JICA: DANCE SHIBUYA

JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has launched a new program for entrepreneurs in Latin America.

This pilot program is called “Bilateral Acceleration of Innovation with Latin America”, or BAILA.

JICA is the official Japanese government agency for international cooperation, which has been implementing projects in Latin American countries to contribute to socioeconomic development, primarily with the public sector. However, over the past decade, JICA has focused more on collaboration with the private sector, especially working with entrepreneurs as strategic partners to address social challenges in each country.

In this context, JICA will support a six startup from Latin American countries (Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina) to expand its social business to a specific district in the Tokyo metropolitan area called Shibuya. The startup will travel to Shibuya next year to connect with customers and potential local investors and to develop a business plan aimed at solving a social challenge in that area.

JICA’s vision is to integrate ecosystems beyond horizons, where demand and social solutions mutually communicate. This program will provide a significant gateway for the Latin American ecosystem to access Japan's vast market and funding opportunities.