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.
For more details on Yokohama as a business destination:
- Check out the short video embedded on this page! (Click here for full presentation)
- Listen to the Ecosystem Support 360 podcast episodes on Yokohama!
- Open the PDF pamphlet linked below:
Program Innovation Supporters
Akihiro Hikita
GLOBAL DX
CEO
Andy Kondo
The Drivery Japan
Innovation Analyst
Kevin Ninomiya
ShibuLA Ventures
CEO, Co-Founder
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.