Enterprises Participating in the HIYAKU Next Enterprise Program Determined

1. Determination of the enterprises to be dispatched

This program aims to encourage Japanese enterprises to further develop business internationally by selecting promising Japanese mid-ranking enterprises, SMEs and startups that are outstanding in their quality technologies and business ideas, and dispatching the enterprises overseas. In response to its call for applicants for the program, METI received a large number of applications from across Japan. An examination committee mainly consisting of external experts strictly examined the applicants under the criteria concerning quality technologies, advantages in products and services, affinity with the purposes of the respective project streams, and other factors. METI hereby announces that it finally determined 29 successful enterprises as participants in the program.

2. Details of the program

(1) Silicon Valley (the United States) Stream

Participating enterprises will hold presentations to leading industrial players in Silicon Valley, such as angel investors, venture capital firms and highly experienced accelerators, in addition to holding business matching and networking events with such players. Through these efforts, they will aim to gain knowledge and establish roots that may contribute to their business development in the area.

• Group A: From February 11 (Mon.) to 15 (Fri.), 2019
• Group B: From February 25 (Mon.) to March 1 (Fri.), 2019

(2) Bengaluru (India) Stream

Participating enterprises will learn about diversity in markets, SDGs and other social challenges, governmental policies and other issues in the country and will study India-oriented, global business development strategies that local startups, large Indian companies in the IT service industry and large western enterprises accelerating open innovation in India have been following.

• From February 4 (Mon.) to 7 (Thur.), 2019

Note: For details of the program, visit the following website:

• METI website for the HIYAKU Next Enterprise Program

3. Process for determining the participating enterprises

This program is part of the Project for a Bridge of Innovation between Silicon Valley and Japan. This project is based on Prime Minister Abe’s announcement of the inauguration of the project during his visit to Silicon Valley, the United States, on April 30, 2015. In response, METI has been running the program, taking advantage of resources in Silicon Valley including human resources, enterprises and opportunities and has been connecting entrepreneurs and leaders from enterprises in Japan to those in Silicon Valley. Through this effort, METI aims to establish a framework for the sustainable creation of world-class innovation in Japan.

4. List of the enterprises to be dispatched

See the Appendix.

Appendix

• List of the enterprises to be dispatched(PDF:206KB)

Division in Charge

Startup and New Business Promotion Office, Economic and Industrial Policy Bureau