Japan Southeast Asia Innovation Platform (JSIP), a membership-based community accelerating new business development in Southeast Asia, has officially established its Japanese entity, JSIP Co., Ltd., in Okinawa as of November 15, 2024 (Representative Director: Shinsuke Inoue). With this move, JSIP now operates both a Singapore and a Japan-based entity, aiming to further strengthen its activities and enhance its platform. 

■Background and Significance of the Japan Entity 

Founded in Singapore in 2021, JSIP has grown over the past three years into one of the largest Japan-origin open innovation communities in Southeast Asia. Its network includes over 30 evangelists, approximately 30 consortium member companies, and more than 30 local ecosystem partners, such as VCs, government agencies, and university incubators. 

JSIP has expanded its footprint to Jakarta, Bangkok, and Tokyo, hosting over 30 networking events annually centered around the JSIP Lounge. Through diverse programs such as the Southeast Asia Market Entry Support Project (Acceleration Program) and Reverse Pitch initiatives, JSIP has played a pivotal role as a social infrastructure linking innovation ecosystems between Japan and Southeast Asia. 

As demand and participation from both Japan and Southeast Asia continue to grow, the establishment of the Japan entity marks a significant milestone in JSIP’s efforts to provide broader and higher-quality support. 

■Why Okinawa? The Spirit of “Bankoku Shinryo” and JSIP’s Vision 

The decision to establish the Japan entity in Okinawa is rooted in the historical concept of “Bankoku Shinryo”, a term symbolizing Okinawa’s role as a bridge connecting nations during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. 

Okinawa has historically served as a hub linking Asia and Japan, reflecting JSIP’s mission to act as a bridge between Japan and Southeast Asia. This alignment of historical significance and vision led to the decision to base the Japan entity in Okinawa. 

■Vision for the Future – A Platform to Accelerate New Business in Southeast Asia 

JSIP will continue to evolve with the following key pillars: 

– Further expansion of local networks in Southeast Asia 
– Regular networking events in Japan 
– Enhanced support for regional Japanese startups entering Southeast Asia 
– Promotion of bi-directional ecosystem activation 

■Message to Companies, Municipalities, and Startups Seeking Collaboration 

We invite corporations looking to accelerate co-creation with Southeast Asian startups, municipalities aiming to enhance support for regional expansion, and startups seeking new opportunities, to join the JSIP platform. 

Additionally, we warmly welcome participation from local VCs and startups considering entry into the Japanese market. Together, through JSIP, we aim to further energize innovation exchanges between Japan and Southeast Asia. <img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/a5dd0b0f-6fff-4a9e-88d2-6784510f4b00/public" alt="Image" />

Foreign companies

Startups

Japan Southeast Asia Innovation Platform (JSIP), a membership-based community accelerating new business development in Southeast Asia, has officially established its Japanese entity, JSIP Co., Ltd., in Okinawa as of November 15, 2024 (Representative Director: Shinsuke Inoue). With this move, JSIP now operates both a Singapore and a Japan-based entity, aiming to further strengthen its activities and enhance its platform.  

■Background and Significance of the Japan Entity  

Founded in Singapore in 2021, JSIP has grown over the past three years into one of the largest Japan-origin open innovation communities in Southeast Asia. Its network includes over 30 evangelists, approximately 30 consortium member companies, and more than 30 local ecosystem partners, such as VCs, government agencies, and university incubators.  

JSIP has expanded its footprint to Jakarta, Bangkok, and Tokyo, hosting over 30 networking events annually centered around the JSIP Lounge. Through diverse programs such as the Southeast Asia Market Entry Support Project (Acceleration Program) and Reverse Pitch initiatives, JSIP has played a pivotal role as a social infrastructure linking innovation ecosystems between Japan and Southeast Asia.  

As demand and participation from both Japan and Southeast Asia continue to grow, the establishment of the Japan entity marks a significant milestone in JSIP’s efforts to provide broader and higher-quality support.  

■Why Okinawa? The Spirit of “Bankoku Shinryo” and JSIP’s Vision  

The decision to establish the Japan entity in Okinawa is rooted in the historical concept of “Bankoku Shinryo”, a term symbolizing Okinawa’s role as a bridge connecting nations during the Ryukyu Kingdom era.  

