Introducing Latitude59, an Estonian startup event!
Latitude59 is a startup event held since 2012 in Estonia, a country with a small population of approximately 1.3 million yet with the highest number of startups per capita in Europe and considered a frontrunner in terms of Digital Government. This year, under the theme of "Purpose & Inclusion," 2,800 participants including startups and investors from 58 countries came together for pitches, panel discussions, and more. Since 2016, Fukuoka City has been the only Japanese exhibitor and the only municipal exhibitor at Latitude59, and this was the first onsite participation in two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Introducing Fukuoka City's support services for startups!
Fukuoka City established the popular Startup Cafe to help local entrepreneurs get their companies up and running. This space acts as a hub for entrepreneurs to meet and exchange ideas while getting advice from the Cafe’s expert staff. The Startup Cafe has always been a great way for both local and foreign entrepreneurs to get the help they need, but the city thought that the growing community could use more tailored resources.
Global Challenge! Startup Team Fukuoka 2021
"Global Challenge! STARTUP TEAM FUKUOKA" is a globally-oriented entrepreneurship development program by Fukuoka City for entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs in the city. It aims to promote the growth of startups, business realization, and networking with the overseas ecosystem through training and exchange programs.
ASCENSION2021 continues in Fukuoka City!
At the ASCENSION 2021, an international business matching event held in Fukuoka City, we held an online pitch event by startups with which Fukuoka City has overseas partnerships, and the second online talk session between Fukuoka City Mayor Soichiro Takashima and globally active entrepreneurs.
ASCENSION2021
Fukuoka City has been holding ASCENSION, a global event to expand Fukuoka as a startup city to the world. This year, the mayor of Fukuoka City and guests are having a passionate discussion about the theme of "Challenge"!
Techstars and other top accelerators will be running an acceleration program!
In July 2020, the Japanese government selected "Global Hub Cities" as the base cities for creating globally competitive startup cities. While the selected consortiums were formed by multiple local governments, the Fukuoka Startup Consortium was the only one selected by a single local government (Fukuoka City alone).
Fukuoka City x Auckland City – 4th Anniversary
Thirty years after becoming sister cities, the mayor of Fukuoka City proposed to the mayor of Auckland City to collaborate on startups, and in July 2017, the two cities signed a MoU on startups, which celebrated its 4th anniversary this month. We asked the city of Auckland, which is not only a sister city but also a mutual collaborator in terms of startup support, to tell us about the city's attractions, so please take a look.
Japanese government supports startup ecosystems in Fukuoka!
On July 14, 2020, the Fukuoka Startup Consortium was selected as one of the four Global Hub Cities (hereinafter referred to as "Hub Cities") among a large number of candidates.
Matchup Fukuoka 2.0 has launched!
After visiting Seattle in 2011, Fukuoka City declared itself "Startup City Fukuoka" in 2012, and has been implementing various initiatives to support startups with the aim of creating a city where anyone who wants to take on a challenge can do so easily.
Support for existing and future startups in Fukuoka
Introducing Fukuoka City's initiatives for overseas startups, Support for existing and future startups in Fukuoka.
Fukuoka City's founding support for foreign entrepreneurs
we would like to introduce to our readers what kind of startup support is currently being implemented for foreign entrepreneurs in Fukuoka City, which is attracting attention as an attractive city from the country.
Fukuoka Hosts Hybrid Pitch Event at Latitude59
For years now, Fukuoka has been an active member of the global startup community. While travel is not advisable at the moment, that hasn’t lessened our commitment to this community.
Fukuoka City Launches Beyond Coronavirus PoC
Fukuoka City has chosen seven outstanding companies to participate in our Beyond Coronavirus Demonstration Experiment project.
The Importance of Localization
How the Global Startup Center can help you build a local presence.
Advice from Fukuoka City’s Startup Visa Holders
The Startup Visa is an excellent way for international entrepreneurs to launch their companies in Fukuoka. Successful applicants receive up to a one-year Business Manager Visa, opportunities to apply for financial assistance, national tax reductions, and many more benefits.
New Connections with Israel
Fukuoka city and the Israel Innovation Authority signed an MoU in November of 2019, connecting the two strong startup ecosystems. The Israel Innovation Authority is a central body within the country that manages governmental support for innovation resources allocated to the Israeli Innovation Ecosystem.
Fukuoka Smart East Attends CES
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) team generated a lot of buzz by making their first appearance at CES this year.
Fukuoka city & Rwanda
Fukuoka city is excited to grow our global community and begin building strong relationships with startups and startup support organizations in Rwanda.
Fukuoka’s 5G Revolution
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.
Inside Fukuoka’s WARAKU Summit
This yearly business matching event allows global and local startups the chance to connect with other innovators.
Testing e-scooters in Fukuoka
Increasing Fukuoka’s transportation options is another exciting way that Fukuoka Smart East is bringing innovation to the city.
Touring Fukuoka’s Startup Websites
Check out our guide of Fukuoka's startup websites.
Accessible Care for Elderly Patients
Fukuoka Smart East is building pathways to help our city’s elderly residents access the medical support they need.
Engineer Friendly Fukuoka
Building a community of global innovators takes thought and dedication. With so many startups choosing to found their companies in Fukuoka, we knew the next step would be to draw top-talent to work in these pioneering businesses. Learn more about how Fukuoka is attracting engineers from around the world to help spark Fukuoka’s age of innovation.
Catching up with the Global Startup Center
Helping global startups launch in Fukuoka, Japan.
Calling All Innovators
If you are interested in becoming a part of Japan’s largest smart city, then now’s your chance! Due to the Smart East Proof of Concept (PoC) Program, innovators from around the world are applying to be selected for this distinguished opportunity. The December 2019 deadline for applications is fast approaching, so be sure to send your proposal soon.
