With its wealth of knowledge in many technology areas, Japan has long been a global leader in technology and innovation. As the country’s startup scene continues to grow, Japan’s largest corporations are beginning to embrace startups. At present, between 25 and 44 large Japanese corporations are actively collaborating with startup companies — and the numbers continue to grow. Many of these startups are poised to become key players in sectors like life science, software, robotics, and more. Read on to learn about four cities in Japan that are at the forefront of innovation!

Tokyo: embracing change

Japan is a known leader in cutting-edge tech. For instance, the country was the second nation to adopt a national AI strategy in 2017. However, some may not know that Tokyo houses an up-and-coming startup ecosystem. Tokyo’s startup ecosystem is valued at over $14 million. The number of Tokyo-based startups continues to grow and the city is quickly becoming a global leader in startup formation. 

In 2018, Tokyo was ranked number one in the Innovation Cities Index. The publisher of the index noted that Tokyo embraced globe-shaking trends like robotics and 3D manufacturing. The city is home to more than 1,200 software startups, with advancements building on well-known names like Mitsubishi, Denso, and Epson, just to name a few. 

Tokyo has started several initiatives to advance its innovation ecosystem while expanding its ventures globally. One of its primary goals is to attract global talent by offering special visas for entrepreneurs. By practicing inclusivity, Tokyo’s startups are able to market their innovative mindset to the world. 

Yokohama: old meets new

The Yokohama bay area is transforming itself into a next-generation innovation district. The bay area includes the master-planned business district Minato Mirai 21, featuring futuristic skyscrapers juxtaposed with traditional brick warehouses.

The district truly reflects the harmony of old and new. It has become home to some of the world’s most influential industries and is now a hotspot for startup companies. Due to its proximity to Tokyo, the bay area has limitless potential to emerge as the world’s next big innovation district. 

In addition to hard assets, Yokohama has a wide range of soft assets that enable local innovation. Yokohama is home to several top-tier universities. Schools like Yokohama National University and Yokohama City University are equipping the next-generation workforce with skills in areas like data science, smart mobility, and cybersecurity. Many Yokohama-based universities are also planning to open satellite campuses within Minato Mirai 21 to expand their reach.

Osaka: a first-class center of life science innovation

Osaka has long been an economic hub alongside Tokyo and Yokahama. The city has a vibrant startup ecosystem, with about 1,000 early-stage companies. Furthermore, special economic zone designations from the Japanese government, tax breaks from the Osaka Government, and strengthened assistance for the development of drug discovery have made Osaka one of the most rewarding places in Japan for life science startups.

Osaka now represents the densest science cluster in Japan. The government assistance for life science companies introduced such significant advantages that there are now no vacancies at the bio clusters flagship business center in northern Osaka, the Saito Life Science Park. 

Fukuoka: Japan’s answer to Silicon Valley

Although Fukuoka is often overshadowed by mega-conglomerates and the pull of Tokyo, Japan’s fastest-growing urban center wants to become Japan’s own Silicon Valley. While Japan has built a strong reputation for its technological advancements, its startup scene is sometimes challenged by long-standing traditions. Fukuoka’s young mayor, Soichiro Takashima, is trying to change that. In 2011, he declared that Fukuoka would become “Japan’s startup city.”

Since then, the city has significantly lowered corporate tax rates for startups and has implemented widespread regulatory reforms. These changes have made it easier to start a new business in Fukuoka.

In 2014, the city was designated as a national strategic special zone to test how to grow an innovation ecosystem. Due to these changes in policy from the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs are now flocking to Fukuoka.

Stay in the loop on the latest in technology and innovation!

At SeedSprint, we work with innovative academic institutions, startups, and corporations from around the world to fast-track innovations in more than 15 sectors. Keep up with our blog or sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about up-and-coming technologies, the latest in technology commercialization, and the hottest innovation hubs and innovation districts!

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In late May, the SeedSprint team attended the 2021 Texas A&M New Ventures Competition (TNVC). The competition is held annually and is hosted by Texas A&M Innovation Partners and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. 

This year’s finals event showcased 6 innovative startups. The companies ranged in technology area from MedTech to Life Science to Computer Science and were chosen from 20 semi-finalists. The winners secured non-dilutive funding and prizes from the competition sponsors. Read on to learn more about this year’s finalists!

(1) Ictero Medical (Technology Area: MedTech)

Ictero Medical is commercializing a safe and effective method to treat gallstones non-surgically. The company’s CholeSafe system is a minimally invasive cryoablation device. This catheter-based system treats gallstones in place of surgery. This system reduces recurrent stone formation and improves recovery. At present, the company is refining its prototype and conducting animal trials.

(2) CodeWalker (Technology Area: Computer Science)

CodeWalker has developed a software tool that creates a three-dimensional map of source code. This tool allows for easy visualization of algorithms. It helps developers identify inefficiencies and errors. The company’s application is language agnostic. Additionally, it can work with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The tool is available to both consumers and organizations.

(3) MicroSilicon (Technology Area: Sensors)

MicroSilicon developed a novel system for asphaltene monitoring of oil recovery using quantum radio frequency sensors. These sensors monitor asphaltene aggregation and send measurements directly to the cloud. From there, the system analyzes the measurements using AI. The technology is currently being field-tested. MicroSilicon’s vision is to expand its technology to monitor additional oil recovery issues such as corrosion.

(4) Starling Medical (Technology Area: MedTech)

SeedSprint member, Starling Medical, is tackling Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction with its new UrinControl System. The device replaces constant self-catheterization with a once-a-month catheter. Further, the device integrates with Startling’s mobile, AI-powered telehealth monitoring service. The company seeks to improve the lives of its patients by reducing the amount of self-catheterization needed. Startling also aims to decrease the cost of equipment used to monitor urinary health and treat bladder dysfunction. Currently, Starling Medical is developing a prototype for its UrinControl System and training its AI diagnostic platform. The company hopes to begin animal studies soon.

