Ripple Unveils Grant Program for Japanese Web3 Startups on XRP Ledger

Ripple launched a new grant initiative aimed at funding Japanese Web3 startups building on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). In collaboration with Web3 Salon—a project backed by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan and supported by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Ripple will offer up to $200,000 per startup through the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund. This is part of Ripple’s broader commitment of 1 billion XRP to support builders on XRPL worldwide.

The new program is designed to encourage innovation in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced yet structurally complex crypto markets. Ripple aims to address Japan’s unique startup hurdles through a mix of funding, mentorship, and institutional support.

Fueling Innovation with Real Resources

Startups selected under this program will not only receive direct funding but also gain access to Ripple’s extensive network of global partners, developers, and advisors. The initiative is focused on key use cases—decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized real-world assets (RWA), and digital payments.

The grant selection will be handled by Ripple directly, with evaluations based on growth potential, technical quality, and strategic alignment with Ripple’s broader vision. The goal is to go beyond capital by offering a structured support system that ensures long-term growth and technical excellence.

Ripple is already a trusted name in Japan’s financial innovation space. Its long-standing relationship with SBI Holdings and the use of RippleNet by SBI Remit, Japan’s largest money transfer service, shows the level of trust Ripple has earned in the region. This new initiative builds on that foundation, extending Ripple’s presence into early-stage Web3 innovation.

Web3 Salon to Mentor Founders on the Ground

While Ripple brings capital and infrastructure, Web3 Salon will offer ground-level support to startup founders. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and strategic connections, Web3 Salon will help teams refine their go-to-market plans, improve compliance readiness, and connect with investors and regulators.

This dual approach—combining capital with community-building and business mentorship—is designed to help startups succeed in a country where regulations are clear, but navigating the ecosystem can be difficult.

“Japan is one of the most exciting and challenging markets for Web3 and blockchain adoption,” said Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan. “Through this partnership with Ripple, we aim to support visionary founders and strengthen the bridge between global innovation and Japan’s tech landscape”.

As part of the initiative, Ripple and Web3 Salon will organize four community events through March 2026. These events will serve as critical platforms for networking, visibility, and education. They’ll include startup pitch competitions, expert panels, investor meetups, and workshops on compliance, tokenization, and cross-border business development.

Why Japan, and Why Now?

Japan’s crypto landscape is unlike most other global markets. It’s highly regulated, deeply technical, and enjoys strong consumer protections. However, these same qualities also make it a difficult environment for early-stage Web3 startups. There’s a high bar for compliance and a fragmented ecosystem when it comes to startup support.

That’s where Ripple sees opportunity. By offering financial and structural support to Japanese startups, the company aims to accelerate the growth of a new generation of blockchain projects built on XRPL.

Christina Chan, Senior Director of Developer Growth at RippleX, said the company is “proud to collaborate with Web3 Salon to unlock new opportunities in Japan’s thriving startup ecosystem.”

Ripple’s popularity in Japan has been growing steadily. Platforms like Mercari now offer XRP to users through their apps. Open House Group even accepts XRP for real estate transactions. These developments show that XRP is not just a speculative asset—it’s gaining real-world utility.

With support from JETRO, Web3 Salon, and Ripple, the new grant initiative aims to tap into this momentum and empower the next wave of Japanese blockchain innovators.