Opportunities to promote EU startups in Japan – Call for applications

We would like to inform you that the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation collaborates with various online and hybrid startup programs and events in Japan. European startups and innovative companies with an interest in Japan can express their interest in becoming a Centre’s nominee for startup events (both online and hybrid) taking place in autumn 2023. The activity is led by the Centre’s Technology Transfer Helpdesk jointly with the Enterprise Europe Network Japan.

The Global Innovation Forum

An Online Expo, Pitching and Matchmaking Event, bringing together international startups with Japanese companies interested in pursuing collaborations. (only applications received until July 6 can be considered for this event), between 20 September – 9 November 2023. https://gif.osaka.cci.or.jp/en/overview

KGAP+ – Batch 10 (Keihanna Global Acceleration Program Plus)

an Online Acceleration Programme that promotes global open innovation by supporting startups from around the world in securing business partners in Japan End of October – early November (details tbc) https://www.kgap.jp

The Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS)

A Hybrid Open Innovation Matching Event providing “Power Matching” to match major corporations with startups to create innovative new businesses 4-7 December https://ils.tokyo/about

The events/programs, which include various forms of matchmaking, pitching and sometimes mentoring, are most suitable for EU startups that have no business partners in Japan yet but have a strong interest in the country.

EU Startups active in the following deep tech areas can apply: Renewable Energy, Environmental, Decarbonization, Smart Grid, Chemicals, New Materials, Digital Health & Care, Preventive Medicine, Semiconductors, Electronic Components, Batteries, Photonics, VR, AR & MR, Robotics, Mobility, Wearable Devices, Smart Devices, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain, Sensing, Telcom, 5G & 6G, IoT, M2M, Construction, Civil Engineering, Smart Home, Smart City, Biotechnology, Plant-Based Meat, Agri Tech, Food Tech, Aquafarming.

The EU-Japan Centre will select from expressions of interest and nominate successful startups for each event. Depending on each event, there will be further selection by the organizers or participation costs incurred.

Application deadline: 18 August 2023

For more information on each event, eligibility and the application form: https://forms.eu-japan.eu/231621628201950