Ripple has announced a new structured funding program aimed at supporting early-stage Web3 startups in Japan building on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). The initiative is part of the XRPL Japan and Korea Fund, which falls under Ripple’s larger commitment of 1 billion XRP to promote innovation within the XRPL ecosystem.
💰 Up to $200,000 in Grants Per Project
Through this program, Ripple will provide grant funding of up to $200,000 per selected startup over the next year. The program specifically targets early-stage companies working on XRPL-based solutions, including decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized real-world assets (RWA), and other blockchain applications.
Grants will be awarded based on each project’s:
- Growth potential
- Technical strength
- Alignment with Ripple’s strategic goals
In addition to funding, Ripple will also provide access to its global partner network and technical support from its in-house experts.
🤝 Partnership with Asia Web3 Alliance Japan
Ripple is working in collaboration with the Web3 Salon project, run by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, to offer mentorship and hands-on support to the selected startups. Web3 Salon will host workshops, founder programs, and networking opportunities to help these startups grow and scale.
“Through this partnership with Ripple, we aim to support visionary founders and strengthen the bridge between global innovation and Japan’s tech landscape,” said Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan.
Ripple describes this initiative not just as a grant program but as a multi-stakeholder platform—a coordinated effort to bring together founders, developers, policy makers, and investors to close the gap between traditional finance and Web3 innovation.
📍 Events Across Japan Through 2026
As part of this initiative, Ripple and its partners will host four major events across Japan through 2026. These events will feature:
- Pitch competitions
- Policy discussion panels
- Investor networking sessions
The goal is to promote Web3 growth, support regulatory clarity, and connect startups with funding opportunities.
🇯🇵 XRP Adoption Grows in Japan
Ripple’s push into Japan comes at a time of increasing institutional interest in XRP. Earlier this year, Japan’s banking sector formally recognized XRP for payments. The Bank of Japan has confirmed that all banks in the country will adopt XRP for payment infrastructure by the end of 2025.
Additionally, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse previously stated that the company is working to launch a Ripple-backed stablecoin in Japan, pending regulatory approval.
Conclusion:
Ripple’s new funding initiative aims to empower XRPL-based startups in Japan, blending capital, mentorship, and global exposure. By doing so, Ripple strengthens its presence in Asia and accelerates XRP adoption in one of the world’s most forward-looking blockchain markets.
