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Japan Venture Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation

The 25th Japan Venture Awards (JVA) is fast approaching, as the 2025 nominees are eagerly awaited. This prestigious event, held by the Independent Administrative Institution Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, honors remarkable startups and venture capitalists committed to addressing societal challenges through innovative business solutions. The ceremony will take place on December 18, 2025, at the Toranomon Hills Forum in Tokyo. This year, attendees can look forward to a keynote speech by Toya Nakamura, CEO of Axel Space Holdings and a recipient of the 22nd JVA Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, who will share insights on the essential elements for startup success.

Ceremony Highlights

The JVA ceremony not only showcases the nominees but also announces multiple prestigious awards, including:

• - Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award: This award recognizes one exceptionally competent entrepreneur whose business merits exemplify leadership and social contribution.
• - Minister of Science and Technology Policy Award: This accolade honors an entrepreneur whose innovative use of technology could inspire significant future societal transformations.
• - Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Director-General Award: Given to a maximum of two distinguished business leaders, based on their achievements and leadership attributes.
• - Chairman’s Award of the Small and Medium Enterprise Organization: This award is for entrepreneurs who are exemplary in utilizing public support measures effectively.
• - SDGs Special Award: Recognizing up to two entrepreneurs actively contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
• - Regional Contribution Special Award: Awarded to entrepreneurs making notable impacts on local economies and addressing regional issues.
• - JVA Committee Special Award: Decided based on an overall evaluation of business characteristics and entrepreneur qualities, offering special recognition to several candidates.
• - JVCA Encouragement Award: Targeted at entrepreneurs expected to further thrive within five years of their establishment.
• - Venture Capitalists Encouragement Award: Acknowledging venture capitalists whose contributions in innovation and society are noteworthy.

Event Details

• - Date: December 18, 2025
• - Time: 1:15 PM start; award ceremony at 3:40 PM
• - Location: Toranomon Hills Forum, 5F, Mori Tower, 1-23-3 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo.

The Japan Venture Awards aim to discover and honor inspiring entrepreneurs who venture into new business creations and market expansion, fostering awareness and promoting the next generation of leaders in the startup ecosystem.

Both the awards event and the discussions around entrepreneurship and venture capital partnerships underscore the importance of creating an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. The pre-ceremony talk and panel discussion between venture capitalists and startup leaders promise to provide rich insights into effective collaboration for scaling businesses and driving innovation.

For more details and registration, please visit: Japan Venture Awards Entry.

About the Japan Venture Awards (JVA)

The Japan Venture Awards celebrate high-spirited entrepreneurs engaged in innovative businesses with significant growth potential. The initiative aims to identify and promote outstanding startup management, inspiring others while nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.

About the Independent Administrative Institution Small and Medium Enterprise Agency

This agency plays a crucial role in supporting the autonomous development and sustainability of small and medium enterprises and startups, contributing to the growth of Japan's economy. Through various supporting measures, including funding assistance and training programs, the agency aims to enhance the operational capabilities of small businesses amidst changing economic landscapes.