EXPO 2025: Huge potential to boost links between Japanese and Nordic start-up ecosystems
Start-ups, investors, universities and business development organisations from Japan and the Nordics gathered in the pavilion, called The Nordic Circle, to learn about the start-up ecosystem and investment opportunities in the Nordic countries. The idea was to promote dialogue and partnerships between two of the world's most trust-based and technologically advanced regions. In her opening remarks, Sindre Bornstein, Director of Nordic Innovation, stressed the need for international partnerships.
As an organization, we are a catalyst and enabler for system-level innovation. Delivering on the Nordic Prime Ministers’ shared vision to make the Nordics the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. Our role is to support ecosystems and enable cross-border collaboration for sustainable growth by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and competitiveness in the Nordic region and beyond
The Nordics – attractive for start-ups and a global outlook
The rest of the world sees the Nordics as one of the most dynamic places in the world to start businesses and scale them up. It is a reputation based on high levels of trust, willingness to take risks, a strong research and innovation culture, and universities that act as engines for multi-disciplinary collaboration. The Nordic countries are small, which encourages international thinking, and Japan is an obvious partner.
Nordic Innovation House Tokyo plays a key role in building bridges between Japan and the Nordic Region, as Akiko Shiono, Community Director for Nordic Innovation House Tokyo, pointed out at the start of the event. As well as joint Nordic projects, Japan also works with the individual Nordic countries. Attending the event, Sara Modig, the Swedish State Secretary in the Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, pointed out that the key role played by the Swedish government in promoting start-ups, innovation and entrepreneurship is based on the country’s long experience in this field.
Japan – one of the most sophisticated markets in the world
Japan is one of the most advanced economies in the world and places heavy demands on companies that want to enter the market, which makes it crucial to build relationships based on mutual understanding and long-term commitment. The strong Nordic tradition for such relationships matches the Japanese business culture. Japanese values like trust and consensus-based decision-making are also close to Nordic values. In addition, Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy, which means the potential for Nordic start-ups to scale up in the country is huge.
A partnership based on shared values and complementary strengths
The presentations and conversations on the day made it clear that both sides are interested and see value in building relationships between Japan and the Nordics. They share values, especially trust, consensus-based decision-making and long-term partnerships. They also face many of the same global challenges that can only be addressed at international level. The speakers all stressed the strong complementary values and strengths between the Nordics and Japan – especially in developing new technologies and solutions. The programme consisted of four key sessions:
- The Secret Sauce of the Nordic Startup Ecosystem:
- Powerhouse behind the unicorn factory
- Universities as Innovation Catalysts
- Nordic Cleantech Startups Pitch
- Investment Opportunities in the Nordics for Japanese Companies
