Empowering Foodtech Startups Through Global Expansion Program in 2025

Introducing the FOODTECH Global Expansion Program

The CIC Institute, based in Toranomon, Tokyo, is excited to announce the launch of the FOODTECH Global Expansion Program scheduled to begin in June 2025. This initiative is designed to support startups aiming to expand their operations in the global market, providing them with essential strategies and networking opportunities to facilitate their overseas endeavors.

About the Program

The FOODTECH Global Expansion Program is a support scheme commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, focused exclusively on foodtech startups. The program sets out to achieve three key objectives:
1. Strategy Development: To equip participating startups with the necessary skills to formulate and execute effective strategies for entering global markets.
2. Networking Opportunities: To assist startups in building valuable networks in their target markets and discovering potential customer needs.
3. Feasibility Improvement: To enhance the feasibility of business development through channel expansion, partnerships, and funding efforts.

The program is divided into three distinct phases, providing a comprehensive roadmap for participants:

- Kickoff Phase (Months 1-2): In this initial phase, participating startups will receive ongoing support from program officials and monthly mentoring from industry experts. The focus will be on understanding the current state of each business, refining their roadmap for international expansion over the next five years, and building a solid foundation for future growth. The support will include:

- Strategies for overseas expansion and timeline development.
- Market research in target countries/regions.
- Clear positioning of business within the local market, adhering to regulatory trends.

- Acceleration Phase (Months 3-4): Based on the strategies developed in the Kickoff Phase, participants will craft specific travel plans for their international missions. This phase will also aid in preparing participants with the skills they need to succeed abroad. Key support elements in this phase will include:

- Effective presentation techniques for engaging overseas investors.
- Understanding of a global mindset.
- Developing valuable proposals.
- Communicating with potential business partners.
- Support for building robust business networks in foreign markets.

- Follow-up Phase (Month 5 onward): Participants will present their progress in a debriefing session after returning from their international endeavors. This will include discussing advancements in securing funding and business partnerships, as well as identifying ongoing challenges. By doing this, the program will facilitate a clearer path towards further international expansion.

Application Information

The application period for this initiative will run from June 2 to June 27, 2025, with results announced in late July, and program support commencing in early August.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to:

- Japanese foodtech businesses that have been established for approximately less than 20 years and are on an accelerated growth path.
- Companies offering innovative low-environmental-impact food production technologies that aim to create new food values.
- Entities in the seed to series B funding stage considering international expansion and capable of conducting business negotiations in English.

Important Dates

- Application Deadline: June 27, 2025, by 23:59
- Online Info Session: June 11, 2025, from 11:00 to 12:00 (Japanese language, free of charge).

Compliance Requirements

Participants must not be:

- Individuals or entities currently under bankruptcy proceedings.
- Individuals violating laws against organized crime.
- Businesses opposed to public order and morals as defined by civil law.

Join Us

Interested parties can register for the information session and submit their applications via links provided through the program’s official channels. Take your foodtech venture to the next level by participating in this extraordinary opportunity to establish your brand on a global scale!