EU-JAPAN Innovation Ecosystem Night
Closing the day's programming, two talks and a panel exploring the dynamics of cross-border innovation between the European Union and Japan, examining how entrepreneurs, institutions, and support organizations can navigate and strengthen connections between these two major innovation ecosystems.
Supported by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and convened by Tokyo AI (TAI), this session brings together leading voices in innovation ecosystem development, tech diplomacy, and international entrepreneurship to share insights on building effective bridges between the EU and Japanese markets.
Program
18:00–18:15 | Opening Remarks and Community Introductions
Tokyo AI (TAI) and Italian Trade Agency (ITA)
Introduction to the Italian Trade Agency's work in facilitating cross-border entrepreneurship.
18:15–18:30 | The EU-Japan Center for Industrial Cooperation
Luca Escoffier — Mugen Links
An overview of institutional frameworks supporting industrial cooperation and knowledge exchange between European and Japanese enterprises.
18:30–19:00 | Building Hybrid Innovation Ecosystems
Olga Kokshagina — University of Sydney
Exploring the architecture of hybrid innovation ecosystems that successfully integrate diverse cultural, regulatory, and business approaches. This talk explores how to design ecosystem interventions that create mutual value across borders.
19:00–19:30 | Tech Diplomacy and Deep-Tech Partnerships
Claudio Feijoo — Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Examining the role of tech diplomacy in fostering deep-tech partnerships between Europe and Japan. This presentation addresses how policy frameworks, research collaborations, and strategic partnerships can accelerate technology transfer and market access for frontier-tech ventures navigating between these ecosystems.
19:30–20:00 | Panel Discussion: Practical Pathways for EU-Japan Innovation Exchange
Moderator: Ilya Kulyatin — Tokyo AI (TAI) Ecosystem Builder
An interactive discussion addressing the practical challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs and organizations building between European and Japanese innovation ecosystems.
Panelists:
Olga Kokshagina — University of Sydney
Expert in innovation ecosystem design and cross-cultural collaboration frameworks
Claudio Feijoo — Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Specialist in tech diplomacy, policy frameworks, and international deep-tech partnerships
Victor Mulas — CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center)
Leader in building physical and programmatic innovation infrastructure across global markets
Axel Karpenstein — DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Authority on academic-industry collaboration and international talent mobility between Germany and Japan
20:00–20:45 | Networking Reception
An opportunity to connect with panelists, speakers from throughout the day's programming, Italian startup delegations, and members of Tokyo's international innovation community.