JICA: DANCE SHIBUYA

JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has launched a new program for entrepreneurs in Latin America.

This pilot program is called “Bilateral Acceleration of Innovation with Latin America”, or BAILA.

JICA is the official Japanese government agency for international cooperation, which has been implementing projects in Latin American countries to contribute to socioeconomic development, primarily with the public sector. However, over the past decade, JICA has focused more on collaboration with the private sector, especially working with entrepreneurs as strategic partners to address social challenges in each country.

In this context, JICA will support a six startup from Latin American countries (Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina) to expand its social business to a specific district in the Tokyo metropolitan area called Shibuya. The startup will travel to Shibuya next year to connect with customers and potential local investors and to develop a business plan aimed at solving a social challenge in that area.

JICA’s vision is to integrate ecosystems beyond horizons, where demand and social solutions mutually communicate. This program will provide a significant gateway for the Latin American ecosystem to access Japan's vast market and funding opportunities.

JICA will hold an informational seminar on Monday, November 25, 2024, about the requirements to participate and the current market situation in Shibuya/Tokyo.

4:00 PM in Mexico
5:00 PM in Peru, Colombia
6:00 PM in Bolivia
9:00 PM in Argentina, Chile

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What JICA offers through the program:

After the application stage, 8 startups will be selected to participate in a virtual pitch event for partners in Tokyo.
Then, 1 out of the 8 startups will be selected through a process that includes this pitch event to receive mentoring services for several months, develop their business plan, and travel to Shibuya for approximately one week to further refine their business plan.

Selection Criteria::

A startup from Latin America with innovative technology or a business idea that can address social challenges in Shibuya (does not need to be highly specific).
A startup from Latin America that has generated revenue with this business in the Latin American market (to demonstrate market acceptance).
A startup with a strong strategic ambition to expand its social business to other countries, especially Tokyo.
A startup with a sufficient level of English or Japanese to negotiate with Japanese partners.

If you have any questions, please contact to Hayakawa.Taishi@jica.go.jp

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