India and Japan Strengthen Startup Ties at Tokyo Roundtable
At the India–Japan Startup Roundtable held in Tokyo, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal announced India’s rise as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, boasting almost 250,000 startups in the last ten years. Goyal emphasized the potential for collaboration between India and Japan, highlighting India’s large domestic market, robust STEM talent pool, and advanced digital infrastructure as key factors attracting Japanese technology and investment.
Building Strategic Partnerships
The Roundtable convened dignitaries, investors, industry representatives, and startups from both nations, reinforcing a shared goal of deepening cooperation in startups, technology, and small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Key topics of discussion included enhancing technology partnerships and boosting investments to catalyze innovation-led economic growth.
Ambassador Nagma Mohamed Mallick welcomed attendees, underscoring the increasing engagement between Indian and Japanese startups. The ongoing India–Japan Pitching Series has successfully connected 65 Indian startups with around 100 Japanese companies, resulting in over 30 business collaborations. She highlighted the involvement of a 222-member Indian business delegation as a significant opportunity to establish meaningful partnerships.
Proposals for Future Collaboration
Shri Goyal presented a strategic framework to guide future India–Japan startup cooperation, based on four main pillars: the Japan–India Deep-Tech Capital Corridor to support early-stage innovation; a Two-Way Innovation Bridge linking educational and research institutions; collaborative Manufacturing and Technology Integration; and Joint Startup Pitching Platforms for ongoing engagement between Indian entrepreneurs and Japanese investors.
Additionally, Goyal mentioned a proposed second Fund of Funds by the Government of India, aimed at raising around $1 billion to support deep-tech ventures, calling for increased Japanese investment in the initiative.
Japanese Perspectives on India’s Ecosystem
Japanese attendees expressed appreciation for the maturation of India’s startup scene. JICA Senior Vice President Shohei Hara noted that Japan could share its technological expertise while learning from India’s ability to transform challenges into scalable business solutions. JICA plans to enhance visibility for Indian market opportunities among Japanese startups.
In attendance were representatives from leading Japanese firms such as SPARX Group, MUFG Innovation Partners, and Fujitsu Limited, among others. The discussions emphasized the importance of integrating MSMEs into global supply chains and providing infrastructure for companies eager to expand operations in India.
Emerging Areas for Investment
Venture capitalists identified key sectors for future investment opportunities, including AI, semiconductors, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. They noted a shift in India’s startup focus from internet companies to more technology-intensive industries.
Showcasing capabilities across sectors, Indian startups presented innovations in aerospace, healthcare, robotics, and digital health, seeking Japanese partnerships for technology validation and market access.
A Vision for Institutional Collaboration
The Roundtable concluded with a shared vision of transitioning from individual partnerships to a structured India–Japan startup and innovation alliance, fortified by regular interactions among startups, investors, universities, and research entities in both countries.
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