Yokohama Matching Program
Yokohama Needs YOUR Solutions!
Applications open until April 30th
Focus Industries for this Cohort
Smart Buildings
Waste Management
Automation
Connecting YOUR Startup’s Solutions…
We’re creating win-win opportunities by connecting international startups with new innovations and technologies to solve issues, especially in the fields of:
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Cleantech
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Mobility/Automotive
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And more…
…to the Japanese Companies that NEED them
We seek out Yokohama-based corporations, government departments, and entities that have needs in these fields and are open to the idea of working with foreign startups, and we help make the connections happen.
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Yokohama Companies
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Japanese Companies
What We Offer
We understand that entering the Japanese market can be challenging, but with the right connections, it becomes an achievable and rewarding goal. Through this program, startups can benefit from the following according to their needs:
- Business Matching – Connecting your technology with Japanese companies actively seeking solutions.
- Proof of Concept (PoC) Support – Assistance in testing and validating your technology in real-world scenarios.
- Market Entry Support – Establishing trust and credibility with potential partners.
- Networking Opportunities – Engaging with key industry players and experts in Yokohama.
We will periodically post focus industries from Japanese companies above in the “Focus Industries” section, but all startups are encouraged to apply to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
Why Yokohama
Yokohama is an ideal business destination for international startups.
There are a number of great reasons for this, but we can sum it up with three I’s:
- Ideal Location: Yokohama is accessible intentionally and close to the Tokyo market, while having cheaper prices for office space
- Innovation Hub: Yokohama is working hard to create support networks and opportunities for startups, and the large corporations already there mean there are plenty of partnering opportunities.
- Internationally Active: Yokohama is historically one of Japan’s most international cities, and has numerous opportunities and supports for global companies.
Check out this short video for more! (Click here for full presentation)
Or listen to the Ecosystem Support 360 podcast episodes on Yokohama!
Program Innovation Supporters
Akihiro Hikita
GLOBAL DX
CEO
Andy Kondo
The Drivery Japan
Innovation Analyst
Kevin Ninomiya
ShibuLA Ventures
CEO, Co-Founder
Akihiro Hikita
Global DX, CEO
After earning a degree in Economics from Sophia University, Akihiro Hikita joined Fuji Bank (now Mizuho Bank). He later moved to Shanghai to study Chinese and traveled through Tibet, India, Nepal, and Thailand for four months, completing the Annapurna Circuit—an experience that ignited his passion for international business. In 2003, he became the country manager of Datastream Systems, a Nasdaq-listed company later acquired by Infor Global, leading EAM system implementations in Showa Shell refineries and other process industry sites. In 2019, he joined the StartupBootCamp Osaka program as an Innovation Partner, facilitating 20 proof-of-concept projects between global startups and major Japanese corporations.Since 2021, as CEO of Global DX Inc., he has been fostering a global ecosystem and venture building. From 2023 to 2024, he supported Japan entry programs for tech startups in collaboration with the Canadian and Italian Embassies. He is now focused on technology transfer from Japan to Africa.
Andy Kondo
The Drivery Japan, Innovation Anaylst
As President of the European division at a soldering materials manufacturer, Andy Kondo established production bases in Europe and expanded the automotive electronics business. After holding management roles at multinational firms, he founded AmplifyJapan, providing technology scouting and trend analysis for Japanese companies. With a strong network in European universities and research institutions, he specializes in advanced technology exploration. Currently, as a Mobility Innovation Analyst at The Drivery, he delivers trend analysis reports from international exhibitions, focusing on mobility innovation.
Kevin Ninomiya
ShibuLA Ventures, CEO & Co-Founder
Currently based in New York, Kevin Ninomiya has a diverse range of experience spanning from startups to large corporations, working as an active startup supporter, ecosystem developer, and U.S. attorney. After working as a development engineer in the electronics industry, he gained experience in innovation-related roles in digital transformation (DX) and green transformation (GX) at large corporations. He also founded an EdTech startup. In 2023, he established the law firm Global Gateway Law and the venture studio ShibuLA Ventures, where he supports US market entry for startups and large companies. Additionally, he serves as an advisor for startups at major accelerators such as Berkeley SkyDeck and Silicon Valley’s Bronco Venture Accelerator.
Technologies from Previous Cohorts
AIoT Human Sensor using thermal signals
(United States)
Drone accurate landing & charge infrastructure
(Germany)
Autonomous robot delivery system
(Malaysia)
Resources in Yokohama
Tech Hub Yokohama
Located on Yokohama’s cutting-edge waterfront business district, Tech Hub Yokohama is fostering a vibrant community of startups and innovation supporters. Powered by partnerships with international accelerators like The Drivery, a mobility-focused accelerator, this hub is the gateway for global startups looking to make an impact in Japan.
GREEN EXPO 2027
Yokohama will host GREEN EXPO 2027, a world’s fair dedicated to cleantech, sustainability, and nature-based solutions. This event presents an incredible opportunity for international startups to showcase their solutions to a global audience, as millions of visitors from around the world will gather in Yokohama.