Information Technology (IT)
Yokohama has attracted many IT companies due to its unbeatable accessibility, proximity to the Tokyo mega-market, an established cluster of high-tech manufacturing, and presence of a highly skilled workforce. Global trendsetters have chosen Yokohama as the site for major R&D centers, such as the Apple YTC which started operations in 2017, and the LG Yokohama Innovation Center scheduled to start operations in 2021, while the City has also been a popular destination for startups and SMEs.
The growing IT sector is supported by first class educational and research institutions, such as 9 science and engineering universities, incubation centers, and Technology Licensing Organizations (TLOs), many of which have collaborated with IT companies in joint research projects. The Tokyo Institute of Technology has recently established the Institute of Innovative Research, while several leading institutions such as Keio University have advance research facilities on their Yokohama campuses. There are numerous incubation facilities throughout the city operated by IDEC Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture, universities, and private organizations.
In 2024, Yokohama launched the “Tech Hub Yokohama,” a support base for technology startups, to create unicorn-class startups with a focus on high-tech fields such as CleanTech and mobility. Tech Hub Yokohama is made possible due to the collaboration between Yokohama City and both local and international startup supporters, creating a startup growth network that’s globally minded and active, with new events being held regularly to spur the tech innovation in the city.
At a Glance
- As of 2014, Yokohama had a total of 3,032 IT establishments. 1,613 (50.0%) were software related, 770 (25.4%) were hardware related, and 649 (21.4%) were content businesses.
- As of 2014, there were 89,358 people employed in the IT sector in Yokohama. 54,587 (61.1%) were employed by software companies, 29,166 (32.6%) by hardware companies, and 5,605 (6.3%）by digital content companies
Initiatives
Tech Hub Yokohama:
A new support base for technology startups, to create unicorn-class startups in technology-related fields such as CleanTech and mobility, by leveraging Yokohama’s strengths such as its large population of researchers and engineers and concentration of R&D by global companies.
Website：https://techhub-yokohama.com/
Key Companies & Organizations
Foreign-owned companies
- ARM K.K.
- Cadence Design Systems, Japan
- Lenovo Japan Ltd.
- Wipro Limited Japan Office
Japanese Companies
- Fujisoft Incorporated
- I-NET CORP.
- Innotech Corporation
- Macnica, Inc.
- NEOJAPAN Inc.
- Panasonic Mobile Communications Co.Ltd.
- Socionext Inc.
- Tecmo Koei Holdings Co.,Ltd.
- Zuken Inc.
Learn More
Yokohama’s IT Industry: Deep Dive
Company Spotlight: OPPO
OPPO, the 5th largest smartphone maker in the world, opened a research center in Yokohama one year ago. Interview with Mr. Cho, the head of OPPO’s Yokohama Research Center.Q. Can you give us an...
Yokohama startups to exhibit in TechDay New York, the largest startup event in the US
On May 2, 2019, the City of Yokohama will host a “Yokohama Pavilion” at TechDay New York, a large-scale startup event to be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan’s West Side...
Two startup pitch events held in February
The City of Yokohama is a strong supporter of small business ventures and startups and offers multiple opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking technologies and ideas to the...
Company Spotlight: MedVigilance Inc.
Interview with Mr. Geng Cong, President, MedVigilance Inc. Q. Please give us an overview of your company’s business and products.We are a startup venture launched here in Japan, and we are offering...
ITOP Yokohama updates: Wireless communication in the IoT era, leadership program for data professionals
ITOP Yokohama, the city’s innovation platform for Internet of Things (IoT), big data, AI, and robotics, works with partners to organize various events to help the Yokohama IT community ready itself...
Vietnamese ICT company RELIPA establishes Japanese subsidiary in Yokohama
RELIPA Co., Ltd., an ICT company headquartered in Vietnam, has established its Japanese subsidiary within the Industry & Trade Center building located in Naka-ward, Yokohama, and has started...