Japanese municipalities are stepping up their support for startups, with an intensified focus on helping innovators connect with global markets. In late October, representatives from Tokyo, Kansai, Aichi, Fukuoka, and Yokohama joined forces at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Their booths, showcasing Japan’s technical strengths and entrepreneurial ambition, captured the attention of attendees from around the world.
SWITCH, now in its ninth year, has become Asia’s largest tech event, drawing nearly 20,000 visitors and creating a vibrant space for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the world.
Among the Japanese delegates, Kansai startups—representing Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo (Kobe)—stood out for their proactive approach. Recognized by Japan’s Cabinet Office as “global hub cities,” Kansai has become a key player in Japan’s startup ecosystem, nurturing high-potential ventures that are primed for global markets. JETRO’s Kansai Startup Mashups initiative, launched in 2022, has been central to this mission, with this year’s SWITCH serving as a milestone for Kansai startups to advance their international reach.
While many exhibitors focused on networking from their booths, six Kansai startups took their outreach further, engaging directly with investors, distributors, and government contacts in Singapore. Face-to-face discussions set the stage for concrete collaborations that could yield future business deals.
One such startup, Kyoto-based Mui Lab (stylized as “mui Lab”), exemplified this approach. Mui Lab, which specializes in smart home technology, arranged meetings with architecture and interior design firms as well as major construction companies in Singapore. CEO Kazunori Oki told 36Kr that, while expansion across Asia will depend on future negotiations, these meetings provided a valuable chance to communicate the values that define Mui Lab’s approach to technology.
Each Kansai startup had its own unique focus, spanning life sciences, robotics, and clean energy. Their goals were varied, with some seeking new funding, others market insights, and still others focused on building distribution networks. Thanks to JETRO Osaka’s support, these startups found opportunities for meaningful partnerships, with positive responses affirming their readiness to expand internationally.
Yokohama also made waves at SWITCH, supporting two startups that introduced distinctive solutions to the global stage.
Agritech venture Nextage drew attention with its inventive approach to growing wasabi—a high-demand crop—with specialized containers that make cultivation possible nearly anywhere. Nextage’s goal was to forge partnerships for a global supply chain and walked away with new connections in distribution and logistics.
The healthcare startup RimTech also stood out, even in an AI-heavy year at SWITCH, where healthcare-focused booths reportedly drew the most traffic. RimTech’s voice-based health monitoring technology captivated visitors with its ability to deliver quick health assessments through a few seconds of speech. The applications are broad, from early warning systems for employee fatigue to workplace safety measures, with plans for expansion across Asia and the Middle East.
For Japan’s startups, global events like SWITCH are crucial platforms to introduce their innovations and foster relationships with an international audience. As Kansai’s startups have shown, building these in-person connections with influential local contacts can be the first step in unlocking new market opportunities and establishing Japan’s role on the world stage.
This article was published in partnership with JETRO and For Startups.