European startups with market-ready technologies are being invited to take on real industrial challenges in Japan — with corporate partners, market-entry support and the possibility of developing pilots and long-term commercial relationships.
European startups looking to expand into Japan have a new route in.
Calling2Scale Gunma: Gateway to Japan 2026 is connecting up to 14 advanced European startups with six Japanese companies actively seeking new technologies and solutions to real-world industrial challenges.
The programme, delivered through EIT Global Outreach and led by EIT Food in collaboration with Gunma Prefecture, offers selected startups mentoring, training, corporate matchmaking and market-access support — including opportunities to develop pilots and Proofs of Concept.
The participating Japanese companies — Sanden, Gunseisha, JINS, TAIYO YUDEN, Nippon Kayaku and Kyowa Industrial — are looking for innovation across areas including electric mobility, circular economy, advanced materials, electronics, energy, carbon management, healthcare, drug discovery and advanced manufacturing.
From connection to collaboration
There is already evidence that the model can lead to something more substantial than an introduction.
Following the first Calling2Scale Gunma programme, Italian cleantech startup AraBat developed a relationship with Japanese electronics manufacturer TAIYO YUDEN. A Letter of Intent was signed in January 2026, followed by a Proof-of-Concept Development Agreement.
The collaboration will explore AraBat’s bio-based recycling technology for recovering critical materials from end-of-life lithium batteries and multilayer ceramic capacitors, alongside potential applications for selected biomasses from Gunma Prefecture.
It is precisely this journey — from matchmaking to experimentation, validation and potential commercial partnership — that the new programme is designed to encourage.
Who can apply?
The programme is aimed at European startups that:
- are incorporated in the EU or a Horizon Europe-associated country
- have a market-ready product at Technology Readiness Level 7 or above
- have completed at least one funding round
- have a clear ambition to enter or expand in Japan
- can commit a founder, co-founder or C-level executive to the full hybrid programme, including an in-person immersion in Japan.
Applications close 3 September 2026 at 17:00 CET.
For innovators ready to take their technology beyond Europe, this could be an opportunity to find not simply a market, but the right industrial partner to help prove what their technology can do.
Explore the challenges, eligibility criteria and apply.
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