Okinawa has historically served as a hub linking Asia and Japan, reflecting JSIP’s mission to act as a bridge between Japan and Southeast Asia. This alignment of historical significance and vision led to the decision to base the Japan entity in Okinawa. 

■Vision for the Future – A Platform to Accelerate New Business in Southeast Asia  

JSIP will continue to evolve with the following key pillars:  

– Further expansion of local networks in Southeast Asia  
– Regular networking events in Japan  
– Enhanced support for regional Japanese startups entering Southeast Asia  
– Promotion of bi-directional ecosystem activation   

■Message to Companies, Municipalities, and Startups Seeking Collaboration  

We invite corporations looking to accelerate co-creation with Southeast Asian startups, municipalities aiming to enhance support for regional expansion, and startups seeking new opportunities, to join the JSIP platform.  

Additionally, we warmly welcome participation from local VCs and startups considering entry into the Japanese market. Together, through JSIP, we aim to further energize innovation exchanges between Japan and Southeast Asia.  

JSIP Establishes Japan Entity in Okinawa – Advancing as a Social Infrastructure of Innovation, connecting Japan and Southeast Asia

JSIP is a community platform for the launch and growth of new, Japanese business ventures in Southeast Asia. Centered in Singapore, it unites experts from Japan and the rest of the world to foster cross-industry collaboration, creating a solid foundation for rapid business expansion throughout the region.

The signing of this MOU is expected to further energize the startup ecosystem in Okinawa, marking a significant step towards extending the pioneer spirit of Okinawa to the rest of Asia and beyond.

Planning and organizing joint seminars: Co-hosting seminars for startups in the Asia region to introduce the latest trends in technology and business.

Mentoring by JSIP: JSIP will provide mentoring to OIST-based startups to help them address their challenges.

Joint branding and marketing: Leveraging both parties' networks and resources to support startup branding and marketing.

Other related matters: Implementing various measures to accelerate startup growth through industry-academia collaboration.

• Gil Granot-Mayer, OIST Executive Vice President for Technology Development and Innovation: " The signing of this MOU is a crucial step towards accelerating the growth and innovation of startups in Asia, while unlocking the potential of Okinawa. This collaboration will further strengthen Okinawa’s startup ecosystem, significantly contributing to the region's economic development. OIST aims to become a hub for innovation, fostering a startup ecosystem rooted in Okinawa and expanding throughout Asia."

• Takaki Nakamura, Founder of JSIP's management team: "We are honored to partner with OIST, a cutting-edge academic and research institution that attracts top global talent. This collaboration will serve as a foundation for bridging the startup ecosystems of Southeast Asia and Okinawa, fostering new innovations and embodying JSIP's vision of building 'innovation infrastructure' that connects Japan and Southeast Asia. Our team is excited about the upcoming collaboration."

Building a bridge between the startup ecosystems of Asia and Okinawa to foster innovation.

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and the Japan Southeast Asia Innovation Platform (JSIP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at supporting startup communities in Okinawa and Asia. Through this partnership, they seek to strengthen the startup ecosystem and accelerate innovation in Okinawa and across Asia. The collaboration will involve co-organized seminars, mentoring OIST-based startups by JSIP, joint branding and marketing efforts, and supporting startup growth through industry-academia collaboration.

 <img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/8d5be6c5-09f4-482e-c74a-5df643ac6b00/public" alt="Image" />JSIP is a community platform for the launch and growth of new, Japanese business ventures in Southeast Asia. Centered in Singapore, it unites experts from Japan and the rest of the world to foster cross-industry collaboration, creating a solid foundation for rapid business expansion throughout the region.The signing of this MOU is expected to further energize the startup ecosystem in Okinawa, marking a significant step towards extending the pioneer spirit of Okinawa to the rest of Asia and beyond.【Goals of the MOU】Planning and organizing joint seminars: Co-hosting seminars for startups in the Asia region to introduce the latest trends in technology and business.Mentoring by JSIP: JSIP will provide mentoring to OIST-based startups to help them address their challenges.Joint branding and marketing: Leveraging both parties' networks and resources to support startup branding and marketing.Other related matters: Implementing various measures to accelerate startup growth through industry-academia collaboration.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/46ff3fa5-5b3c-4f19-56c3-3bae34dcbc00/public" alt="Image" />【Comments】• Gil Granot-Mayer, OIST Executive Vice President for Technology Development and Innovation: " The signing of this MOU is a crucial step towards accelerating the growth and innovation of startups in Asia, while unlocking the potential of Okinawa. This collaboration will further strengthen Okinawa’s startup ecosystem, significantly contributing to the region's economic development. OIST aims to become a hub for innovation, fostering a startup ecosystem rooted in Okinawa and expanding throughout Asia."• Takaki Nakamura, Founder of JSIP's management team: "We are honored to partner with OIST, a cutting-edge academic and research institution that attracts top global talent. This collaboration will serve as a foundation for bridging the startup ecosystems of Southeast Asia and Okinawa, fostering new innovations and embodying JSIP's vision of building 'innovation infrastructure' that connects Japan and Southeast Asia. Our team is excited about the upcoming collaboration."

