Japanese Deep-Tech Startups Eye IIT Talent for Collaborative Future with India

New Delhi: “The future of Japan and India can be brighter and more prosperous through the collaboration of Japanese deep-tech startups and the talent pool at IIT Delhi,” declared Takeshi Yoshida, Director General of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) HQ, in New Delhi early this week.

In today’s interconnected world, securing excellent IT engineers is essential for any product or service, and this collaboration aims to bridge the gap between Japanese startups and India’s IT talent. “From this perspective, NEDO has created an opportunity for Japanese startups and IIT Delhi students to meet and promote the growth of these startups,” Yoshida said during the “NEDO IIT-Delhi Japan Deep-Tech Collaboration” event held in New Delhi on Tuesday.

This statement set the tone for an event that highlighted the robust Japanese deep-tech startup ecosystem and its synergies with India’s technological talent. On this occasion, five Japanese deep tech startups made pitches inviting IIT students to join them.

Established in 1980, NEDO operates under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). As a national research and development agency, NEDO is dedicated to developing new energy and industrial technologies. It implements energy-related projects worldwide, including significant initiatives in India such as energy-saving measures in steel and cement industries and smart city projects.

“In fact, I was the first Chief Representative of the Delhi office, established by NEDO in 2008 to conduct these projects. Mr. Kaku is the current and fifth Chief Representative,” Yoshida recounted, emphasizing the long-standing relationship between NEDO and India.

A notable highlight of Yoshida’s speech was NEDO’s active support for Japanese startups. Over the past decade, NEDO has subsidized the R&D efforts of approximately 1,000 startups, supporting around 100 startups each year. These deep-tech startups receive various subsidies tailored to their growth stages, ranging from USD 22k for initial entrepreneurial ventures to USD 18m for mass production prototypes.

“Regarding deep-tech, NEDO supports industrial technologies such as quantum computing, AI, robotics, semiconductors, electronics, energy and environment, new materials, biotechnology, medical devices, aerospace, and more,” Yoshida explained. This extensive support underscores Japan’s commitment to maintaining a high level of technological innovation, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

The collaboration event at IIT Delhi was a direct result of NEDO President’s visit to the institute in January, where discussions with the Director and Dean, Prof. James Gomes, underscored the importance of overseas expansion for startup growth. “One of the views they exchanged was that overseas expansion is essential for startups to grow, and the multinationalization of teams is crucial for this expansion,” Yoshida noted.

Also read: Five Japanese startups pitch for deep tech collaboration with IIT Delhi

Japan continues to nurture deep-tech startups with the potential to drive global change. The presence of five NEDO-supported deep-tech startups at the IIT Delhi pitch event exemplifies this commitment. These startups are poised to benefit from the technological prowess and innovative spirit of IIT Delhi’s students.

“We are very pleased to bring five NEDO-supported deep-tech startups to India, right here at IIT for this pitch event,” Yoshida announced. He expressed his gratitude for the efforts of his staff and IIT Delhi in organizing the event, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins this initiative.

As the event progressed, participants eagerly anticipated the pitches from Japanese startups, hoping to witness firsthand the innovative solutions that could shape the future. The fusion of Japanese deep-tech innovation and Indian technological talent promises a brighter and more prosperous future for both nations.