[Announcement] Applications are open for the GIA Tokyo Acceleration Phase 2 Programme again!

Leave a Nest Singapore is excited to announce the opening of a new batch of the Japanese Immersion Programme, designed to assist Singapore companies interested in entering the lucrative Japanese market. With Japan's dynamic economy, advanced technology landscape, and favourable business environment, Leave a Nest Singapore aims to equip Singapore startups and SMEs with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the Japanese market. Many challenges persist for international startups, including language & cultural barriers, differences in business culture and finding the right network.

The new GIA Tokyo Acceleration Program consists of two different parts: Phase 1: Market Discovery Programme, and Phase 2: Business Creation Programme.

Phase 2 is for SMEs/startups that are ready to enter Japan and are looking for key business partners. It aims to work closely with Singapore startups, offering individual mentorship meetings, and initial door-opening business meetings through direct contact with Japanese corporates.

Additionally, the programme will be conducted on a more flexible schedule for the participating companies. Companies interested in this program will be able to apply accordingly. Upon receiving approval from Enterprise Singapore, you will be able to select the visiting timing for this programme based on your availability, anytime between February to June 2026*.

※For the specific dates of the visit, these dates are also subject to the availability of the Leave a Nest members.

Phase 2 applications are open now!

Programme fees: S$6,000 + 9% GST
Application Deadline: Apr. 15th 2026

Apply here to participate in the “Enter to Japan Business Creation Programme”

Brief Programme Overview

Phase 2 Batch 11 (February – June 2026)

1	Selection Approval	After registration on the form, startups will receive confirmation if their application has been approved by Leave a Nest and Enterprise Singapore.
2	Business Meeting Strategising	To bring business outcomes through 1-on-1 meetings with Japanese corporates, multiple meetings will be necessary to discuss a curated/custom plan for each startup. At the end of this component, participants will have a targeted list of partners to connect with in the Japanese market.
3	Meetings Trip	This is not a tour. Each startup will be accompanied individually by a Japanese and English-speaking Leave a Nest personnel to at least five 1-on-1 meetings agreed upon before the trip.
4	Follow-Up Support	Following the trip, participants discuss steps forward and requirements from Leave a Nest. Feedback also occurs in this component.

 

For enquiries, please contact Leave a Nest at [email protected] (attention Michael or Ayu).

Apply here to participate in the “Enter to Japan Business Creation Programme”