Switzerland strengthens ties in Japan: new opportunities for startups

Japan’s high level of technology and quality aligns well with Switzerland’s. It is one of Switzerland’s priority countries and an excellent partner for bilateral research cooperation, which led to the signing of the Switzerland-Japan Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement in 2007. With the opening of the new Swiss Consulate in the Kansai region, Switzerland will increase its foothold in Japan and devotion to science, research, and innovation, reflecting the strengths of Switzerland and its potential in Japan in those critical fields. Two Swiss Presidents have shown their support during their visits to Japan. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin announced its establishment in August 2021 in Tokyo, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis officiated its groundbreaking ceremony in April 2022 in Osaka.

Results from the bilateral relationship are already visible – Japanese and Swiss universities already have 20 collaboration agreements. Even a newly launched university mobility program in Japan has received the highest level of satisfaction. The Consulate in Osaka will be the first science consulate in Japan and part of the Swissnex network, Switzerland’s global network for education, research, and innovation.

Swiss deeptechs in the spotlight
For the official Grand Opening, the new Consulate of Switzerland has chosen the theme ‘Breakthrough Trends in Sustainability.’ State Secretary Martina Hirayama, her delegation, and nine startups and scaleups, including Anybotics, Climeworks, Planted, Swisswood Solutions, Synhelion, Wingtra, Depoly, MobyFly and Flyability, will showcase outstanding achievements in the presence of Ministers, the Governor/Mayor of Osaka, Ambassadors, Consuls General, Presidents of universities, and large corporations. Demonstrations will include solar fuels, carbon capture from the air, ambient PET recycling, autonomous-legged robots, and drones.

Point of contact and a broad offering for startups
Japan’s high-level technology and quality standards also benefit startups. Last year, 53 Swiss startups aiming to expand to Japan received support from the Swissnex team in Japan, including consultation and advisory services, intensive on-the-ground support and acting as point of contact in Japan on behalf of the startup.

From 2024 onwards, the offering will be divided into Innosuisse camps on a cohort basis, providing coaching, market research and networking, all leading to a presence at large innovation fairs in Japan. For the on-demand offer, startups will have the opportunity to mandate Swissnex in Japan for their services, as explained by the Swissnex team. The programs will run once a year with specific periods depending on the technology vertical (Mobility, Healthcare, SaaS, etc.). Startups interested in getting support from Swissnex in Japan should contact Carlos Correa. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, with each evaluated independently.

Strong link to Swiss Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai
The new Consulate’s presence in Kansai is also linked to the World Expo 2025. Under the slogan “Designing future society for our lives,” Switzerland will present innovations for a sustainable future in the Swiss Pavilion with themes such as “Life” - life sciences, health, and nutrition; “Planet” - environment, sustainability, climate, and energy; and “Augmented Human” - robotics and artificial intelligence, which are in line with the focus areas of Swissnex.

(Press release/RAN)