Ripple has announced a collaboration with Japan’s Web3 Salon project, which is supported by JETRO and the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, to drive blockchain innovation in the region. This partnership involves offering grants of up to US$200,000 (approximately AU$306,000) for early-stage Japanese startups focused on developing decentralised finance (DeFi), tokenised assets, and digital payment solutions using the XRP Ledger.
The initiative encompasses not just financial support; Web3 Salon will facilitate mentorship and workshops to equip startups with the necessary skills and knowledge, while Ripple will leverage its extensive global network to assist these burgeoning companies. Furthermore, the partnership plans to host four significant community events leading up to March 2026, which will feature pitch competitions, industry discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at connecting entrepreneurs with regulators and potential investors.
### XRP: Performance Amid Market Fluctuations
Interestingly, XRP has managed to rise by 3% in the last 24 hours, reaching a trading price of US$2.24 (around AU$3.43), even as many major cryptocurrencies have remained largely stagnant. Over the past year, XRP has performed impressively, surging over 300%, attributed in part to favourable developments in its legal battle with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While XRP has seen declines in the short term, its significant annual increase has caught the attention of investors, bolstered by speculation regarding exchange-traded funds (ETFs) related to XRP.
### Growing Interest in XRP Treasury Holdings
Moreover, there has been a notable trend of companies integrating XRP into their corporate treasuries. Recently, Nasdaq-listed VivoPower announced it had secured US$121 million (about AU$185.8 million) to invest in XRP. This funding round was led by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who contributed US$100 million (approximately AU$153.5 million).
In a similar vein, the Chinese AI firm Webus revealed plans to establish a US$300 million (around AU$460.6 million) XRP reserve aimed at facilitating a Ripple-based cross-border payment system. They intend to finance this initiative through various sources, such as cash and credit lines, while also seeking to enhance their travel business operations and streamline vendor payments.
In summary, Ripple’s partnership with Web3 Salon represents a significant investment in the future of blockchain technology in Japan, while XRP’s rising popularity and incorporation into corporate treasuries demonstrate a growing belief in its long-term potential. With the upcoming community events and mentorship opportunities, both Ripple and the Web3 ecosystem in Japan are poised for accelerated growth in the innovative space of digital finance.
