On the first day of SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup Program, Dr. Andreas Baum, Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan, and Dr. Felix Moesner, Swiss Consul & CEO of the Consulate of Switzerland, Swissnex in Japan, met with the Swiss startups before cutting the ribbon of inauguration for the Swisstech Pavilion along with Mr. Keiichi Yoshimura, Director General of the Office for Startup and Global Financial Strategy of Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Mr. Shinji Tokumasu, Deputy Director General for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan.

The role of entrepreneurs and pioneers is pivotal in shaping the bilateral ties between Switzerland and Japan. As the two countries celebrate 160 years of diplomatic relations this year, they are both committed to innovation, sustainability, and technological progress.

In the afternoon of 15 May, each startup pitched its cutting-edge solutions at the KGAP+ Pitch Contest organized with the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) on the stage of the Swisstech Pavillion.

Following the pitch contest, Dr. Felix Moesner, Swiss Consul & CEO of Consulate of Switzerland, Swissnex in Japan, and Dr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, Executive Vice President ATR, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in technological innovation, industrial research and development.

At our booth, connections blossomed between Swiss and Japanese stakeholders, fueled by engaging discussions! Our team widened networks and explored the latest trends in innovation and technology alongside representatives from the Swissnex Network, Swiss Business Hub Japan, and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCJI).

Special thanks go to the following who hosted official side events: By Startups.inc, Tokyu Corporation & Tokyu Land Corporation, Tokyo Innovation Base, Shibuya Startup Support.

The startups had the opportunity to deepdive into learning about Japanese business culture during a custom workshop for B2B Marketing in Japan with the McLaren Group & Custom Media.