Livable City Ranking 2020

For the world’s best cities to live in 2020, Fukuoka City ranked 34th after Los Angeles among world-famous cities based on not only economic strength but also from the Government initiative for the...

University Collaboration between Fukuoka and Estonia!

Fukuoka’s very own Japan University of Economics has signed an Agreement on international exchange programs with Estonian Business School! The Japan University of Economics (https://jue.ac.jp/en/) ...

Slush Online showcase for Fukuoka City & Startups

Slush opened online showcase on their official website to introduce Fukuoka Startups and Fukuoka City. It is also sharing with +70,000 tech fans of Slush community. Check this now!! https://www.slu...

Lessons from Fukuoka

GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NETWORK (GEN) featuring Fukuoka City Japan!! If you look thorough it, you will get to understand how Fukuoka City become a leading Startup City. https://www.genglobal.org/ja...

Startup Online Event
”ASCENSION2020”!!

We would like to announce that registration (free) of “ASCENSION2020” program on November 27th (Fri) is starting now, so please feel free to register! ️ Click here for the registration: https://asc...

Article written on Fukuoka's ecosystem

Startup Guide Japan (The Entrepreneur’s Handbook) has been published!!

Participation in Slush 5 years in a row!!

One of the world's largest startup event "Slush" which is held every year in Helsinki (Finland), where Fukuoka City concluded MoU with, carefully select participants this year and launched a commun...

Webinar with Bordeaux Technowest!!

Fukuoka City held a webinar with a MoU partner Bordeaux Technowest for French startups who are interested in expanding business in Japan. At the webinar, in addition to introducing Fukuoka City's i...

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to Fukuoka Award winner “PowerUP Fuel Cells” and Estonian Award winner “ON-GRIT ENGINEERING”. Great pitch at Fukuoka event in Latitude59!!

Presentation by Mayor Takashima

Fukuoka City’s very own Mayor Takashima gave an online presentation at the startup event Latitutde59 in Estonia! Mayor Takashima spoke about: ・the appeal of Fukuoka City ・examples of successful col...

Entrepreneur from Bordeaux where is a MoU concluded City of Fukuoka City!!

Awabar in Fukuoka Growth Next (An old elementary school which is renovated to an incubation facility) introduced a Digital menu called “Digito menu” by an entrepreneur from Bordeaux!! (Fukuoka Cit...

Did you catch Fukuoka’s mention in the August 6th Monocle Minute?

(In the Society topic) See what they said (hint: it’s good!) here: https://monocle.com/minute/2020/08/06/

”Beyond Coronavirus” PoC project selected startup just begin their PoC experiment!!

Two Startups from Japan and Taiwan which attended to “Beyond Coronavirus” Ceremony on July started their PoC experiment in Fukuoka City filed. 1. Timee, Inc. 【Service】Food delivery efficiency 【PoC ...

Foreign CEO startup from Fukuoka City collaborate with the local bank!!

The CMS (contents management system) owned by the startup called "Qurate" which is established by a foreign CEO in Fukuoka City (certified as “The 2016 Fukuoka City Excellent Trial Product Certific...

Fukuoka City Global Startup Partner information!! –NIA Thailand

National Innovation Agency (hereafter, NIA) NIA annual event Startup Thailand 2020 will be held online as well and this year it will be held with another event called Innovation Thailand Expo 2020 ...

Fukuoka City was selected as one of the National Cabinet Startup initiatives!!

Fukuoka City was selected as one of the Global Hub for startup eco-system strategy by National Cabinet. This initiative is called “Beyond Limits. Unlock Our Potential.” Fukuoka City is one of the ...

New requirements relaxation for Startup Visa

In order to promote company establishment for foreign entrepreneurs, "Startup Visa" system that allows the provision of capital for 6 months in Fukuoka City. When Startup Visa holder updating his/h...

Startup from Taipei is adapted to PoC project in Fukuoka City

Fukuoka City Government selected companies who have a specific solution for PoC Project in terms of COVID-19 related situation. On July 1st from 16:35 to 17:35, City organize an online Ceremony for...

