J-Bridge: Japanese Business Collaboration Platform
J-Bridge is an international business platform established by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) to facilitate open innovation, joint R&D, strategic alliances, capital partnerships, and cross-border collaborations between Japanese companies and leading overseas startups or businesses, especially in digital, green, and life sciences.
J-Bridge connects companies through:
- Business alliances: technical cooperation, joint research, development, and M&A
- Capital alliances: investment, joint ventures, and funding opportunities
The platform is active in major global innovation hubs primarily in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, UK, Germany, Nigeria, and Kenya but is open to collaborations across Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Israel, Australia, the US, Europe, and Japan.
Focus fields:
- Digital: AI, robotics, fintech, information security, mobility, semiconductor, smart cities, retail tech, IoT, software, etc.
- Green: renewable energy (offshore wind, biomass), hydrogen, energy conservation, greening technologies, smart infrastructure, environmental solutions, etc.
- Life Sciences/Healthcare: regenerative medicine, gene therapy, biotechnology, healthtech, drug discovery
Benefits for overseas companies:
- Targeted publicity among JETRO’s network of Japanese corporates seeking partnership
- Access to curated online/in-person business matching, seminars, and events
- 1-on-1 business meetings and tailored support throughout the partnership process
- Exposure to investment guidance, JV opportunities, technical exchange, and local market insights
- Listings and company needs translated and posted on the exclusive Japanese member portal, increasing visibility
- Interpretation and business development support where needed
Eligibility:
Companies, startups, and innovators from the following regions may apply: Southeast Asia, India, Israel, Australia, US, Europe, and Africa (including South African organizations). The focus is on finding strategic partners for innovation and business growth not primarily for market sales or distribution channels.
Restrictions:
- Platform use is for cross-border innovation and deep collaboration, not just sales expansion.
- Acceptance timing may vary based on application volume and processing needs.
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