The Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) Japan has organized a business development program that aims to help selected Canadian companies new to the Japanese market. The theme for this new Japan program is centered around “smart cities,” introducing companies focused on environmentally-friendly smart city and urban development solutions to information and potential business partners that will help them succeed in the Japanese market. As a leading smart city in Japan, Yokohama City was invited to participate in the informational sessions for this program.

The three-to-four-month program finished recruiting in December, and seven companies were selected to participate in the program. These seven companies will virtual webinars on market insights, workshops on Japanese business culture, information on navigating corporate structures, four different tailored one-on-one mentorship meetings, targeted B2B meetings with potential Japanese partners and clients, and a Demo Day to be held on March 2nd/3rd (depending on timezone).

The Canadian Technology Accelerator is a global business development initiative offered by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. Focusing on cleantech, digital industries/ICT, and life sciences, CTA helps growing tech companies with a market-ready product to explore global opportunities. Alongside the US-based opportunities featured on their main website, they also offer programs targeting other international markets around the world.

This new Japan Smart Cities program is organized by CTA’s Japan division and provided with support from GlobalDX, a company specializing in preparing international companies for entry into the Japanese market. GlobalDX is a member of the Yokohama Future Organization, and invited Yokohama City to give a presentation to the seven Canadian companies in the program, on the basis of Yokohama’s standing and efforts as a leading smart city in Japan.

Yokohama City has worked to create and partner with other opportunities in the past for international high-potential, high-growth companies looking to make headway in the Japanese market, including working with the SmartCityX 2021 program, events held by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Global Sustainability Startup Pitch Event hosted by the City of Yokohama’s Representative Office in New York.

For more information on upcoming opportunities to connect in the Japanese market, subscribe to the Yokohama NY Office’s newsletter, or keep an eye on our website or LinkedIn for the latest news.

Companies participating in the CTA Japan Smart City Program:

• 3D City Scapes Inc.
• eQuake Systems Inc
• Humanitas Solutions Inc,
• IFiveo Canada Inc
• Longan Vision Corporation
• RideShark Corporation
• WeavAir

 Related Links:

• Canada Technology Accelerator Japan Smart Cities 2022 Winter Demo Day 
• Canada Technology Accelerator website
• Canada Technology Accelerator current global programs
• GlobalDX website