Key Journey for Future Collaborations in Japan

Opening Doors for Regional Companies

The trip was organized to bring together companies and innovation actors from northern Sweden with an interest in the Japanese market. The goal was to create the best possible conditions for building valuable connections, partnerships, and future business opportunities.

The delegation participated in World Expo 2025 in Osaka, where North Sweden Cleantech and Region Västerbotten hosted an event under the theme “Northern Sweden – Driving Sustainable Development through Innovation in Cleantech, Healthcare, and Design.” Participating companies had the opportunity to present their businesses, take part in panel discussions, and meet potential Japanese partners.

In the Nordic Pavilion at the Expo site, participants also presented their solutions to an international audience. The combination of company presentations, panel discussions, and cultural performances created an inspiring meeting place for idea exchange and new collaborations.

New Contacts and Concrete Collaboration

During the week, the delegation visited Keihanna Science City, one of Japan’s leading innovation hubs, where meetings were held with ATR (Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International) and the Keihanna Global Innovation Ecosystem.

The visit resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between RISE Processum AB and ATR, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration in research and innovation. The agreement also opens up opportunities for Swedish startups from northern Sweden to participate in Keihanna’s international accelerator program.

“They run a digital accelerator that brings together hundreds of Western companies seeking to explore the Japanese market. The relationships built during the trip will undoubtedly lead to new collaborations and open doors for more companies from our region to enter the Japanese market,” says Linda Blancher, Senior Project Manager at Skellefteå Science City.

Growing Networks and New Opportunities

The trip delivered tangible results and laid the foundation for future collaborations between northern Sweden and Japan. New contacts have been established across research, innovation, and industry, and interest in the region’s sustainable solutions has increased significantly.