Building a bridge between the startup ecosystems of Asia and Okinawa to foster innovation.

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and the Japan Southeast Asia Innovation Platform (JSIP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at supporting startup communities in Okinawa and Asia. Through this partnership, they seek to strengthen the startup ecosystem and accelerate innovation in Okinawa and across Asia. The collaboration will involve co-organized seminars, mentoring OIST-based startups by JSIP, joint branding and marketing efforts, and supporting startup growth through industry-academia collaboration.



JSIP and OIST sign MOU to support startups in Asia

 Japan Southeast Asia Innovation Platform (JSIP) is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. (Headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Kiyoyuki Tsuchimoto, hereinafter referred to as "Heiwa Real Estate"). This partnership is aimed at fostering growth opportunities and promoting innovation among startups in Southeast Asia and Japan. Furthermore, Heiwa Real Estate will be joining JSIP as a consortium company, marking a significant step in our journey towards facilitating global startup success and innovation.

 Since its inception, Heiwa Real Estate has been instrumental in nurturing startups through its serviced office 'FinGATE,' located in the Nihonbashi Kabutocho Kayabacho area, with a focus on emerging asset management companies and fintechs. To date, FinGATE has supported approximately 90 startup companies, demonstrating Heiwa Real Estate's commitment to the startup ecosystem.

 In this partnership, JSIP and Heiwa Real Estate will combine their networks and expertise to promote information exchange, networking, and the dissemination of knowledge. Our goal is to create unparalleled growth opportunities for startups, expand the startup market, and through innovation, address societal challenges and contribute to social development.

 A notable initiative under this collaboration is the planning of a pitch event scheduled for this November. This event aims to connect venture capital from Singapore with Japanese startups and will be held in conjunction with the world's largest fintech event, the 'Singapore Fintech Festival,' in Singapore. This marks a pivotal moment for both JSIP and Heiwa Real Estate in our efforts to bridge the gap between Southeast Asian and Japanese startups and the global market. 

◾️Background Leading to the MOU with Heiwa Real Estate

We are thrilled to forge a strategic alliance with Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. in a venture that will energize and internationalize the startup ecosystem. This collaboration is rooted in the broader Nihonbashi Kabutocho &amp; Kayabacho Revitalization Project. Heiwa Real Estate has been instrumental since 2017 with their initiative "FinGATE" – a dedicated service office fostering the growth of independent asset management companies and fintech startups.

Under the guidance of Heiwa Real Estate, "FinGATE" has become a nurturing haven for approximately 90 entities. This vibrant community includes both domestic and global asset management firms, fintech pioneers, and a host of pivotal financial and supportive organizations. Heiwa Real Estate has built a robust infrastructure offering office spaces, event venues, and exclusive networks such as the FinGATE CLUB. Their extensive support encompasses organizing educational seminars, networking events, and providing essential back-office services, all tailored to the startups' development stages.

We are eager to collaborate with Heiwa Real Estate, leveraging our vast network and incubation know-how to enhance the international reach of homegrown startups, attract international startup companies, and cultivate a global community within "FinGATE". This partnership is in perfect harmony with our mission to bolster startup ecosystems and enhances our combined ability to drive innovation and economic vitality on a worldwide stage.

◾️Comment from Akika Hamakawa, Deputy General Manager, Office Building Development Department

Since we began the development of "FinGATE" in 2017, we have been working to ensure that the Nihonbashi Kabutocho and Kayabacho area can play its part in making Tokyo an international financial city. It is a great honor and an exciting opportunity to collaborate with JSIP, which has a network with startup stakeholders in Southeast Asia.

