Why Build in Japan: An Emerging Innovation Hub
"Why Build in Japan" explores why Japan is becoming a compelling place for startups, researchers, and global companies to establish a long-term presence. This session is not just about entering the Japanese market — it focuses on how to build, test, and scale from within Japan’s evolving innovation ecosystem.
Here, we'll examine what has changed in Japan’s innovation landscape. This includes government-backed initiatives, corporate partnerships, world-class research institutions, talent access, and practical pathways for setting up operations and research & development. Speakers will share firsthand perspectives on how founders, the Japanese government, and other ecosystem players are building in Japan, including considerations around incorporation, collaboration, piloting, and cross-border team integration
Whether you’re evaluating international expansion, research collaboration, or a deeper operational footprint in Asia, this event offers practical insight into why Japan is increasingly a place to build from, not just sell into — and why now is the right moment to engage.
Networking to follow.
Opening Remarks:
Ian Bergman - Managing Director | Alchemist
Kanako Watanabe - Chief Executive Director | JETRO SF
Kotaro Otsuki - Consul General | Consulate General of Japan, San Francisco
Presentations By:
Andrew Fast - Project Coordinator | JETRO SF
Akiko Iimura - Senior Policy Planning Officer | METI
"Why Build in Japan" Fireside Chat:
Ian Bergman - Managing Director | Alchemist
Evan Burkosky - CEO | Kimaru.ai
Noah Smith - CEO | Noahpinion
John Whaley - Founder / Managing Partner | Inception Studios
"Why Build In Japan" Reverse CVC Pitch:
Akira Sugihara - Kanematsu Ventures
Hirotaka Mori - ENEOS Americas, Inc.
Ray Abbiatici - Yamaha Motor Ventures
Ludovic Copéré - Sony Innovation Fund
Shonosuke Sawa - TOTO Usa
Ayako Gonoi - SB Telecom America Corp
Genta Ando - JETRO SF
Japan isn't just the country of the future. It's an emerging innovation hub that is ripe for immense growth.
See you there! ✅
- Alchemist