ripple will provide financial backing while Web3 Salon will offer guidance to help startups scale and succeed.
The grants are specifically aimed at startups focusing on areas such as DeFi, tokenized real-world assets (RWA), and digital payments. Ripple will select recipients based on their growth potential, technical expertise, and alignment with the company’s strategic goals. In addition to funding, selected startups will gain access to Ripple’s extensive global network of partners, experts, and customers.
Furthermore, Ripple and Web3 Salon will join forces to organize four major community events through March 2026. These events will showcase promising startups, discuss evolving policy trends, and facilitate connections between founders, regulators, and industry leaders. Activities will include startup pitch competitions, panel discussions, investor networking sessions, and educational workshops.
Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Ripple, stating, “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.”
These initiatives underscore Ripple’s commitment to expanding the XRPL developer community and enhancing the quality of projects on the blockchain network. Despite some criticisms, Ripple’s CTO, David Schwartz, has emphasized the company’s focus on enabling the ledger to play a central role in delivering core financial solutions in the future.
Recent developments on the XRPL have highlighted the network’s potential, with the Dubai Land Department leveraging the ledger for real estate tokenization efforts. Additionally, new stablecoin products have been introduced to drive increased user engagement and further fuel the blockchain’s growth.
In conclusion, Ripple’s grant program and partnership with Web3 Salon signal a significant step towards fostering blockchain innovation in Japan and propelling the XRPL ecosystem forward. With a focus on supporting early-stage startups and facilitating industry collaboration, these initiatives are poised to drive meaningful advancements in the blockchain space.