Ripple has announced a new grant initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of Japan’s Web3 ecosystem, with a focus on projects building on the XRP Ledger.
The program, revealed in a June 9 blog post, is a collaboration with Web3 Salon—a networking platform backed by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan and supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
Ripple and @Web3Salon, supported by JETRO, are launching a new partnership for Japan-based Web3 startups: https://t.co/TfcOf62srY
Open to early-stage teams building on the XRP Ledger with a focus on DeFi, tokenization, and payments.
Learn how this program will fuel the next…
— RippleX (@RippleXDev) June 9, 2025
Through this initiative, Ripple will provide grants of up to $200,000 per selected project over the next year. The funding targets startups developing solutions in decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized real-world assets, and digital payments. This effort is part of Ripple’s broader Japan and Korea Fund, which aims to support innovation and adoption of blockchain technology in the region.
Ripple will oversee the selection process, evaluating applicants based on technical merit, growth potential, and alignment with its strategic goals. In addition to financial support, chosen startups will gain access to Ripple’s global network of partners, mentors, and technical experts.
Web3 Salon will play a key role by providing networking opportunities, workshops, and advisory sessions to help startups scale and navigate Japan’s regulatory landscape. The partnership will also host four community events between March 2026 and the end of the year, featuring startup pitches, investor meetings, panel discussions, and educational workshops on cross-border expansion and compliance.
Japan has emerged as a promising market for blockchain innovation thanks to clear crypto regulations and a strong pool of tech talent. However, local startups still face significant hurdles in scaling and accessing resources. By joining forces, Ripple and Web3 Salon aim to lower these barriers and foster a more supportive environment for Web3 entrepreneurs.
Notably, Ripple has expanded its operations in the UAE by onboarding Zand Bank and fintech firm Mamo to its blockchain-based cross-border payments platform. As confirmed in a May 19 press release, these partnerships reinforce Ripple’s broader strategy to deepen its presence across the Middle East.
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