TOKYO LAUNCHPAD: Access to Tokyo for Canadian AI & DeepTech
🗼Tokyo Launchpad: Access to Tokyo for Canadian AI & Deep Tech 🗼
Save the date: Tuesday August 4, 7:00-8:00 PM EDT (4:00-5:00 PM PDT)
FORMAT: ONLINE ONLY
Japan is rising again in the era of Physical AI and deep tech.
This online session will highlight Tokyo’s business advantages, collaboration opportunities with Japanese corporates and ecosystem partners, and support programs from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
You’ll hear firsthand stories from Canadian startups with experience in the Japanese market, as well as perspectives from Japanese corporates on what they look for when collaborating with overseas AI and deep tech startups. We’re also excited to hear from the Embassy of Canada to Japan.
If you’re a startup, investor, accelerator, university, research institution, or innovation hub interested in Japan market entry, this session is for you.
Highlights
This event will provide an opportunity to:
Explore market opportunities in Japan and Tokyo
Gain insights into why Japan can be an attractive market for North American startups and ecosystem players, and how Tokyo can provide access to customers, corporate partners, research institutions, investors, and innovation networks.
Learn about Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Embassy of Canada support programs
Get an overview of support initiatives designed to help overseas companies connect with Tokyo’s business ecosystem, with a focus on programs relevant to AI and deep tech companies considering expansion into Japan.
Hear real stories from startups with Japan experience
Learn from startups with firsthand experience entering or exploring the Japanese market, including perspectives on partnership-building, market entry timing, and navigating the local ecosystem
Understand what Japanese corporates look for in overseas startups
Hear perspectives from Japanese corporates on collaboration opportunities with overseas AI and deep tech startups, including what they value in potential partners, how PoCs and partnerships are typically developed, and practical considerations for entering the Japanese market.
Agenda
1. Opening (Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
ー Opening remarks from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government introducing the purpose of the event and the role of Tokyo as a gateway to opportunity.
2. Why Japan / Why Tokyo Now + How Canadian Organizations Can Support Your Expansion (Embassy of Canada)
ー An introduction to Japan’s market opportunities in areas such as AI and deep tech, collaboration opportunities between Canadian ecosystem organizations and Japanese companies, and support available from the Embassy of Canada.
3. Japan Market Entry Case / Collaboration (BluWave-ai, Fujitsu)
ー A session featuring Canadian startups with experience in Japan, covering their motivation for exploring the Japanese market, their perspectives on Japan’s strengths, examples of PoCs and partnerships, and their outlook for the future.
ー This session will also include perspectives from Japanese corporates on what they look for when collaborating with overseas AI and deep tech startups, including key considerations for partnership development, PoCs, and market entry in Japan.
4. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Support Programs (Access to Tokyo San Francisco Desk)
ー An overview of Tokyo Metropolitan Government support initiatives, with a focus on programs for overseas deep tech companies and how startups can make use of support for market entry.
5. Q&A / Next Steps
ー Audience Q&A and guidance on how participants can take the next step, including opportunities for follow-up consultation.
Who Should Attend?
This session is especially relevant for:
AI and deep tech startups across North America
Ecosystem organizations such as accelerators, incubators, universities, and research institutions
Innovation hubs and ecosystem builders supporting international expansion
Startups interested in Japan market entry, corporate partnerships, or future expansion into Asia
Speakers
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Access to Tokyo – San Francisco Desk
Embassy of Canada
Bluwave-ai Japan
Fujitsu Limited