- Ripple unveils $200K grants to support XRPL-based startups in Japan.
- The grant program is backed by JETRO and powered by Asia Web3 Alliance Japan through a partnership with Web3 Salon.
Ripple is making a big move in Asia’s Web3 space by launching a fresh grant initiative aimed at accelerating blockchain innovation in Japan. The company announced on June 9 that it has teamed up with Web3 Salon, a project backed by Japan’s External Trade Organization (JETRO) and driven by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, to support startups building on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).
As part of this collaboration, Ripple will provide grants of up to $200,000 for each selected project over next year. This funding comes from the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund and contributes to Ripple’s broader pledge to inject 1 billion XRP into growing its developer ecosystem globally.
This isn’t just about handing out money—Ripple plans to actively support developers with more than just financial help. Startups chosen under this program will also get technical guidance, business mentoring, and access to Ripple’s vast global network of partners and industry experts. The company is specifically targeting builders working on decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), and digital payment solutions.
Christina Chan, RippleX’s Senior Director of Developer Growth, highlighted the mission clearly: “Together, we hope to fuel innovation and support the next generation of leaders.” Her comment reflects the program’s broader goal—to lower the barriers for Web3 startups in Japan and empower them with the tools they need to grow and succeed.
The grant selection process will be handled directly by Ripple. They will review each project based on its technical strength, growth potential, and alignment with Ripple’s long-term vision. This initiative not only strengthens Ripple’s position in Japan’s Web3 scene but also helps address a well-known challenge. Despite Japan’s advanced tech environment and clear regulations, it’s still a tough market for startups to break into. Ripple and Web3 Salon aim to change that.
Ripple’s Strong Presence in Japan Is Already Taking Shape
Ripple has already laid a strong foundation in Japan with several key partnerships. Companies like SBI Holdings, HashKey DX, Mercari, Yonsei University, and Open House Group already aligned with Ripple’s vision. In fact, a staggering 80% of Japanese banks are projected to adopt XRP by the end of 2025. That a sign of how deeply integrated Ripple is becoming in the country’s financial and Web3 sectors.
Ripple’s impact is already visible. SBI Remit, Japan’s largest money transfer company, uses RippleNet for cross-border payments. Meanwhile, SBI VC Trade, its crypto trading arm, allows both institutional and retail investors to trade XRP. Mercari, a popular marketplace app in Japan, now offers XRP as a payment option. Also, the real estate firm Open House Group even accepts XRP for property purchases.
With growing interest and usage of XRP across industries, this new initiative could be a major step in unlocking more innovation on the XRP Ledger. For Japan’s developers and entrepreneurs, this partnership with Ripple and Web3 Salon could mean the chance to finally bring their Web3 ideas to life—backed by funding, mentorship, and the support of one of the crypto industry’s biggest names.
At the time of this update, XRP was trading at $2.23, marking a 3% rise in the past 24 hours. The price had ranged between $2.19 and $2.29, while trading volume skyrocketed 159% to hit $2.96 billion—showing strong enthusiasm among investors.
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