Ripple to back XRP Ledger startups in Japan with $200K grants

Ripple is deepening its commitment to Asia’s Web3 ecosystem with the launch of a new grant initiative aimed at promoting innovation in Japan’s blockchain sector.

The company announced on a June 9 blog post that it has partnered with Web3 Salon, a project supported by Japan’s External Trade Organization and powered by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, to provide targeted support for startups building on the XRP (XRP) Ledger.

Through this program, Ripple will offer up to $200,000 per project over the next year. The grants will go to startups working on use cases like decentralized finance, tokenized real-world assets, and digital payments. This effort is part of Ripple’s Japan and Korea Fund and ties into a larger plan to support XRPL developers with financial, technical, and business help.

The grant process will be managed directly by Ripple, which will select projects according to their technical quality, potential for growth, and fit with its objectives. Selected startups will receive funding as well as access to Ripple’s global network of partners and experts.

Taking the lead in founder support, Web3 Salon will provide networking opportunities, workshops, and advice. Its goal will be to help startups grow, build stronger products, and connect with investors and regulators.

Four community events through March 2026 are also part of the partnership. Startup pitches, investor sessions, panel discussions, and educational workshops on subjects like cross-border expansion and compliance will all be included in these events.

Despite its clear crypto regulations and strong tech talent, Japan remains a difficult place for startups. Web3 Salon and Ripple hope to reduce the entry barrier and facilitate the growth and expansion of new teams. 

This move comes at a time when Ripple’s popularity in Japan continues to grow. The country’s clear legal framework for digital assets has attracted major players like SBI Holdings, a key Ripple partner and one of the most vocal supporters of XRP. 

SBI Remit, the biggest money transfer company in Japan, already uses RippleNet for international payments. Its cryptocurrency division, SBI VC Trade, allows institutional and retail customers to trade XRP.

Meanwhile, major platforms like Mercari have started offering XRP to users through their apps, and large companies like Open House Group now accept XRP for real estate purchases. With support from Ripple, Web3 Salon, and JETRO, this new initiative could give Japan’s Web3 scene a meaningful push and help bring new ideas to life on the XRP Ledger.