GLOBE-X: Acceleration Program for DTSUs Expanding into the European Market
Driving strategic initiatives to leverage cutting-edge technology and gain a competitive edge in the global market.
GLOBE-X (Global Launchpad for Opportunities in Business Expansion by RouteX) collaborates with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s initiative, TOKYO SUTEAM, to empower Japan’s Deep Tech startups (DTSUs) and propel their next stage of growth.
Focusing on the business expansion challenges commonly faced by Japanese Deep Tech startups (DTSUs), GLOBE-X supports initiatives that balance market expansion potential with a product-out approach to drive sustainable growth.
Hypothesized Challenges for DTSUs:
- Struggling to keep up with the development of an MVP that addresses anticipated customer needs, as well as the necessary technological advancements
- Difficulty in improving the product to align with customer needs and achieve Product-Market Fit (PMF) at scale
- Lack of progress in customer development through sales activities, hindering business scalability.
Program Overview:
Activities to Address These Challenges
Acquiring a Knowledge Framework for Global Expansion
From the early stages, the program equips participants with practical skills and insights tailored for the European market, fostering a broader perspective on potential market expansion.
Access to Rule Makers
To activate latent market potential, the program facilitates connections with local rule makers and key players, enabling participants to engage in activities that drive market pull.
Establishing a Presence & Business Expansion
By securing funding and strategic partnerships, participants will work towards scaling their business through a product-out approach while establishing a foothold in the European market.
For more details on RouteX’s “pull-based business development” approach for DTSUs, which serves as the foundation of this program, please refer here.
Program Details (April 2024 – March 2025)
Seminars & Workshops
- Duration: April – July 2025
- 15 online sessions (approximately 2 hours per session, held weekly)
- Covering essential topics such as marketing, HR, finance, strategic planning, and the differences in business culture between Europe/France and Japan.
Workshops
- Duration: July 2025 (3 sessions, 3 hours each)
- Location: On-site in Tokyo
- Enhancing capabilities in pitching, investor negotiations, and networking with French stakeholders to facilitate successful market entry.
Coaching & Mentoring
- Duration: April 2024 – March 2025
- Frequency: Approx. 30 sessions (1 hour per week to 2 hours per month)
- Providing market expansion strategy planning, document preparation, and network access based on individual business needs.
On-Site Business Development in France
- Duration: Flexible (April 2024 – March 2025, based on company needs)
- Supporting business negotiations and network expansion in France through in-person visits.
- All travel expenses for DTSU participants will be covered by the program organizers.
Program Partners
Application to Selection & Kickoff
Application Opens
January 30, 2025
Application Deadline
February 23, 2025
Selection Results Notification
March 2, 2025
Program Kickoff
Early April 2025
Growth Phase
The program targets startups in the early growth stages, based on the belief that potential markets should be expanded at an early phase.
Ideal applicants are in the pre-seed to seed stage.
A Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5–7 is recommended.
Program Participation Requirements
Participation in all program activities is mandatory. Applicants must be able to commit at least half a day per week.
Business-level English proficiency is required.
Business Vision & Mindset for Overseas Expansion
A concrete business plan for international expansion is not required at the time of application, but applicants should provide an overview of their current status.
The initial target market does not have to be Europe at the time of application.
Business Location Requirements
Having a business presence in Tokyo at the time of application is preferred but not mandatory, as long as there is a plan for future establishment.
An intention to establish a European base within the 2025 fiscal year is highly desirable.
- White Paper
At RouteX, we regularly publish white papers based on first-hand insights on the growth of Deep Tech Startups (DTSUs) and the evolving role of startup ecosystems in supporting them.
For updates, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on X (@RouteX_Startups) and other social media channels.
For individual inquiries, please contact us through our official inquiry channel.
Is there a participation fee?
No, there are no program participation fees. However, participants are responsible for their own travel expenses.
What is the application process?
Please fill out the application form at the provided link. Applications will be evaluated based on the selection criteria, and results will be communicated via email by March 2, 2025.
Who is eligible to participate?
The program is designed for startups that meet the following criteria:
- Operating in the Deep Tech sector
- At the pre-seed to seed stage
- Considering market expansion into Europe (or other international markets)
- Interested in exploring new markets, including rule-making opportunities
2025/01/30
The application process for GLOBE-X has officially begun.
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