METI Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry of : "Japan Startup Selection" delegated to the world's leading innovation ecosystem under "HIYAKU Next Enterprise" program

The 'HIYAKU Next Enterprise' program is a part of the 'Silicon Valley-Japan Bridge Project' sublet by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). This program will send 55 SMEs with cutting-edge technologies and excellent ideas ('Japan Startup Selection') to the world's leading innovation ecosystems such as Silicon Valley in the United States.

1. 'Silicon Valley-Japan Bridge Project'

The 'Silicon Valley-Japan Bridge Project' was announced by Prime Minister Abe on April 30, 2015 during his visit to Silicon Valley. This project is intended to bridge the Japanese start-up ecosystem, start-ups and entrepreneurs with those in Silicon Valley. Through these programs, METI aims to continuously create innovations that are globally influential.

2. Contents of the program

Silicon Valley course: January 30, 2017 (Mon) - February 3, 2017 (Fri) Visits to innovation centers, local enterprises and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. New York course: February 6, 2017 (Mon) - February 10, 2017 (Fri) Visits to innovation centers, local enterprises and entrepreneurs in New York. Austin course: March 10, 2017 (Fri) - March 15, 2017 (Wed) Attending the world's biggest trade show. Singapore course: February 13, 2017 (Mon) - February 17, 2017 (Fri) Visits to innovation centers, local enterprises and entrepreneurs in Singapore.

3. List of participants

4. Selection Process

202 companies applied for the Silicon Valley-Japan Bridge Project. A committee comprised of METI, industry experts and organizing committee members have evaluated each application to select 55 companies based on technology, product characteristics and service superiority as well as compatibility with each course topic.

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Release date

January 5, 2017

Division in Charge

New Business Policy Office, Economic and Industrial Policy Bureau