- The latest Ripple initiative focuses on advancing innovation in DeFi, tokenized assets, and digital payments with support from JETRO and the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan.
- The initiative includes four major Web3 events by March 2026, aimed at fostering collaboration among startups, investors, and tech leaders.
To boost blockchain innovation in Asia, Ripple has launched a new grant program tied to the XRP Ledger for promising early-stage Web3 startups in Japan. The grant project, named ‘Web3 Salon’, is backed by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and handled by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan. With this project, Ripple aims to boost innovation in decentralized finance, tokenized assets, and digital payments.
Detailed Look At Ripple’s Grant Program In Asia
Under the program, each startup will have the chance to receive a grant of up to $200,000 in the next year from Ripple. This effort is a part of the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund. For further context, it comes under Ripple’s promise to support XRP projects with $1 billion in financial and technical help.
The companies joining the program will be picked mainly because of their growth pace, strong technology, and connection to Ripple’s investment objectives. In addition to funding them, recipients will benefit from Ripple’s broad network, containing experts, clients, and partners. Moreover, Ripple will make sure that every grant goes according to its regional aims and strategy.
More importantly, the alliance seeks to involve more Japanese companies and groups in the world of Web3. Thus, the Web3 Salon initiative will help founders by offering mentorship, special networking activities, and workshops for skills improvement. The platform plans to assist companies in perfecting their market opportunities, increasing their operations, and following the country’s legal rules.
“This partnership with Ripple is about much more than funding—it’s about creating the bridge between global blockchain innovation and Japan’s local tech potential,”
Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, stated addeding
“Japan is one of the most exciting and challenging markets for Web3 and blockchain adoption.”
Major Web3 Events In Pipeline
This project will organize four big events occurring before March 2026 meant to boost both the wider community and event engagement. Among the events will be startup pitch contests, meetings with investors, panels on different subjects, and workshops on international growth and related matters. Web3 Salon and Ripple will team up to organize the gatherings that will help founders connect with important people in the financial and tech sectors.
According to Ripple, the effort is as much about ecosystem building as it is about direct investment. Christina Chan, Senior Director of Developer Growth at RippleX, said:
“Ripple is proud to collaborate with Web3 Salon to unlock new opportunities in Japan’s thriving startup ecosystem. Together, we hope to fuel innovation and support the next generation of leaders.”
Thanks to JETRO’s assistance, the project is aimed at convincing more startups from the fintech area to join Japan’s digital economy by relying on blockchain tools. The alliance serves as a great move toward getting regulatory systems, businesses, and startups working together to improve Japan’s place globally in Web3.
