Digital Garage Launches “onlab web3,” a Global Incubation Program for Next-generation Businesses on web3

– Digital Garage will launch “onlab web3,” a global incubation program for next-generation businesses on web3

– “onlab web3” is for web3 Entrepreneurs seeking to enter the Japanese market, backing up next-generation businesses in all aspects, including business collaboration, networking, adaptation to regulations and branding and marketing support in Japan

– Application Period is from Thursday, September 8 to Monday, October 3, 2022

Digital Garage, Inc. (TSE Prime section: 4819; HQ: Tokyo; Representative Director, President Executive Officer and Group CEO: Kaoru Hayashi; DG) will launch “onlab web3,” a global incubation program to challenge next-generation businesses in web3.

web3 has the potential to create the architecture of the next-generation society, and startups are emerging on a global scale. In Japan, web3 is at the core pillar of the government’s growth strategy, and public and private sectors is expected to work together to develop an environment that supports startups.

“onlab web3” is for web3 Entrepreneurs seeking to enter the Japanese market, backing up next-generation businesses in all aspects, including business collaboration, networking, adaptation to regulations and branding and marketing support in Japan. In the program, leading web3 experts from Japan and abroad will participate in supporting the challenges of startup’s projects through mentoring and providing the community. In addition, by partnering with the web3 global incubator, “onlab web3” aims to become a “web3 global ecosystem from Japan.”

The program will accept applications from startup projects to participate in this program starting Thursday, September 8. Selected candidates will not only be offered the opportunity to speak at an event in November which will invite web3-related parties and media but will also be provided with various assets needed for their projects utilizing DG’s global network.

■Mentors / Advisors
＜Mentors＞
・Joichi Ito (Director & Senior Managing Executive Officer, Chief Architect, Digital Garage, Inc.)
・Yat Siu (President & Co-Founder, Animoca Brands / CEO & Co-Founder, Outblaze)
・Sputniko! (Artist / Associate Professor, Tokyo University of the Arts Department of Design)
・James Higa (Founder & Managing Partner, Offline Ventures)

＜Advisors＞
・Gen Kanai (Director Of Strategic Partnerships, Animoca Brands)
・Momoko Fujioka (Head of Business Development, Parasol)

As a pioneer of accelerator programs in Japan, Open Network Lab (Onlab) has held more than 30 programs since its launch in April 2010 and has produced more than 150 startups, including listed companies and unicorns, with valuations of over $1 billion. In recent years, the program has expanded its scope of activities to include new areas such as “Lifestyle,” “Bio-Healthcare,” and “ESG,” as well as region-specific programs.

■Outline of “onlab web3”
◎Contents of support
– Introduce to advisors with expertise and mentoring opportunities
– Support for business collaboration in entering the Japanese market
– Access to Daikanyama coworking space in Tokyo and DG717 in San Francisco
– Media and marketing support in Japan

◎Application conditions
Individuals and corporations involved in projects or businesses in the web3 domains that have a track record of activity and plan to continue their business in the future.
*For eligibility and conditions of participation, please visit the official website.　

◎Schedule
– Application Period: Thursday, September 8, 2022 – Monday, October 3, 2022
– Application deadline: Monday, October 3, 2022 (noon)
– Initial screening (online interviews): Late September – Late October (*only those who pass the document screening)
– Preliminary Screening Selection Meeting/ Determination of those who pass the first round: Mid-October
– Second round screening (mentoring): Mid-October – Late October
– Final Round Presentation/Award Ceremony: Early November 2022 (*Planned to speak at DG-sponsored event)

■For the latest program details and entry forms, please visit the official website below.
https://onlab.jp/en/web3/

■Recruitment of potential “onlab web3” partners
“onlab web3” is also looking for potential partners (projects and companies) to build web3’s global ecosystem. If you are interested, please contact using the form below.
https://forms.gle/mxnf2cxW7iwKYqjo8

■Comment from Joichi Ito, Digital Garage Director & Senior Managing Executive Officer, Chief Architect
“web3 will increasingly allow people to “join” and build organizations and communities in a decentralized way. Given the right architecture and design, this will transform democracy and the economy to be more resilient and appropriate for the increasingly complex world ー this requires our active participation.

In “onlab web3,” we look forward to building positive social impact together through creating ecosystems of web3 startups in Japan and abroad. Please join us.”

■Background of the launch and prospects for “onlab web3”
In the era of Web 1.0 and Web 2.0, DG Group has accompanied the development of the Internet. DG has developed various services in line with the evolution of digital technology, including launching the first personal website in Japan, developing the “Tabelog” business with Kakaku.com, and supporting Twitter’s Japan Entry. Also, in June of this year, DG established the “web3 Strategic Design Task Force*” to build a global ecosystem in anticipation of new Internet trends in the web3 era. DG will continue to support web3 startups that will create the next generation and establish a global standard web3 business model in Japan, thereby contributing to constructing a sustainable society.

*Related press release: “Digital Garage Group Initiates Full-fledged Social Implementation with web3” (June 14, 2022)