Global Startup EXPO 2025 Held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo
September 25, 2025
On September 17 and 18, 2025, the “Global Startup EXPO 2025” was held at EXPO Messe “WASSE” within the Osaka-Kansai Expo. This international event brought together stakeholders from deep-tech startup ecosystems around the world. It was jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI-KANSAI), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and NEDO.
A total of 145 startups from Japan and abroad exhibited at the venue, including 46 startups supported by NEDO. Among them, 118 companies gave pitch presentations, contributing significantly to networking opportunities essential for future business growth.
Over the course of two days, a total of 37 sessions were held. Among the notable speakers were Mr. Michael Collins, CEO of Alumni Ventures (USA), a venture capital firm serving individual investors; Mr. Andrew Schoen, Partner at New Enterprise Associates (USA), one of the world’s largest VC firms; Mr. Jean Schmitt, CEO of Jolt Capital (France), an independent investment firm; and Mr. John Hartnett, CEO of SVG Ventures (USA), which specializes in AgTech and FoodTech.
These distinguished representatives shared their perspectives on global investment trends and expressed strong interest in Japan’s startup ecosystem, including their intentions to explore future investment opportunities in the country.
On September 17, former Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio delivered a keynote speech, reflecting on the achievements of the “Startup Development Five-year Plan” and emphasizing the importance of deep tech startups in driving Japan’s economic growth and addressing global challenges. Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru also delivered remarks, expressing expectations for industrial transformation and regional revitalization through startups.
On the 18th, Mr. KATO Akiyoshi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, joined a panel discussion with Ms. NAMBA Tomoko, Chair of the Startup Committee at Keidanren, and Mr. TSUJI Yosuke, Vice Chairperson of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, to discuss support measures essential for the growth of Japanese startups. The event concluded with closing remarks from Osaka Governor Mr. YOSHIMURA Hirofumi and Minister AKAZAWA Ryosei, Minister in charge of Startups.
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Speech by former Prime Minister KISHIDA during the opening session
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Closing remarks by Mr. SAITO Tamotsu, Chairman of NEDO, during the closing session
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Address by Prime Minister ISHIBA during the closing session
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Minister AKAZAWA, Minister in charge of Startups (second from left) and Dr. YUMITORI Shuji, Executive Director of NEDO (far left) engaging with a startup’s presentation at the booth