Could you share more about your internationalisation programs and how they support tech businesses expanding globally?
JETRO’s internationalisation programmes help Japanese tech companies scale globally through market-entry support, curated business-matching, and access to overseas innovation ecosystems. Through our Global Acceleration Hub network, startups connect with mentors, investors, and partners across major tech cities. We also run sector focused delegations, co-innovation projects, and provide regulatory guidance to accelerate cross border expansion. Each year, we support over 700 startups through initiatives such as X-HUB TOKYO Outbound Acceleration Program, J-StarX, ASEAN-Japan Co-Creation Fast Track, and participation in international conferences like SWITCH and CES – enabling successful PoCs, fundraising, and global partnerships. Notably, AI Medical Service and Lifescapes won CHISEL Healthcare InnoMatch 2025, securing pilots with Singapore’s public healthcare clusters.
Can you share some of the exciting startups you’re currently working with, and which ones you believe have strong potential in the Singapore market?
We work with a diverse group of high‑growth Japanese startups expanding into Singapore’s innovation ecosystem. Onestruction advances openBIM construction digitalisation, while Thermalytica provides high‑performance aerogel insulation supporting energy‑efficient infrastructure. CalTa delivers digital‑twin platforms for smarter infrastructure management, and Algal Bio develops microalgae‑based cleantech for food, health, and sustainability applications. In healthcare, AMI drives AI‑enabled cardiac diagnostics and I.W.G strengthens cloud‑based medical collaboration across institutions. Deep‑tech leaders such as Helical Fusion in next‑generation fusion energy and quantum‑computing startup Yaqumo further showcase Japan’s cutting‑edge innovation and strong relevance to Singapore’s emerging deep‑tech landscape.
How do you typically help startups connect with key stakeholders in Singapore, such as investors, resellers, or potential customers?
We support startups by facilitating curated introductions to investors, corporates, resellers, and ecosystem partners, tailored to their stage and sector. This includes targeted business matching, market‑validation support, and access to innovation programmes run by agencies such as Enterprise Singapore, IMDA, and A*STAR.
Events like SWITCH are indeed crucial – they bring global decision‑makers together in one place, creating rare concentration of opportunities. Through SWITCH, we help startups secure high‑value meetings, pitch slots, and cross‑border visibility, often providing the catalyst they need to establish their first partnerships in Singapore.
From your perspective, what are the most exciting opportunities or industries in Singapore right now that startups should be exploring? Are there specific verticals you’d like to dive deeper into or learn more about?
Singapore continues to offer exciting opportunities across fast growing sectors. Healthtech remains a major focus, driven by national priorities around digital health, ageing well innovation, fuelling demand for AI diagnostics and medical data platforms. Greentech is accelerating as Singapore advances its net zero agenda, aligning with growth areas in energy efficiency, advanced materials, and circular economy technologies. Momentum is also rising in spacetech, automation, and AI-driven industries, alongside emerging deep tech fields such as dual-use technologies and quantum computing. These sectors complement Japanese strengths, and we are keen to deepen collaboration and explore further co innovation.
Why should Singaporean startups explore your market as part of their own global expansion journey?
Japan offers Singaporean startups a uniquely strategic market for global expansion. As one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced economies, it provides scale, stability, and partners who prioritise long term, trust based collaboration. Opportunities extend beyond major cities into vibrant regional ecosystems actively seeking new solutions. With Japan accelerating its carbon neutrality agenda and investing in priority sectors across the deep tech space, demand for innovative technologies is rapidly growing. For Singaporean startups looking to scale globally, Japan presents a market where strong relationships and meaningful commercial opportunities can flourish.