◾️Comment from Takaki Nakamura, JSIP Founding Member

Since the launch of JSIP in 2021, we have felt the increasing daily need for cross-border business expansion between Japan and Southeast Asia. We are very pleased that the foundation for further boosting startups in Japan and Southeast Asia through cooperation between Heiwa Real Estate and JSIP will be strengthened. Furthermore, by combining our networks, we will further support the growth of startups in both Japan and Southeast Asia.

Japan Southeast Asia Innovation Platform (JSIP) is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. (Headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Kiyoyuki Tsuchimoto, hereinafter referred to as "Heiwa Real Estate"). This partnership is aimed at fostering growth opportunities and promoting innovation among startups in Southeast Asia and Japan. Furthermore, Heiwa Real Estate will be joining JSIP as a consortium company, marking a significant step in our journey towards facilitating global startup success and innovation. Since its inception, Heiwa Real Estate has been instrumental in nurturing startups through its serviced office 'FinGATE,' located in the Nihonbashi Kabutocho Kayabacho area, with a focus on emerging asset management companies and fintechs. To date, FinGATE has supported approximately 90 startup companies, demonstrating Heiwa Real Estate's commitment to the startup ecosystem. In this partnership, JSIP and Heiwa Real Estate will combine their networks and expertise to promote information exchange, networking, and the dissemination of knowledge. Our goal is to create unparalleled growth opportunities for startups, expand the startup market, and through innovation, address societal challenges and contribute to social development. A notable initiative under this collaboration is the planning of a pitch event scheduled for this November. This event aims to connect venture capital from Singapore with Japanese startups and will be held in conjunction with the world's largest fintech event, the 'Singapore Fintech Festival,' in Singapore. This marks a pivotal moment for both JSIP and Heiwa Real Estate in our efforts to bridge the gap between Southeast Asian and Japanese startups and the global market. <img style="width: 100%;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/87c9e717e73acf437942291b43b17dde162afcb63d2fcaf88c72194d2d7ad948/image.png" alt="[Ms Akika Hamakawa on the left and Mr Takaki Nakamura on the right]" />◾️Background Leading to the MOU with Heiwa Real EstateWe are thrilled to forge a strategic alliance with Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd. in a venture that will energize and internationalize the startup ecosystem. This collaboration is rooted in the broader Nihonbashi Kabutocho &amp; Kayabacho Revitalization Project. Heiwa Real Estate has been instrumental since 2017 with their initiative "FinGATE" – a dedicated service office fostering the growth of independent asset management companies and fintech startups.Under the guidance of Heiwa Real Estate, "FinGATE" has become a nurturing haven for approximately 90 entities. This vibrant community includes both domestic and global asset management firms, fintech pioneers, and a host of pivotal financial and supportive organizations. Heiwa Real Estate has built a robust infrastructure offering office spaces, event venues, and exclusive networks such as the FinGATE CLUB. Their extensive support encompasses organizing educational seminars, networking events, and providing essential back-office services, all tailored to the startups' development stages.We are eager to collaborate with Heiwa Real Estate, leveraging our vast network and incubation know-how to enhance the international reach of homegrown startups, attract international startup companies, and cultivate a global community within "FinGATE". This partnership is in perfect harmony with our mission to bolster startup ecosystems and enhances our combined ability to drive innovation and economic vitality on a worldwide stage.◾️Comment from Akika Hamakawa, Deputy General Manager, Office Building Development DepartmentSince we began the development of "FinGATE" in 2017, we have been working to ensure that the Nihonbashi Kabutocho and Kayabacho area can play its part in making Tokyo an international financial city. It is a great honor and an exciting opportunity to collaborate with JSIP, which has a network with startup stakeholders in Southeast Asia.◾️Comment from Takaki Nakamura, JSIP Founding MemberSince the launch of JSIP in 2021, we have felt the increasing daily need for cross-border business expansion between Japan and Southeast Asia. We are very pleased that the foundation for further boosting startups in Japan and Southeast Asia through cooperation between Heiwa Real Estate and JSIP will be strengthened. Furthermore, by combining our networks, we will further support the growth of startups in both Japan and Southeast Asia.