An implant that strengthens bones affected by osteoporosis. A cream that could ultimately help treat autoimmune diseases. A device for home dialysis that requires no water. These technologies are being developed by Japanese startups interested in bringing these innovations to the United States market, but not sure where exactly to start. They were among seven Japanese startups that spent two weeks at the University of California San Diego’s Institute for the Global Entrepreneur this fall learning about the startup market in the United States as part of the first cohort of the Beyond JAPAN program.

The Beyond JAPAN program, an initiative of the Japanese government’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), is a five-year effort meant to nurture entrepreneurial talent that can expand global business by sending 1,000 participants to overseas training programs over these five years.