ud.Japan Launches Global Entrepreneurship Program in Kyoto: Participants from Over 6 Countries Report 100% Satisfaction

ud.Japan (Headquarters: Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kim Jong-hoon) and its parent company, Seoul-based UD IMPACT Inc. (Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea; CEO: Kim Jong-hoon), in collaboration with the Kyoto Association of Corporate Growth, held the "Kyoto Global Entrepreneurship 2DAYs Program" in March 2026. The program attracted entrepreneurs and aspiring founders from over six countries, including Japan. Conducted as a two-day practical workshop combining online sessions with in-person activities at Kyoto's Open Innovation Cafe "KOIN," the program achieved a 100% satisfaction and re-participation rate, with an average recommendation score of 9.0 out of 10. Final pitch session. Participants developed landing pages and pitch decks based on ideas refined over the two days.

From Kyoto to the World: Background of Global Entrepreneurship Training Startups are increasingly recognized globally as the core of new industry creation and innovation. While global expansion into emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Africa, is accelerating, interest in global business development is also rising within Japan. Furthermore, as the world demands solutions to cross-border social and environmental issues, there is a rapidly growing interest in "social impact startups" that balance business growth with solving societal challenges. Kyoto possesses unique characteristics as a hub for global entrepreneurship, including an industrial base where traditional and cutting-edge industries coexist, and an influx of international talent drawn by its concentration of universities. This program was designed to leverage these strengths to foster globally-minded entrepreneurs and connect them to international ecosystems. ■ Program Overview: A Hybrid Online/Offline Design The program featured an original curriculum aimed at redefining local issues in Kyoto and Japan as global challenges, thereby creating businesses with international viability.

To maximize practical skills in a short period, the program utilized a hybrid design combining online pre-learning with in-person workshops. Both days featured consecutive Japanese-English interpretation and individual follow-ups to minimize language barriers.

Additionally, by identifying "glocal entrepreneurship prospects," the program provided educational opportunities to guide those interested in starting businesses or those in the idea stage toward concrete entrepreneurial actions.