Regional Business Conference in Kyoto

July 2019

At the conference on July 2, touching on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the sister-city relationship between Boston and Kyoto, on behalf of the organizers of the conference, Mayor Kadokawa emphasized that Kyoto is a hub of research institutes and companies possessing advanced technologies. Director-General Kiyoshi Mori of the Kansai Bureau of METI stressed that the Japanese government will do everything in its power to facilitate business in Kyoto through holding matching events and workshops. Following that, presentations were delivered by Kyoto University, which is promoting industry-academia-government collaboration; Johnan Corporation, which provides mass manufacturing services for medical equipment; iPS Portal, which facilitates commercialization of iPS technologies; and Telix Pharmaceuticals Japan, which is developing medication for the treatment of cancer. Making a passionate call for joint research in development of innovative medicine and medical equipment, the presenters indicated how they welcomed investment in Kyoto by companies from Boston.

In turn, the Boston companies made pitch presentations toward the Kyoto companies and research institutes, effectively conveying the appeal of their ideas and technologies. Finally, making comments on their presentations, JETRO Executive Vice President Shigeki Maeda touted the advantages Japan offered research and development companies.

One of the participants from Boston stated, "It is an honor for us to come to the global home of iPS cell research. We would like to set up a subsidiary here in Kyoto." From local companies came the following comment: "We felt the passion of the Boston companies in doing business with Kyoto. We would like to lend them a hand."

　 On July 1, Boston companies participated in the “Healthcare Venture Conference (HVC) Kyoto," a pitch event for the healthcare field held in English, where they explained their ideas and technologies to companies and researchers from Japan and around the world. At a separate venue within the event hall, lively discussions were seen between participants, major pharmaceutical companies and venture capital firms. Business matching events were also held on July 2 and 3, bringing the total of business talks carried out over three days to 90. Invitees praised the opportunity, saying, "We would like to keep in touch with the companies we met today," and "We would have never become acquainted with such companies without this program."

On July 3, they visited the Advanced Chemical Technology Center in Kyoto (ACT Kyoto) and Innovation Hub Kyoto (of Kyoto University), and saw rental offices and laboratories. Participants excitedly inquired about details such as admission conditions and available experimental equipment. When hearing the answers, they expressed surprise at "the reasonable rental price despite the spaciousness" as well as "the global-level of the facilities."