The Deep Tech Forum Yokohama 2025, a premier event for deep tech startups and investors, was held in Yokohama on March 7, 2025, with strong participation from global innovators, including key players from Yokohama’s tech ecosystem. The Forum highlighted Yokohama’s technologies and fostered meaningful discussions on innovation, investment, and global collaboration. Representing Yokohama at the event, Masa Nishikawa, Director of the Yokohama City Americas Office, actively participated in discussions with leading deep tech stakeholders. His presence underscored the city’s dedication to strengthening its ties with the North American innovation community, reinforcing its position as a hub for technological advancement and startup collaboration.

Deep Tech Forum Comes to Yokohama

One of the key developments that led to Yokohama hosting a Deep Tech Forum event was the strong partnership between Monozukuri Ventures and the City of Yokohama. Monozukuri Ventures, a deep-tech-focused venture capital firm with a presence in both Japan and the U.S., has been hosting the Deep Tech Forum for several years as a series of events held in cities around the world, highlighting their innovation and deep tech ecosystems. Yokohama City has participated in previous Deep Tech Forum events, which has helped cement the relationship between the two entities, and Monozukuri Ventures has played a crucial role in connecting Yokohama’s innovation ecosystem with the North American startup landscape. The collaboration with Monozukuri Ventures is a prime example of Yokohama’s commitment to fostering global innovation exchange.

Highlights from the Forum

The keynote speech for the event was delivered by Christopher Romans, who provided invaluable insights into the future of deep tech and its impact on industries worldwide. Chris has experience as a former Foreign Service Officer at the US Department of State, and as a Senior Manager for Government Relations at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America. During his address, he emphasized the role of deep tech startups in tackling critical global challenges, such as climate change, advanced materials, and medical innovations. Chris also highlighted successful case studies and emerging trends that will shape the industry in the coming years.

Following the keynote, a panel discussion delved into key issues surrounding deep tech innovation, with Chris Romans joining alongside Shuji Munekuni, Head of the JERA Global Institute, JERA Co., Inc., and acting as moderator Emi Makino, Associate Professor, College of International Management, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. The panel explored investment strategies for early-stage deep tech startups, the challenges of scaling breakthrough technologies, and the importance of cross-border collaborations. The panelists shared their experiences in navigating regulatory hurdles, securing funding, and building strategic partnerships between North America and Japan. The discussion reinforced the need for long-term support structures to help deep tech startups bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

Tech Hub Yokohama’s Future Initiatives

The forum also served as a platform to showcase Tech Hub Yokohama’s upcoming initiatives. Tech Hub Yokohama is a newly established innovation center in the Minato Mirai waterfront business district of Yokohama, featuring a suite of support for local entrepreneurs, including lab and work space. During a dedicated session of the Deep Tech Forum, Kevin Ninomiya, one of the Innovation Partners for the Yokohama City Americas Office, and Mr. Nagasaki from Yokohama City’s Economic Affairs Bureau engaged in a discussion about the city’s plans to further support deep tech startups. They highlighted new initiatives aimed at fostering open innovation, enhancing startup support infrastructure, and strengthening global partnerships.

As part of these efforts, the Yokohama City Americas Office will continue to drive innovation through the Yokohama Matching Program, which connects North American startups with companies in Yokohama to promote open innovation (Applications open through April 2025!). This initiative aligns with the city’s broader goal of addressing societal challenges while boosting economic vitality through cutting-edge technology and international collaboration.

Through continued partnerships and strategic initiatives, including events like Deep Tech Forum Yokohama 2025, Yokohama is poised to become an even stronger force in the deep tech ecosystem, bridging the gap between North American startups and Japanese industry leaders.

For a detailed program of the Deep Tech Forum Yokohama 2025, please refer to this link.

For a post-event report in Japanese, click here.