#Japan #Tokyo #FoodTech #UnlocX #KitchenTown

The Foodtech Cross Bridge Program: A Gateway for Global Expansion

As a bold initiative from Japan, the Foodtech Cross Bridge Program is set to propel food startups into the global arena. Launched by UnlocX, alongside KitchenTown, Leave a Nest, and The Spoon, this comprehensive acceleration program aims to support food technology startups in navigating the complexities of entering the U.S. market.

Overview of the Program

Unlike one-off events or simple pitch contests, the Foodtech Cross Bridge Program is designed for a select group of ten startups to work collaboratively, enhancing their products while developing a robust market entry strategy. Each selected company will benefit from expert guidance and connections, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes shared growth.

Foundation Phase: Strategy & Brand Vision

The journey begins with the foundational phase, known as the Ready 2 Go Program, where food tech experts assist startups in articulating their vision, strategy, brand positioning, and product concepts tailored for the U.S. market. Through monthly workshops and one-on-one mentoring, participants will deepen their understanding of U.S. retail structures, financial models, and sales and marketing tactics, enabling them to cultivate clear competitive advantages.

Immersion Week: From Strategy to Action

Following the foundational phase, participating companies will take part in an intensive local program at KitchenTown in San Mateo, California. This Immersion Week offers a combination of guidance from industry leaders and market testing through pop-up events, allowing startups to refine their strategies into executable market entry plans.

Demo Days: Opening Doors to Growth

The program culminates in Demo Days held in both Japan and the U.S., creating vital opportunities for business growth. These events are not mere presentations; they serve as a launching pad for actual collaboration discussions, NDA and MOU agreements, investment consultations, and media exposure—providing meaningful pathways for startups to connect with key partners in retail, wholesale, restaurants, online platforms, and investment.

Eligibility Criteria

Participation in the Foodtech Cross Bridge Program is limited to 10 startups, with each allowed two representatives. To qualify, applicants should meet the following criteria:
1. Be based in Tokyo or planning to expand to Tokyo.
2. Operate in the food or food tech sector.
3. Be a startup established for less than ten years.

Key requirements for participants include:

• - Being a CXO level or international business leader from their company.
• - Possessing sufficient English language proficiency for business negotiations.
• - Having a product or prototype ready for the program.
• - Being equipped to participate in the services provided by the program.
• - Planning to enter the U.S. market within the next 1-2 years.
• - Being available for travel to the U.S. from August 10-14, 2026.

Application Details

The application period is set from December 15, 2025, to January 16, 2026, with the application process consisting of a document review followed by interviews for selected candidates. The program fee for companies passing the second screening is 750,000 yen (excluding taxes), which does not cover travel and accommodation expenses.

Program Components

Ready 2 Go Program

Scheduled from February to April 2026, this phase will enhance startup strategies and visions through focused team building.

Brand & Product Audit

During the same period, an online audit will assess market fit and competitive advantages while identifying priority issues.

Thematic Workshops

Monthly workshops will be conducted from May to September 2026, featuring experts providing essential knowledge required for the U.S. market entry.

U.S. Immersion Week

A concentrated support program will take place from August 10-14, 2026, at KitchenTown, focusing on the U.S. food and beverage market.

U.S. Consumer Sensory Tasting

In September 2026, feedback will be gathered from American consumers to refine product offerings.

One-on-One Mentoring

Participants will benefit from tailored mentoring sessions from March to September 2026, addressing critical themes for U.S. expansion.

Demo Days in Japan and the U.S.

Scheduled for November to December 2026, these events will showcase participants’ initiatives and create business opportunities via media outreach.

Partnerships and Vision

The Foodtech Cross Bridge Program is backed by industry leaders dedicated to fostering innovation in food technology. The CEO of UnlocX, Hirotaka Tanaka, emphasizes the need for collective efforts to overcome barriers to global expansion and aims to create a bridge for Japanese food innovation on the world stage. With ambitions to eventually extend into other regions and serve as a link for companies wanting to enter Japan, this program represents a significant step forward for the globalization of Japan's food industry.

KitchenTown's CEO, Rusty Schwartz, notes Japan's extraordinary food innovation scene, emphasizing the importance of understanding the U.S. consumer landscape.

Conclusion

As the world of food tech continues to evolve, opportunities for Japanese startups await in the U.S. marketplace. The Foodtech Cross Bridge Program stands as a valuable resource, offering the strategies, connections, and insights necessary for startups to thrive internationally. Interested companies are encouraged to apply and embark on this transformative journey.