[Report] Deep Tech Tour in Japan (March 2026)

Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. organized the Deep Tech Tour in Japan 2026 from March 4–6, 2026 in Tokyo, welcoming deep tech startups selected through Enterprise Singapore’s Global Innovation Alliance (ESG-GIA) as well as teams from the TECH PLANTER Asia Final community. (See: About the Deep Tech Tour )

The program was designed to provide participating startups with a deeper understanding of Japan’s deep tech ecosystem while exploring opportunities for collaboration with Japanese corporates, venture capital firms, and ecosystem builders. Through curated visits and participation in the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) Tokyo 2026, the startups engaged with key stakeholders across Japan’s innovation landscape.

This initiative forms part of Leave a Nest’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between Japan and Southeast Asia’s deep tech ecosystems, supporting the development of research-based startups and promoting cross-border innovation.

Participated Global Startups

The tour welcomed startups representing diverse deep tech fields including robotics, advanced materials, biotechnology, and environmental technologies.

• Lionsbot International Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)
• Future Food Foundry Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)
• Vivogenia Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)
• PT Berkah Inovasi Kreatif Indonesia (BIKI) (Indonesia)
• Enable Earth (Thailand)
• NEXTBOND Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

The program was facilitated by communicators from Leave a Nest who supported discussions and helped connect the visiting startups with Japanese stakeholders throughout the program.

Program Overview

The three-day program was structured around three key objectives:

• Understanding Japan’s deep tech ecosystem and the knowledge-based innovation platform developed by the Leave a Nest Group
• Exploring business expansion opportunities through engagement with Japanese corporates and ecosystem partners
• Expanding research networks through participation in the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference

During the tour, the delegation visited several organizations that play important roles in Japan’s innovation ecosystem, including Center of Garage (COG), TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars’ Hub (LiSH), UntroD Capital Japan, artience Co., Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., and StartupClass Co., Ltd.

Day 1: Understanding Japan’s Deep Tech Ecosystem

The first day focused on introducing participants to Japan’s innovation ecosystem through visits to incubation hubs and venture capital organizations supporting deep tech startups. Participants gained insights into how research, manufacturing, and investment networks are connected within Japan’s knowledge-driven innovation environment.

Participants gathered at COG, a hub for startup incubation, to initiate discussions and set the stage for engagement with Japan’s deep-tech ecosystem.

At COG, participants engaged in discussion with Shiori Yamashita, Manager of D-LAB (Japan Tobacco Inc.), who has been co-leading the “D-0.” incubation program with Leave a Nest since 2024, supporting Southeast Asian ventures driving future societal and lifestyle transformation.

At LiSH, participants explored a next-generation innovation hub while actively sharing their technologies and identifying collaboration opportunities within Japan’s evolving research infrastructure.

Participants engaged with UntroD Capital to understand investment strategies while presenting their innovations and exploring potential pathways for deep-tech commercialization.

Day 2: Exploring Corporate Collaboration Opportunities

On the second day, the startups engaged with Japanese corporates and ecosystem partners to better understand potential pathways for collaboration and business expansion in Japan. The discussions provided perspectives on industry needs, open innovation initiatives, and opportunities for partnership with global startups.

At artience Co., Ltd., participants were introduced to corporate-driven innovation approaches while exploring available facilities and collaboration opportunities to support startup development.

Participants visited Mitsui Chemicals to explore large-scale R&D frameworks while showcasing their technologies and discussing potential corporate partnerships.

Participants were also introduced to the Startup Class Co., Ltd. and learned about their activities as a practical gateway to local talent and the broader Japanese startup ecosystem and discussed to get ideas on how to expand into Japan.

 

The program concluded at the Leave a Nest office with closing remarks by Dr. Shuichiro Takahashi, who underscored—based on his own experience—that establishing a solid network is a fundamental prerequisite for successful expansion into international markets.

Day 3: Expanding Networks at HIC Tokyo 2026

The tour concluded with participation in the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) Tokyo 2026, where researchers, startups, corporations, and manufacturers gathered to exchange knowledge and explore interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. Through presentations, discussions, and networking sessions, participants expanded their connections within Japan’s research and innovation community.

Participants showcased their technologies through panel discussions and poster presentations, actively engaging with a diverse network and expanding opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Looking Ahead

Through the Deep Tech Tour in Japan 2026, participating startups were able to gain first-hand insights into Japan’s deep tech ecosystem while building relationships with potential partners and collaborators.

Leave a Nest will continue to create opportunities that connect startups, researchers, and industry partners across borders, fostering new projects that contribute to solving global challenges through science and technology.

If you are interested in entering the Japanese market, please contact us ([email protected]), Strategic Development Division, Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. We will contact you to arrange a meeting to hear your interest and will discuss the potential of the expanding market in Japan and introduce the opportunities for you.

Leave a Nest looks forward to accelerating your entry to Japan together!