The Startup Ecosystem of Sapporo

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.

CITY RANKING

In 2023, the startup scene of Sapporo developed considerably and increased in the Global Ecosystem Index by 95 spots.

National Ranking

6th
+
1
In Japan

Regional Ranking

39th
+
6
In East Asia

Global Ranking

476th
+
95
Worldwide

Ecosystem

Startup Ecosystem Overview

city skyline under blue sky during sunset


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.

Startups

Sapporo Top Startup Industries

Healthtech icon
Healthtech
#233 worldwide

6 startups

Software & Data icon
Software & Data
#380 worldwide

4 startups

Foodtech icon
Foodtech
1 startups

1 startups

Ecosystem HealthCheck

Sapporo Ecosystem Health Check

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...

  • Overperformance
  • Performance equal to global ranking
  • Underperformance
ParameterParameter Global rankParameter rank change since 2022ResultContribution to total scoreRank gain / loss due to parameter
Total Score476950.547100%0
Quantity Score523-525-670.0814.61%-19
Sample size of startups471-490281214.61%125
Sample size of accelerators487-1139-14600%-3
Sample size of coworking spaces281-29951130%19
Community Score633-1139-30600%-11

ECOSYSTEM

Browse the startup ecosystem database of Sapporo

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Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Sapporo

Startups in Sapporo excel in Healthtech, Software & Data, and and Foodtech. There are some notable success stories contributing to the city’s growing Healthtech industry. One of the most promising startups in Sapporo in 2023 is living platform, CHOWA GIKEN Coporation, and FirstConnect.

Global Rank

Sapporo is ranked within the top 500 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Sapporo’s startups excel particularly in Healthtech where it ranks 233 and in Software & Data, and Foodtech. Find out more

Top Cities for Startups in Japan - Ranked by StartupBlink
StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Rows:
2023 National Rank & Change ▲
2023 National Rank & Change City
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Global Rank & ChangeTotal Score
Access subscores for 1000 cities and 100 countries
Quantity Score
Quality ScoreBusiness Score
1st
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14th
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1
44.067
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2nd
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128th
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9
5.535
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172nd
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10
3.627
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214th
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6
2.445
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5th
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320th
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41
1.181
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6th
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1
476th
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95
0.547
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7th
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1
490th
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96
0.518
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8th
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1
694th
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152
0.259
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9th
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1
729th
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35
0.239
00.00
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10th
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1
847th
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64
0.174
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Startups

Notable Startups in Sapporo
living platform startup icon
living platform
CHOWA GIKEN Coporation startup icon
CHOWA GIKEN Coporation
FirstConnect startup icon
FirstConnect

Startups

Successful Healthtech startups in Sapporo
Medicinal Chemistry Pharmaceuticals startup icon
Medicinal Chemistry Pharmaceuticals
Evec startup icon
Evec

ECOSYSTEM

Why should you join Sapporo's Startup Ecosystem?

Overview

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.

6th

National Rank

39th

Regional Rank

Overview

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.

Featured Startup Ecosystems

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