We have launched the “Startup City Fukuoka” official account in LinkedIn!!

Please follow us!! https://www.linkedin.com/company/startupcityfukuoka #startupcityfukuoka #startup #Japan #startupJapan

Six Nordic countries Startup related information will be deliver to Japan!!

Copenhagen is interested in Fukuoka City among Japan in term of our Startup initiatives and they send delegation to Fukuoka City in this past two years. We would like to announce that “Innovation ...

Estonian startup products supported by Fukuoka City are now available in the popular stores in Roppongi, Tokyo!!

Fukuoka City has MoU partnership with Estonia 🇪🇪 and this time, Estonian startup called GReat OÜ ’s product “reed straw” is now sold at stores in Tokyo with the support from Fukuoka City! ! Fukuoka...

ROBBO has been registered to one of the “METI EdTech Subsidy Project”!!

Fukuoka City concluded MoU with JSC Technopark in St. Petersburg, Russia 🇷🇺 in terms of Startup support. And congratulations to stratup called ROBBO (https://www.robbo.world/) from Technopark 🇷🇺 an...

Fukuoka City Global Startup Partner information!! -Auckland

New Zealand 🇳🇿has been selected as No.1 for “Doing Business 2020” by the World Bank. Auckland which is the biggest city in New Zealand has a partnership with Fukuoka City. Under this COVID-19 circu...

Fukuoka City population reach to 1.6 Million recently!!

Compare to other cities in the world, our population is similar Barcelona which is the second largest city in Spain 🇪🇸, or Montreal which is the second largest city in Canada 🇨🇦. (Although surprisi...

Did you know that Fukuoka City is one of Japan's most youthful cities?!

Did you know that Fukuoka City is one of Japan's most youthful cities?! With so many young people living in this city, it only makes sense that students should get the chance to intern at startups....

Startup collaboration with Fukuoka City

Steampunk Digital (https://steampunk.digital/en/main) is a startup company from Canada which established a company in Fukuoka City and designated as “Startup Corporate Tax Reduction” by Fukuoka Cit...

Fukuoka City selects and supports the demonstration of exceptional initiatives as part of a project called the "Fukuoka City Demonstration and Experimental Full Support Project". Its aim is to reso...

Our startups are working hard, especially now during this global crisis! Fukuoka is home to startups specializing in technologies that are particularly critical in today's world, including learn-fr...

Fukuoka’s Startup Visa exists to help pave the way for startup founders and make it simpler for them to launch companies in our area. We’ve been proud to see so many bright entrepreneurs choose to ...

We’re happy to share that Suckõrs’ plant reed straws passed all import checks and are now available for purchase at Coffee stand seed village in Fukuoka! The two companies formed a business allianc...

Learn more about Fukuoka’s connections to Israel or the “Silicon Valley of the Middle East,” as it’s often called in our latest journal article. https://startup.fukuoka.jp/journal/new-connections-w...

From January 7 – 10th, 2020, technology enthusiasts from around the world converged on CES in Las Vegas to learn about the latest innovations and cutting-edge projects. The Fukuoka Smart East (FSE)...

On February 17, Fukuoka City received a delegation from Copenhagen, Denmark. The delegation was comprised of startup support agencies, organizations, and investors from the Copenhagen area. They ca...

On January 30th, several Fukuoka-based startups from the Global Challenge participated in a pitch night in San Francisco. The Global Challenge is an international program hosted by Fukuoka city tha...

Learn how we are creating strong ties between Fukuoka city and Rwanda’s business community. https://startup.fukuoka.jp/journal/fukuoka-city-rwanda

Since September 2019, entrepreneurs from Fukuoka city have taken part in the fourth annual Global Challenge. This international program focuses on mentoring entrepreneurs and helping them to form n...

On January 16th, Fukuoka City hosted an event on the topic, Israel, the innovation powerhouse – also known as the ‘Silicon Valley of the Middle East.’ This was the first event following Fukuoka Cit...

Have you heard the buzz that 5G is coming to Fukuoka? Fukuoka city recently hosted a launch event to show how companies can leverage the new network. During the event, the mayor announced the Fukuo...

