
Fukuoka Growth Next

Takanobu IKEDA (Secretary General)
Junji MURAKAMI (Incubation Manager)
Yuri IKEZONO (Secretariat)
Keiko SAKAI (Secretariat)
Nobuto MUROI (In-house VC Manager)
Y?ichiro UCHIDA (Senior Adviser)
Summary
Fukuoka Growth Next is a startup support and innovation hub located in Fukuoka, Japan. Its mission is to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing co-working spaces, acceleration programs, networking opportunities, and access to funding for startups. The hub aims to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, connecting entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and international markets. Fukuoka Growth Next plays a crucial role in nurturing and accelerating the growth of innovative companies in Fukuoka and beyond, contributing to economic development and job creation in the area.
History
Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN) traces its roots back to its establishment in 2014, when it emerged as a visionary initiative driven by the Fukuoka City Government and local partners. The primary goal was crystal clear: to catalyze entrepreneurship and innovation within the Fukuoka region, recognizing the imperative of nurturing startups and stimulating economic growth through innovative means. FGN emerged as a response to the pressing need for a dedicated ecosystem designed to champion the cause of startups and to create an environment conducive to their growth.
From its very inception, Fukuoka Growth Next has been a dynamic force in the local startup scene, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and expediting the development of startups. Central to its mission is the provision of an array of programs and resources, aimed at empowering innovative entrepreneurs to realize their visions and become trailblazers within their respective industries. FGN has thrived in leveraging Fukuoka City's prestigious designation as a "National Strategic Special Zone for Global Startups & Job Creation," an accolade conferred by the Japanese Government. This unique classification has afforded FGN the ability to offer invaluable opportunities, including accelerator programs and pathways for startups to collaborate with industry leaders and the city itself.
Over the years, Fukuoka Growth Next has become a hub where startups and supporters convene, fostering collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas. It has not only been instrumental in equipping creative startups with the tools and support needed to transform their visions into reality but has also contributed significantly to the larger goal of creating jobs and spurring economic development in the Fukuoka region. While specific developments post-2021 are not covered here, Fukuoka Growth Next's rich history serves as a testament to its enduring commitment to catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Goals and Purpose
Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN) has two primary goals and purposes:
Promoting Entrepreneurship: FGN is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship by providing a supportive ecosystem for startups. It aims to encourage individuals with innovative ideas to take the entrepreneurial leap and create new businesses.
Driving Economic Growth through Innovation: FGN's second major purpose is to stimulate economic growth within the Fukuoka region and beyond by promoting innovation. By nurturing startups and innovative ventures, it seeks to generate jobs, attract investments, and contribute to the region's economic prosperity.
Impact
Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN) has had a significant impact by nurturing startups and promoting innovation in the Fukuoka region. Its efforts have led to the creation of jobs, attracted investments, and bolstered economic growth. FGN's support for startups has facilitated the development of innovative solutions, contributing to the region's reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial activity. Ultimately, FGN's impact extends to both economic and technological advancement in the region, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
References
- Fukuoka Growth Next Overview | Pitchbook
- Fukuoka Growth Next | Crunchbase
- Fukuoka Growth Next | Startup Fukuoka
- Why Fukuoka is Japans most innovative city | BBC
- Japan’s Would-Be Silicon Valley Wants You | Fortune
- Why Both Japanese And Foreign Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Fukuoka | Forbes
- Fukuoka murder suspect may have boasted he 'graduated' from trolling after stabbing | Mainichi
- Fukuoka -- a booming population in aging Japan | Asia Nikkei
- Can co-working spaces change work culture in Japan? | Japantimes
- Digital Garage, Fukuoka D.C., and Fukuoka Growth Next Launch the Smart City Incubation Program, “Open Network Lab FUKUOKA” | Garage
- Sponsorship of Fukuoka Growth Next | GMO PG
- Enhancing Fukuoka Growth Next | Startup Fukukoka
- Fukuoka Growth Next, a Public-Private Joint Startup Support Facility in Fukuoka, celebrates its 2nd Anniversary with an Infographic of the Current State | Fukuoka Growth Next
- Japan Fukuoka | Startupgenome
- Start up a startup revolution from Fukuoka! | J Starup
- Fukuoka City to launch integrated startup support hub to create future unicorns | Thebridge
- Fukuoka Startup Ecosystem | Fukuoka
- Fukuoka City | Jetro
- A Space For Innovation | Startup
- The Innovation Ecosystem Of Japan In The Dynamic Tech Landscape | Openbusinesscouncil
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Takanobu IKEDA (Secretary General)
Junji MURAKAMI (Incubation Manager)
Yuri IKEZONO (Secretariat)
Keiko SAKAI (Secretariat)
Nobuto MUROI (In-house VC Manager)
Y?ichiro UCHIDA (Senior Adviser)