Ripple is expanding its presence in Japan by offering up to $200,000 in XRP Ledger (XRPL) grants to support blockchain startups. The initiative, reveal on June 9, is aimed at boosting innovation in Japan’s growing Web3 ecosystem.
This funding is part of Ripple’s broader strategy to encourage the adoption of XRPL-based solutions for real-world asset tokenization and digital payments. With Japan being a major hub for technology and finance, Ripple is now investing directly in early-stage companies working to bring blockchain innovation to practical use.
The new grants program is being started in partnership with Web3 Salon, a Japanese startup support group backed by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Ripple will handle the financial support, while Web3 Salon will provide mentoring and business development guidance to the selected startups.
Startups applying for the grant must be building on the XRP Ledger and show potential for long-term impact in areas such as DeFi, tokenized real-world assets (RWA), and digital payment systems. The selection criteria include innovation, technical skill, and alignment with Ripple’s mission of global financial inclusion.
In addition to funding, participating startups will get access to Ripple’s global network of partners, developers, and business experts, helping them scale faster and reach broader markets.
Ripple’s initiative doesn’t stop with financial grants. Together with Web3 Salon, Ripple is planning to organize four major community events across Japan between now and March 2026. These events will include:
Startup pitch competitions
Panel discussions with industry experts and regulators
Networking sessions with investors and enterprise partners
Educational workshops for developers and founders
The goal of these events is to strengthen the Web3 startup ecosystem in Japan by building stronger links between local innovators, policymakers, and global blockchain companies.
Hinza Asif, President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, said the partnership between Ripple and Web3 Salon represents a major step for blockchain development in the region.
“Japan is one of the most exciting and challenging markets for Web3 and blockchain adoption. Through this partnership with Ripple, we aim to support visionary founders and strengthen the bridge between global innovation and Japan’s tech landscape.”
Ripple’s latest move is part of a larger effort to improve the quality and visibility of projects being built on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). While XRPL has sometimes been criticized for lacking high-quality applications, Ripple’s leadership is clearly focused on changing that narrative.
Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, recently emphasized the company’s commitment to using XRPL as a foundation for real-world financial services. This includes areas like cross-border payments, asset tokenization, and stablecoin infrastructure.
Recent developments support this vision. For example, the Dubai Land Department recently started using XRPL to support real estate tokenization. Meanwhile, several stablecoin projects have also started on XRPL, aiming to increase user activity and promote wider adoption of the blockchain.
Japan is a strategic market for Ripple due to its advanced financial sector and strong regulatory framework for digital assets. The country has shown openness to blockchain innovation, making it an ideal environment for XRPL projects to flourish.
By offering Ripple XRPL grants to Japanese startups, the company is also signaling its long-term commitment to the region. With government-backed partners like JETRO involved, the initiative is positioned to have a meaningful impact on the local Web3 scene.
Ripple’s decision to invest $200,000 in early-stage Web3 startups in Japan highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to global blockchain adoption. With a focus on real-world use cases like digital payments and tokenized assets, this initiative aims to bring practical solutions to market faster.
As XRPL gains traction through new projects and stronger partnerships, Japan could become a leading example of how blockchain technology can work alongside traditional industries. For investors and developers alike, Ripple’s support program offers a unique opportunity to be part of the next wave of blockchain growth in Asia.
Pankaj is a skilled engineer with a passion for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. With over five years of experience in digital marketing, Pankaj is also an avid investor and trader in the crypto sphere. As a devoted fan of the Klever ecosystem, he strongly advocates for its innovative solutions and user-friendly wallet, while continuing to appreciate the Cardano project. Like my work? Send a tip to: 0x4C6D67705aF449f0C0102D4C7C693ad4A64926e9
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