About the Project
EDB facilitated the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in conducting a Data Collection Survey in 2021 among Sri Lankan ICT Associations, Institutions, SME ICT companies and Start-ups. Based on the findings of the survey, EDB submitted a proposal to the Department of National Planning (NPD) in 2022 to obtain JICA Technical assistance to promote Sri Lankan ICT companies in the Japan market. The approval received from the Treasury and JICA Head Quarters allowing EDB to implement the project activities within a two-year period (2024-2025) with the technical support from JICA.
Eligible Companies
Applications are calling from suitable Sri Lankan SME IT companies and Tech start-ups. Priority will be given in AI, Cyber Security, IoT, and Embedded system, Immersive Technologies in the domains of Agriculture, Education, Manufacturing, Retail etc.
SME
SME IT companies within an Annual Turnover of Rs. 16 Mn to Rs. 750 Mn. and meeting the following criteria will be eligible
- The majority of the team should be based in Sri Lanka
- Head Quarter operations should be from Sri Lanka
- 51% or more shares should be owned by Sri Lankan citizens
- Experience in engaging business with foreign markets would be an added advantage.
Start-ups
Tech Start-ups registered between 31.03.2018 and 31.09.2023
Revenue should be less than LKR 16 Mn per annum
Tech Start-ups should meet following criteria.
- Head Quarter operations should be from Sri Lanka
- 51% or more shares should be owned by Sri Lankan citizens
- Experience in engaging business with foreign markets would be an added advantage.
Guidelines
Selection process will be conducted by a panel of experts followed by the recommendation of the JICA consultancy team
- Selected companies/Start-ups should be committed to work with the consultancy team to get the maximum benefit from this assistance scheme. This may include necessary human resources, funding where necessary.
- EDB or JICA will not assure confirmed business contracts with Japanese clients, but will assist the eligible companies to reach the Japanese market.
- All necessary documents should be submitted along with the application form: (Business Registration(BR), Form 15, Audited financial accounts)
- For SME Companies - Last two years (2023/2022 , 2022/2021)- Audited financial accounts
- For Start-ups - Last one year (2023/2022)- Audited financial accounts
- Selected companies will have to sign an MoU with EDB
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
- Applicants should submit any additional information or documents if requested by the EDB/JICA
- A company could be blacklisted (i.e., disqualified for assistance) for future EDB programs if any false information is provided and in breach of the MoU.
Eligible companies may submit the application on or before 31st March 2024
Assistance Programs
Apply under the respective category
Contact
Export Services Division Level 07, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, No. 42, Nawam Mawath, Colombo 02
Vajira Kularathna – Assistant Director
vajira@edb.gov.lk
+94727303869/+94112303862
Dinesh Attanayake – Export Promotion Officer
dinesh@edb.gov.lk
+94774169033/+94112303862