XRP News Today: Ripple Partners with Web3 Salon to Boost Japan Blockchain Startups with $200,000 Grants and 1 Billion XRP

Ripple has formed a strategic alliance with Japan’s Web3 Salon to support blockchain startups with both financial backing and comprehensive support. This initiative includes a grant funding program where each selected project can receive up to $200,000 over the next year. Additionally, Ripple has committed 1 billion XRP to assist builders on the XRP Ledger in expanding their ventures.

The XRPL Japan and Korea Fund will focus on early-stage teams in Japan that are working on decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized real assets, and digital payments. The selection criteria emphasize projects with strong technological foundations and scalable plans. Ripple will evaluate the funding decisions based on the growth potential and alignment with its strategic goals.

Beyond financial support, the partnership offers founders access to hands-on workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions. Mentors include experienced entrepreneurs and policy experts, providing guidance on business plans, regulatory compliance, and opportunities to engage with regulators and potential investors. This comprehensive support aims to help startups navigate Japan’s regulatory landscape and scale their operations effectively.

Ripple and Web3 Salon plan to co-host four major events between now and March 2026. These gatherings will highlight standout teams, feature pitch sessions, panel discussions with both local and international experts, investor meet-ups, and workshops on token regulations and cross-border operations. These events are designed to provide startups with additional opportunities for funding and collaboration.

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is playing a crucial role in this initiative by facilitating connections between fintech startups and government bodies. This support is essential in Japan’s tightly regulated market, helping new blockchain ideas pass compliance checks and move forward without bureaucratic delays.

Ripple will also leverage its global network to benefit these startups. According to Christina Chan, Senior Director of Developer Growth at RippleX, teams will gain access to Ripple’s customers and experts. This access can accelerate testing in foreign markets and potentially lead to cross-border payment pilots or token launches with major partners.

Japan’s strong regulatory environment and technical talent make it a strategic focus for this initiative. The alliance aims to simplify the complexities of the regulatory landscape, providing founders with the necessary tools to ensure their blockchain projects comply with both local and global standards. This collaboration is expected to foster innovation and growth in the blockchain sector, particularly in the areas of DeFi, tokenization, and digital payments.