To learn more about the Fukuoka Smart East team's trip to visit Kalasatama, Helsinki's growing smart city, please read our latest article. You'll also find details on our upcoming trip to CES in La...

During the WARAKU Summit in October, our Global Startup Center facilitated several successful business matching meetings between local and global startups as well as international support organizat...

As you may know, this November our team and several of Fukuoka’s startups had the privilege of exhibiting at SLUSH in Helsinki for the fourth year in a row. We were joined by Qurate, WELMO, NewroCa...

WARAKU Summit If you heard about the WARAKU Summit but weren’t able to attend, you can learn all about what happened in our latest article. https://startup.fukuoka.jp/journal/inside-fukuoka-s-warak...

🇮🇱Concluded MoU with The National Technological Innovation Authority of The State of Israel🇮🇱 Fukuoka City concluded Memorandum of Understanding with The National Technological Innovation Authorit...

Startup Team Fukuoka attended at Meet Taipei (https://eng.meettaipei.tw) on 11/14 - 11/16. We were joined by some of Fukuoka's outstanding startups including SETE MARES (https://kinchaku.com/en/), ...

If you want more information on Fukuoka’s startup scene, but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide is for you. https://startup.fukuoka.jp/journal/touring-fukuoka-s-startup-websites

Testing e-scooters in Fukuoka Did you know that Fukuoka Smart East tested e-scooters a few weeks ago? Learn more about the project and the potential future of e-scooters in our smart city.https://e...

In this month’s article, we explore how Fukuoka is focused on being an engineer-friendly city. Click the link below to learn more about how the city is attracting engineers from around the world to...

Fukuoka Smart East is building pathways to help our city’s elderly residents access the medical support they need. Learn more here https://en.smartcity.fukuoka.jp/news/accessible-care-for-elderly-p...

We had a pitch event of Italian startups on August 28th at Fukuoka Growth Next! 7 Italian startups came to Fukuoka as a part of the acceleration program of Italian government. After pitching, we ha...

Interested in establishing a startup in Fukuoka? The Global Startup Center is here to assist! Learn more about their team, their mission, and more about the international startups they’ve helped la...

Get Involved with Fukuoka Smart East! Fukuoka Smart East’s PoC Program gives innovators a chance to showcase their projects for consideration by the smart city team. If you have developed a service...

The Engineer Café is Open! On August 21st, the Engineer Café opened for business. This space is available for engineers from public and private sectors to meet, work, and attend informative events...

With the recent revitalization of Fukuoka's startup hub, Fukuoka Growth Next, there are even more reasons to stop by and visit. Learn about the exciting changes in our latest journal article. https...

We're at Startup Thailand with TrueBizon, Global NeXT, anect, chaintope, Wanders, Queq, and Qurate! Excited to see so many enthusiastic attendees. If you are here, come to the Japan Pavillion Booth...

Have you heard about Fukuoka Smart East yet? If not, get ready! The Smart East team is taking innovation to the next level by creating a smart city right in the heart of Fukuoka. By bringing local ...

You can now schedule a free business consultation with Fukuoka’s Global Startup Center through LINE! Please add “FukuokaGSC” on LINE or scan the QR code below and send us a message. Our Global St...

This May marked the first anniversary of our MoU with St. Petersburg, which was a great reason to celebrate! Our team also visited the fantastic Latitude59 event in Estonia, making it a very produc...

Fukuoka has launched a new 'Engineer Friendly City' initiative to attract even more top talent to the region. Find out more about this exciting initiative and how you can get involved here: https:/...

Why wait in line when an app can do it for you? The QueQ team opened a Fukuoka branch using the new Startup Visa in April and are already well on their way to a local launch!

Congratulations to Fukuoka Award winners, Gelatex. Great pitch at Latitude59!

Take a look at this BBC article about our startup community!

Local startups are preparing to head to Russia & Estonia for some exciting events. Read on to learn about the trip and the pitch contest winners, Team AIBOD, who received a prize package that i...

