#Japan #Tokyo #APT Women #Zero One Booster

Tokyo Women Entrepreneurs Growth Initiative "APT Women"

The Tokyo Women Entrepreneurs Growth Initiative, popularly known as "APT Women," has opened applications for its 10th cohort this year. Managed by Zero One Booster, led by George Goda, this initiative aims to discover, nurture, and support aspiring female entrepreneurs across Tokyo.

APT Women, short for "Acceleration Program in Tokyo for Women", has been at the forefront of promoting female entrepreneurship, successfully supporting 280 companies with over 24.2 billion yen raised in funding and more than 900 collaborations with major corporations. The program equips participants with essential management skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities needed for scaling their businesses and expanding internationally. Over the next three months, participants will engage in group mentoring, lectures, and other activities designed to foster growth and innovation.

In addition to the domestic program, exceptional members are also selected to participate in an overseas program where they can visit startup ecosystems in cities like New York and Singapore, establishing global connections and exploring business expansion opportunities.

This year's vision focuses on creating a thriving ecosystem that supports human resources, finance, and intelligence for effective management, in collaboration with Globis Management School’s accelerator program “G-STARTUP”. This collaboration promises high-quality instruction, comprehensive education, and investment support, ultimately leading to successful startups and supporting women entrepreneurs in their growth paths.

Adding excitement to the launch of the 10th cohort, a kickoff event will be held on September 12, 2025, where 40 selected participants will showcase their initiatives. Guest speaker Yuka Iwasaki, CEO of YOUTRUST, will share her journey and offer inspiring messages to women aspiring to start or expand their own businesses. This event is open to anyone interested in the support of venture companies and those contemplating entrepreneurship.

What is APT Women?

APT Women is a program launched by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to provide women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities to thrive as entrepreneurs and business leaders. The initiative aims not only to facilitate business growth but also to cultivate a supportive community that brings together fellow entrepreneurs and collaborators. The curriculum is guided by a diverse range of experienced instructors, incorporating various lectures, mentoring to tackle individual challenges, and robust support tailored to expand globally.

The program also strives to provide female role models for women living in the metropolitan area, encouraging a shift towards entrepreneurship as a legitimate lifestyle choice. Participants come from various backgrounds and industries, with the only requirements being that they are women representing small to medium-sized enterprises or those planning to start a business in Tokyo.

Application Details

The application period runs from June 27, 2025, to August 4, 2025. The program does not impose limitations regarding industry, and all aspiring women entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. Requirements include being a representative of a company established for less than ten years or planning to establish a business in Tokyo, among other criteria.

Program Overview

The domestic program consists of mandatory and elective courses, mentoring sessions, and various workshops designed to support participants' individual needs, including tax and legal consultations. Classes will be conducted online, with selected sessions held in person for hands-on experiences.

Additionally, the international program aiming to uncover business opportunities abroad will host a selection of 20 participants for a ten-day exploration trip to cities renowned for their vibrant startup ecosystems, such as New York and Singapore.

Upcoming Events

• - Kickoff Event: September 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, with an optional networking session to follow.
• - Pitch Event: Scheduled for December 2025.
• - Results Presentation Event: Expected in February 2026.

Special Programs

Prior to the program's official launch, APT Women will host two special sessions. An 'Alumni Consultation Meeting' on July 15, 2025, will allow potential applicants to clarify their doubts with APT Women alumni. Another 'Special Lecture' will focus on refining business plans and presentation materials on July 18, 2025. Participation in both sessions is not mandatory for application submission.

For further details on the program, requirements, and application process, visit the official APT Women website: APT Women Official Site.

About Zero One Booster

Established in 2012, Zero One Booster focuses on changing the world through entrepreneurial innovation. They foster collaboration between large corporations and startups, offer consultancy for new business programs, and support entrepreneurial communities through various initiatives designed to transform innovative ideas into reality.

For more information, visit the Zero One Booster website: Zero One Booster.