Japan x Europe Showcase 2026
Japan x Europe Showcase 2026
Meet eight Japanese startups visiting Helsinki with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government delegation during Slush week.
Discover their technologies, hear their plans for Europe and explore opportunities for investment and business collaboration.
Organised by Northlink Partners and Vertical, in collaboration with Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Nordic Innovation House Tokyo, the showcase has received the official endorsement of the Embassy of Japan in Finland.
Meet the startups
ArkEdge Space: Small satellites and satellite systems for communications, Earth observation and navigation.
Ashirase: Shoe-mounted navigation technology that uses vibrations to help people with visual impairments move independently.
Cluster: A metaverse platform and virtual environments, digital twins and immersive experiences for businesses and communities.
Dymon: Compact exploration robots, including the YAOKI lunar rover, designed to operate in challenging environments.
Muso Action: AI-powered robotics for automating physical tasks in manufacturing, logistics and retail.
One Smile Tech: Smile-detection technology for interactive experiences and social-impact initiatives.
OUI: Smartphone-based eye examination technology that expands access to eye care and supports remote diagnosis.
United Silk: Modern silk production and silk-derived ingredients and materials for cosmetics, food and industrial applications.
Meet our judges
Kengo Tashiro | Founder, CEO, HighQ Power
A pioneering Japanese entrepreneur who founded HighQ Power, a Finland-based power electronics startup. He is actively expanding the company's business into Japan, with operations in Tokyo and Fukuoka.
Taiga Ueta | Principal, NordicNinja VC
Representing NordicNinja VC, a pioneering venture capital firm driving Japanese investment into innovative Nordic startups. NordicNinja has played a leading role in bringing Japanese capital to the Nordic technology sector.
Additional judges to be announced soon.
Investment and business connections between Japan and Europe
The showcase welcomes investors, corporate representatives, entrepreneurs and professionals interested in business with Japan.
Hear directly from the founders and discuss their technologies, business models and European ambitions. The participating companies represent different stages of development, offering opportunities to explore investment, pilot projects, distribution and technology partnerships.
Startup pitches and jury Q&A will be followed by networking, giving participants time to meet the founders and continue conversations.
Programme
13:00–13:30 | Welcome and opening remarks
Introduction to the showcase and the collaboration connecting Japanese startups with European investors and business partners.
13:30–15:00 | Startup pitches and jury Q&A
Three-minute startup pitches followed by two minutes of jury questions, with a short break midway.
15:00–15:30 | Networking and refreshments
Meet the founders and fellow participants over light bites, with possible startup demonstrations. The jury deliberates during the break.
15:30–16:00 | Awards and closing remarks
Announcement of the pitch competition winners and closing words.
The organisations making it happen
Northlink Partners is a Japan–Nordics business development company helping businesses enter new markets, find relevant partners and turn introductions into practical collaboration. Its work combines local networks, Japanese-language support and an understanding of both business cultures.
Vertical specialises in open innovation and business development, helping startups and established companies build commercial partnerships. Vertical brings experience in startup preparation, European market engagement and corporate collaboration.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government is the metropolitan government of Tokyo. Through its international startup support activities, TMG helps Tokyo companies connect with overseas markets, investors and business partners, including through this delegation to Slush.
Nordic Innovation House Tokyo connects Nordic and Japanese innovation ecosystems and supports the coordination and promotion of this programme.
The Embassy of Japan in Finland has granted its official endorsement to the event.
Photography Notice
Professional photography and videography will take place during the event. If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please inform the organizers in advance.