Congratulations to Clever DATA, the winner of yesterday's Russian Startup Pitch Battle!

The Startup Visa program just got even better for global entrepreneurs interested in creating a business in Fukuoka. Check out this article to learn more! - Alexa

Did you read the recent Forbes article about our startup community? Let us know what you think!

After hearing Anton speak at a recent startup event, I was excited to interview him and his business partner Junn about Junno Designs. They’re creating truly unique products and breathing new life ...

Did you know that Startup Cafe hosts free advising sessions every Thursday night? Talk to lawyers about incorporation, contracts, and more! Be sure to reserve your spot (and let them know if you ne...

Event Recap: Saint Petersburg Technopark & Startup City Fukuoka On February 1st, Startup Cafe hosted a seminar for Fukuoka enterprises interested in developing businesses in Russia. This valua...

Did you know that Fukuoka's startup ecosystem is attracting the attention of researchers from world-class universities? I was lucky enough to interview a researcher from Oxford University - find ou...

While in Fukuoka, a group from the ISPIM conference came to Growth Next to tour the building and learn what our startup community is all about. Read more about their visit in my latest article. - A...

I was amazed by how light and portable these bikes are while still being powerful enough to ride on the roads here in Japan. Check out my latest article and see what Stigo bikes are all about. - Alexa

Speaking with members of Barcelona Activa and the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research gave me the chance to learn more about these exciting connections. I'm pleased to share more details on the...

I had a great time at the WARAKU SUMMIT last month! Get all of the details in my latest article. - Alexa

In my latest journal article, you can learn about the new MoU between Fukuoka city and the Thai National Innovation Agency as well as the WARAKU SUMMIT happening this September. - Alexa

Startup Team Fukuoka has been traveling to create new connections. See how these trips will benefit our startups as well as support global startups who are interested in coming to Fukuoka in my lat...

Recently, I was lucky enough to catch one of the Coffee Pixels co-founders while he was visiting from Latvia. I learned a lot about coffee, the future of the industry, and how much the GSC supports...

Did you know that Latitude59 starts today? It's an incredible startup event held in Estonia each year, and many members of our startup community are there right now! Check out my interview with the...

A full year has gone by at growth next! I remember the first time I walked in and fell in love with the unique startup space. Read my latest article to see what the first anniversary was like and h...

Tom from Qurate talks about their plans for digital content transformation.

Ikkai provides companies with crowdsourcing opportunities while allowing its users to build a well-rounded portfolio.

Watch our interview with Golface as they talk about bringing golfing into the 21st Century.

Doreiming is a startup with its sights set on increasing financial inclusion around the globe.

Today's interview is with the founder of YAMAP. They are working to make the connection between the great outdoors and a love for digital apps.

Do you feel lucky? Check out our interview with Good Luck 3 and find out more about their exciting future plans.

During the month of March we'll be sharing profiles and videos that give you a look at what Fukuoka's startups are working on right now! We recently sat down with nulab's founder who had some trul...

That's right - even more Slush-bound founders! Here are 3 more startups you'll see at Slush Helsinki in just a few days! http://startup.fukuoka.jp/founders

Want more details on the startups going to Slush? We've got them! Check out the new interviews we've posted today (get ready, there's another set coming soon). - Alexa

It's time once again for Slush Helsinki! Get the scoop on which Fukuoka-based startups will be there in our latest article. - Alexa

I recently interviewed Steven Liew, the founder of Fukuoka-based private investment and advisory firm Cosmic Cafe. His eloquence when talking about startup support and his passion for living in Fuk...

I'm excited to update you on another amazing MoU! This time, we are working with ACE Singapore. Read the article to find out more about all of the great benefits this partnership will bring to star...

Thanks so much to all of our incredible startup mentors for sharing your wisdom! We have two more interviews posted on the site - check out what helpful advice they have for current and future star...

We have two more mentor profiles posted! Check out the tips from our helpful advisors. - Alexa

[We had an event for selection of startups for Fukuoka event at SLUSH!] [The winner is GoodLuck3!] [Groovenauts and Qurate are also qualified to participate!] SLUSH is one of the biggest startup e...

