Japan: Stepping Stone to European Expansion
Austria hosted a showcase for entrepreneurial innovation recently, with the Future Forward event shining a spotlight not just on Austrian innovation but also on European market entry for Asian tech startups.
The event, held in Vienna’s weXelerate, highlighted Japan specifically, underlining the country’s reputation for innovation and its upcoming role as host of EXPO 2025. Japan’s ambassador to Austria, Ryuta Mizuuchi, used his keynote address to emphasize the strong connection between the two nations, highlighting the many opportunities for collaboration.
Austria attracted numerous Japanese startups through the GO AUSTRIA program administered by the Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN), highlighting this initiative’s success. Like the established pharmaceutical giant Takeda, which operates a major research and production center in Austria, more Japanese companies are choosing Austria as their European springboard.
Global Bridges:
While Japan and Austria remain flourishing innovation hubs, the event highlighted the GO AUSTRIA program, a key driver
Pic caption
" program.
Underlining the strong cultural similarities between the two nations, success, Japanese drone startup, Spiral Inc. chose Austria as the perfect stepping stone for European expansion. The company, a leader in indoor drone solutions, establishes this presence through GIN.
(Image of Ryuta Mizuuchi)
The Future Forward Event
Werner Müller, program manager for the Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN) explains: “Japan is a strategic target region for our network. Since 2016, we have brought 40 startups from Japan to Austria through the GO AUSTRIA program.” He further emphasized the power of shared knowledge. According to Müller,
‘GO ASIA’ a sister program to Go Austria, successfully brought Austrian startups to Japan.
Opportunities on the Horizon:
The GO AUSTRIA program provides more than just market access via mentoring and collaborative opportunities.
*An example of this is highlighted by the success story of Spiral Inc. “We worked
*Austrian pavilion, punitive slew thanks Austria’s international networking.
GO ASIA Program
The Austrian Advantage:
Looking forward, the Austrian market is seen as the "perfect springboard," for acquiring a foothold in Europe
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**EU
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What are some sectors where Japanese startups are showcasing innovation?
## Interview: Japanese Startups Look West
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving into the exciting world of Japanese startups and their increasing presence in Europe. Joining us is Alex Reed, a technology analyst who specializes in Asian market trends. Welcome to the show, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the recent Future Forward event in Vienna. This event specifically highlighted Japan’s burgeoning startup scene. What can you tell us about the Japanese companies that showcased their innovations there?
**Alex Reed:** It was an impressive showcase. Many innovative Japanese startups participated, particularly in sectors like fintech, AI, and HR tech. One standout, SmartHR [[1](https://mailmate.jp/blog/japanese-startups)], has been making waves in the HR sector since its founding in 2013. They’ve secured significant funding and are already valued at an impressive ¥490 million.
**Host:** That’s amazing. What makes Austria an attractive entry point for these Japanese companies looking to expand into Europe?
**Alex Reed:** Austria, through initiatives like the GO AUSTRIA program, is actively attracting international startups. The program, managed by the Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN), provides crucial support and resources, making it easier for these companies to navigate the European market.
**Host:** It’s clear that Austria sees the value in these collaborations.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The event highlighted the strong relationship between Austria and Japan, further strengthened by Japan’s upcoming role as host of EXPO 2025. This global event will undoubtedly attract further attention and investment, potentially leading to even more opportunities for Japanese startups.
**Host:** Fascinating. It seems like Japanese startups are poised for significant growth in the European market. Thank you for sharing your insights, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
