Launching the J-Star X UK Impact Accelerator

We’re incredibly excited to announce the launch of a new acceleration programme to support Japanese impact-driven startups to scale into the UK and European markets. The J-Star X UK Impact Accelerator Programme, delivered in partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), will equip a select group of tech for good companies with strategic insight, investor readiness, and the market connections needed to succeed internationally. Applications close on 31 August 2026, 13:00 JST.

A partnership built for impact founders

Over the last few years we had many opportunities to witness the growth of the impact investing ecosystems both in the UK and Japan. And what we’ve noticed is an emerging opportunity for collaboration between the two nations, especially in the field of technology geared towards positive wellbeing of people and our planet. BGV and JETRO are now joining forces to bridge these two dynamic markets with complementary strengths. JETRO contributes its unmatched knowledge of Japan's startup landscape, recruitment in Japan, participant navigation, and overall programme management. BGV contributes specialist impact expertise, programmes design, and access to UK and European investors and sector specialists.

And now we’re excited to call for Japanese startups to join this programme and benefit from the support from BGV and JETRO to help companies integrate impact to the core of their businesses for long-term success and growth.

How the programme works

This initiative represents a significant opportunity for Japanese impact-driven startups to access international markets, connect with leading investors, and position themselves at the forefront of the global impact economy.

The programme runs across two integrated phases, combining expert-led learning, tailored mentoring, and in-market engagement.

Phase 1 (10-15 companies): building the foundations. A six-week hybrid learning experience centred on international expansion and the foundational knowledge of "impact as a source of value." It opens with a kickoff workshop in Tokyo, followed by online workshops and interactive group sessions to give participants a comprehensive understanding of the key areas that UK and European impact investors will focus on when assessing a start-up.

Phase 2 (6-8 companies, selected from Phase 1): turning strategy into action. A three-month phase built around tailored, one-on-one mentoring from a curated network of mentors. The phase culminates in an intensive two-week onsite programme in London in March 2027, combining workshops, face-to-face mentoring, pitch coaching and curated business meetings.

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Who should apply

The programme is aimed at Japanese startups working in one of three broad impact areas:

• Planetary wellbeing and sustainability: carbon reduction, renewable energy, sustainable food systems, biodiversity, and related fields
• Human wellbeing: health tech, longevity, medical care, drug discovery, and financial wellness
• Social wellbeing: inclusion, accessibility, community resilience, and equitable access to resources.

Applicants should have a proven technology or early product, a genuine intention to pursue UK market entry or fundraising, proficiency in business-level English, and the ability to send a decision-making CXO (ideally a founder) to every session, including the London trip. If you're unsure whether this or another JETRO course fits your stage, JETRO's Startup team can offer advice before you apply.

How to apply

Submit your application through JETRO’s portal here before the deadline on 31st August 2026, 1pm JST. For more information and guidance on how to apply, please check out the guide (Japanese only) here.

Timeline at a glance

• Applications close 31 August 2026, 13:00 JST
• Selection results: early October
• Tokyo kickoff: 13 October (planned)
• Phase 1 online programme: late October to November
• Tokyo wrap-up: 30 November (planned)
• Phase 2 results: early December
• Phase 2 mentoring: mid-December 2026 to March 2027
• London trip: March 2027

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About JETRO
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is Japan's government-related organization dedicated to building a globally connected startup ecosystem. Through JETRO Startup, it has supported the global scale-up of more than 2,000 Japanese startups by connecting founders with leading global accelerators, venture capital firms and corporate partners. JETRO also brings international startups, investors and ecosystem builders to Japan, strengthening the country's startup ecosystem and global connectivity.