Septemeber is Mentor Month! Startup founders often need guidance and advice, but who should they turn to for help? Luckily, we have an amazing group of mentors ready to share details on everything...

MoUs give startups in both locations a clear path to create, develop, and share their ideas internationally. I'm excited to see what incredible innovations come from this partnership with the Auckl...

One of our Startup Team Fukuoka, Ikkai raises funding! Ikkai is an online platform where individuals and companies can outsource small jobs and tasks to students. See the article:

If you're considering founding a startup in Fukuoka, this is a must-read.

Find out about the Fukuoka Award and how it's helping to shape the future of coffee.

Did you know that Fukuoka and Bordeaux have teamed up to give even more global support to their startup communities? Find out about this exciting partnership and the World Drone Startup Meet Festiv...

Find out why growth next is one of Fukuoka's coolest places to work.

Fukuoka City designated Sky Disk Co., Ltd. as the first issue of startup corporate tax reduction. Fukuoka City has designated Sky Disk Co., Ltd. on May 16 (Tue) as the first issue of "startup corp...

Ian Liao, founder of Golface, is on a mission to revolutionize the golf industry with his company's innovative app. Learn why he chose to found Golface in Fukuoka City over the other startup cities...

Fukuoka City has signed an MOU on startup support with Bordeaux Métropole, Fukuoka D.C. and Bordeaux Technowest. With this MOU signing - the collaboration both Fukuoka and Bordeaux - startup suppor...

We’re the startup city (no really – it’s official)! Fukuoka has been designated as a National Strategic Special Zone, creating a much simpler pathway for startups to bring their businesses to the c...

Worried about getting a visa to live and work in Japan? With our special designation, getting a visa in Fukuoka is now simpler than ever! The six-month Startup Visa will give you the opportunity to...

Looking for funding? You’re in the right place! The city provides loans for entrepreneurs who have established a business in Fukuoka during the past two years. After a screening process to see if y...

If you love to network, then the Startup Café is about to be your new favorite place. The Café hosts seminars that are important to the city’s startups, and gives you the chance to meet and exchang...

Finding the best office space is critical for startups. That’s why Fukuoka city staff members are available to help you find the right office space and living space to suit your needs. If you have ...

We know money matters, and luckily Fukuoka is an affordable place to live! The city’s economy is booming and it’s the fastest growing city in Japan. Even as it grows, the costs associated with livi...

Starting a new business requires planning. Visit the Startup Café where our English-speaking concierge staff can introduce you to experts that will help you build your company. They can connect you...

Love doing business on a global scale? It’s easy to interact with other companies and investors in key cities because Fukuoka is located right in the heart of East Asia. Many major domestic and int...

Looking to find incredible employees or exceptional interns? The city gives you access to top talent with its numerous excellent R&D centers and leading universities. In fact, Fukuoka has the 2...

An overwhelming majority of people just love it here! 96% of people surveyed think it’s a pleasant place to live. It was even rated the top most livable city in Japan.

Our startup community can’t be beat! With CEOs, founders, and professionals all living and working in the city, there are incredible opportunities to make connections and network each week. Check o...

Like a little friendly competition? Fukuoka City holds a yearly Business Plan Contest, and contest winners may be eligible for the Set Up Subsidy with a maximum prize of 1million yen.

Finding exceptional local human resources staff can be a huge help to starting your company. The Startup Café has English-speaking concierge staff that can help match you with HR staff members and ...

Fukuoka supports its new businesses. Any startup that was founded in the last five years might be eligible to receive specific subsidies. These subsidies depend on the number of employees you have ...

We’re one of the most livable cities in the entire world. Monocle rated Fukuoka the world’s 7th most livable city in 2016!

We’re the startup city (no really – it’s official)! Fukuoka has been designated as a National Strategic Special Zone, creating a much simpler pathway for startups to bring their businesses to the c...

Looking for funding? You’re in the right place! The city provides loans for entrepreneurs who have established a business in Fukuoka during the past two years. After a screening process to see if y...