Sapporo has 12 startups in our sample database. This represents about 1% of Japan’s startups. Sapporo is the 6th best startup ecosystem in Japan.
In 2023, the startup scene of Sapporo developed considerably and increased in the Global Ecosystem Index by 95 spots.
Sapporo, situated in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is an emerging startup ecosystem with the potential to become a regional hub for startups and entrepreneurs. The city benefits from a diverse range of industries and resources that contribute to the growth of its startup ecosystem. Key sectors driving this growth include agriculture, tourism, food and beverages, information technology, and biotechnology.
To actively support its startup community, Sapporo has implemented various initiatives and organizations. One such example is Startup City Sapporo, operated by the city government, which serves as a comprehensive resource hub for startups. It offers vital information on funding opportunities, business support programs, networking events, and other resources essential for startup success.
J-Startup HOKKAIDO, a collaborative initiative established by both public and private organizations, plays a significant role in identifying and supporting promising local startups in Sapporo that show potential for global impact. The initiative focuses on providing targeted support and fostering collaborations with both public-sector institutions and private-sector enterprises to facilitate the growth of these remarkable startups.
Sapporo is home to several startup incubators and coworking spaces, like Sapporo Incubation Hub, Creative Lounge Share, and Hokkaido x Station01. These spaces offer affordable workspaces and provide opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.
The city hosts events and conferences dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. One example is Startup Weekend Sapporo, where aspiring entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and investors come together to collaborate, pitch ideas, and receive valuable feedback.
The local government provides financial support and incentives for startups through grants, subsidies, and tax breaks. These initiatives are designed to encourage the growth of new ventures and create a favorable environment for entrepreneurial endeavors in Sapporo.
6 startups
4 startups
1 startups
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The health check tables allow you to look at the performance Sapporo has in each of the parameters that are part of StartupBlink's ranking algorithm. There are five tables, corresponding to the three subscores, the subscore analysis and industry ana...
Sapporo is ranked within the top 500 startup ecosystems globally.
Sapporo’s startups excel particularly in Healthtech where it ranks 233 and in Software & Data, and Foodtech. Find out more
2023 National Rank & Change | City | Global Rank & Change | Total Score | Quantity Score | Quality Score | Business Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st 0 | 14th + 1 | 44.067 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
2nd 0 | 128th - 9 | 5.535 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
3rd 0 | 172nd + 10 | 3.627 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
4th 0 | 214th + 6 | 2.445 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
5th 0 | 320th - 41 | 1.181 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
6th + 1 | 476th + 95 | 0.547 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
7th - 1 | 490th - 96 | 0.518 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
8th + 1 | 694th + 152 | 0.259 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
9th - 1 | 729th - 35 | 0.239 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
10th + 1 | 847th + 64 | 0.174 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
Within Sapporo there is an increased attraction for entrepreneurs to set up their startups in industries such as Healthtech, Software & Data, Foodtech. These three industries represent about 92% of the startups represented on the Startup Ecosystem Map of Sapporo.
Sapporo is Japan's 6th best startup ecosystem and is ranked 39th in East Asia. With a population of 1M - 2M people, Sapporo is ranked 476th in the world. The city has some notable startup success stories including living platform.
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