Designing Fukuoka Smart East
Fukuoka Smart East is poised to be the smart city of the future where innovation and comfortable living meet.
Enhancing Fukuoka Growth Next
Taking Fukuoka’s startup hub to the next level.
Fukuoka Smart East
Creating the world’s most liveable smart city.
Nordic Mission 2019
Fukuoka's startups visit Estonia and Russia.
QueQ Does the Waiting for You
Learn why this startup has decided to create a Fukuoka branch and when you can expect the QueQ app to hit the virtual stores.
Fukuoka city Startups Prepare for Russia & Estonia
In March, multiple startups vied for the chance to participate in the upcoming trip to Russia and Estonia.
Unveiling the New Startup Visa
In a huge vote of confidence for Japan's startup movement, the Startup Visa program in Fukuoka will not only continue – it's getting even better.
Turning Reclaimed Wood into Works of Art
Junnö Designs was founded in 2017 by Anton Nöffke of South Africa and Junn Chee of Malaysia. After receiving Fukuoka’s Startup Visa, the founders began to build their company with the help of Fukuoka’s startup resources. With assistance from the Global Startup Center, the team was able to obtain financing from banks to grow their business.
Oxford Researcher Studies Fukuoka’s Startup Ecosystem
Being included in academic research is a profound sign that the startups and surrounding ecosystem within Fukuoka have hit upon something significant. I interviewed Oxford researcher, Agata Kapturkiewicz, while she was in town collecting data to get her thoughts on Fukuoka's startup ecosystem.
Global Innovators Meet in Fukuoka
This month, the International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM) held their annual innovation conference in Fukuoka. The event was attended by innovators from around the globe who met to discuss issues impacting both business and life in our rapidly advancing society.
Transform Your Commute with Stigo Bikes
I’m excited to introduce a new startup that’s making a splash in Fukuoka - Stigo bikes. These electric bikes fold up in mere seconds and are extremely portable making them ideal for commuters.
New Connections with Barcelona and Taiwan
Fukuoka’s global startup community keeps growing!
Our MoU with Thailand and the Upcoming WARAKU SUMMIT for Startups
Fukuoka city and the Thai National Innovation Agency signed an MoU to support startups this past June. We are also looking forward to the WARAKU SUMMIT on September 15th and 16th. Read this article to find out more about the MoU and the upcoming startup summit.
WARAKU SUMMIT Recap
An opportunity to showcase global startup concepts in Fukuoka.
Startup Team Fukuoka's Global Connections Grow
It’s always great to see startups from different communities visiting Fukuoka and sharing their experiences with our teams. I’m excited to share that we’ve recently gained even more global ties.
How Coffee Pixels is Breaking into Japan’s Coffee Scene
How did a Latvian Startup team up with a local Fukuoka coffee shop to bring edible coffee bars to the Japanese market? Find out now!
Fukuoka and Estonia – Partners in Innovation
If you’re interested in startups, then you have probably heard that Estonia’s popular startup conference, Latitude59, is this month. The event will be held on May 24th & 25th and several of Fukuoka’s startups will be attending.
growth next's first anniversary
The forces behind growth next have created an inspirational space where innovators, entrepreneurs, and the community can mingle and learn from each other. Since its inception, Fukuoka's startup community has grown stronger but more than that, the Fukuoka community as a whole has begun to get involved.
Startup Team Fukuoka @ Slush
Missed out on Slush 2017? Here’s what happened!
Road to Slush Helsinki 2017
Which Fukuoka-based startups will be attending this year's event?
Startup City and ACE Singapore
Startup City Fukuoka Forms Another Exciting MoU with ACE Singapore.
Deciding to Call Fukuoka Home
Considering launching your startup in Fukuoka? The city's appeal goes well beyond our incredible startup community. Alexa Huth, American expat and Head of Content for local startup Qurate, explains why she recently chose to return to Fukuoka. Keep an eye out for future articles written by Alexa as she gives you her perspective on what makes Fukuoka and its startup scene so unique.
Fukuoka Award Granted at Latitude59
Fukuoka City granted its Startup Award at this year's Latitude59 and joined over 270 companies at this year’s InnoVEX, with about a thousand attendees visiting the city’s booth. Learn about these events and why local startups are so enthusiastic to participate.
A Space For Innovation
Fukuoka is taking its startup scene to the next level by unveiling a new startup hub in a converted former elementary school. It’ll change the way you look at founding a business in Japan.
Global Startup Center
Are you an entrepreneur who wants to found their company in Fukuoka? First of all, may we say you’ve made a great choice! Fukuoka City has everything you need to establish your startup and begin on to the path to success. One critical piece of this puzzle is our Global Startup Center (GSC), which is staffed by fluent English speakers who are ready to help you in every step of establishing your startup. Read on to learn more about how the GSC can help you with everything from opening a local bank account to getting advice from seasoned startup founders.
Fukuoka and Bordeaux: An Exciting Partnership
2017 has been a memorable year for these sister cities, who have held the designation for the past 35 years. In order to strongly promote the unwavering support for startups that both Fukuoka city and Bordeaux city provide, they developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for startups this past May. The MoU was signed by four organizations including Fukuoka city, Bordeaux Metropole, Fukuoka Directive Council and Techno West.
The New Fukuoka City and Auckland Council MoU
On July 17th, Fukuoka and the Auckland Council reaffirmed their commitments to an MoU that allows them to work together and increase support for their already thriving startup communities. This latest agreement comes after decades of support, sports, and a special connection between the two cities.
It's a seal of approval given by Fukuoka City to authorize outstanding products from local startups and small businesses in the region.