(5) Koda Health (Technology Area: MedTech)

Koda Health makes end-of-life care decisions easier and empowers patients through its online platform. The platform guides patients through the creation of advanced directives and medical power of attorney documentation. Koda’s online application aims to stimulate value-based discussions of care early on. They also educate patients on treatment preferences and help improve outcomes for end-of-life care.

(6) Vitanova Biomedical (Technology Area: Life Science)

Vitanova Biomedical’s goal is to treat cancer without common chemotherapy side effects. The company developed a system that contains a targeted pH-disrupting drug that is activated by infrared light. The light activates the process of intracellular acidosis within tumors. Recently, Vitanova obtained promising results in a variety of cancers both in vitro and in animal models. Currently, the company is focused on commercializing its prostate cancer therapy.

Congratulations to all the TNVC finalists and semi-finalists! The Texas innovation ecosystem is certainly one to keep an eye on.

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Over the past two decades, innovation districts have changed the landscape of research, culture, and collaboration worldwide. Through innovation districts, under-resourced urban areas, often the vestiges of post-industrial decline, are transformed into vibrant social and economic hubs. Further, academic institutions, startups, and large corporates work in close proximity and are united by the shared goal of open innovation.

Increasingly, innovation districts are engaging their local communities as essential thought and talent partners. These relationships foster systemic linkages between innovation and inclusivity. At SeedSprint, we endeavor to bring this model into the virtual sphere.

Today, there are over 100 innovation districts around the world. In the past, we have highlighted innovation hotspots around the world.

Now, we turn to the continent where it all began: Europe. Here are five innovation districts you need to know.

22@Barcelona: The Birthplace of Modern Innovation Districts

The concept of an innovation district was born in Barcelona, Spain in the year 2000. At that time, 22@Barcelona became the first municipal initiative of its kind. The district was the brainchild of the city council committee, Ajuntament de Barcelona. Since its inception, its goal has been to foster social, urban, and economic development.

Over the past 20 years, 22@Barcelona has successfully transformed El Pablenou, a former cotton mill district close to the city center, into a knowledge center and innovation hub.

Today, 22@Barcelona employs 90,000 people, houses 4,500 new companies, and attracts startups from around the world. The district’s greatest success is its emphasis on creating the social opportunities required for economic and cultural development. Most notably, the district promotes affordable housing, high living and working standards, and accessibility via public transit and walkability. The district also emphasizes the cross-sector collaboration of universities and research institutions, large corporations, startups, and the local community. 

According to the Barcelona & Catalonia Startup Hub’s 2019 report, Barcelona now has over 1,500 startups in more than 40 industries. 22@Barcelona’s success has inspired many cities around the world. Read on to discover some other European innovation districts that have followed suit!

Cumulus Amsterdam: Expanding Beyond Traditional Sectors 

In 2019, Amsterdam’s Cumulus Park emerged as a collaboration between the City of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS), ING, and ROC College. Located in the Zuidoost neighborhood, the district was historically home to a cadre of medical research institutions.

Today, Cumulus Park offers physical spaces for students and entrepreneurs and myriad networking opportunities. The district is also in the process of opening a business campus.

Silicon Allee: Green Technology Innovation

Berlin’s innovation district, Silicon Allee, began as an online community in 2017. Silicon Allee aims to amplify the city’s technology startup scene as an international hub for open innovation. Mirroring Berlin’s innate sense of community and affordability, its campus includes offices, apartments, restaurants and bars, and event spaces. 

Silicon Allee serves as an “embassy” to Berlin’s blossoming startup scene. It promotes relationship-building between international partners and residents, allowing for open innovation to grow organically. Recently, Silicon Allee has been active in fostering green technology innovation in response to the ongoing climate crisis.

MIND Milan: The Resiliency of the Innovation District Model

In 2015, MIND Milan was established with the goal of boosting the life sciences sector. Fast forward to 2020, and Milan was, unfortunately, severely impacted in the early stages of the pandemic.

In response, the city has turned its innovation district, MIND, into a source of collaboration and social and economic revitalization. The district developed the MIND Reboot Plan for Italy. The plan’s key strategy was to leverage impact investments. These investments re-allocate resource that benefit the local community by combining sustainable economic development with social and scientific innovation.

Kampus Plus Warsaw: The Next Generation of Innovation Districts

Propelled by an economic growth rate that has quadrupled over the last 20 years, Warsaw is now home to Poland’s first innovation district, Kampus Plus. Like districts before it, Kampus Plus brings together universities, R&D, and locals to foster technology, product, and service innovation. 

Kampus Plus uses a “Living Lab” model to put innovations to the test in the very environment where they will be used: the city itself. This method promotes responsive and open innovation that reflects the real needs of the market and the local community.

Connect and Collaborate

To aid your further exploration of Europe’s innovation district scene and which ones may be the right partners for you, we have created a dynamic map. Watch this space to keep up-to-date on the latest additions as Europe continues to be a leader in open innovation.

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For the last decade a chorus of global researchers and academics have helped document an emerging geography of innovation and economic growth: innovation districts. Found primarily in cities and urbanizing areas, these districts leverage the research and innovation assets of universities, hospitals and businesses to create a “collaborate to compete” agenda and mindset. Unlike science parks and science corridors, the physical landscape in these districts is compact: innovation districts thrive on density and physical proximity, with the district connected to the wider community by public transportation and other 21^st Century infrastructure. In short, these locales leverage the assets of “the city” they are embedded in and do so with conviction and creativity.

In stepping back and observing their work, the deepest impression I have is that to do this well—where the range of actors in close proximity are leveraged, where the physical form is re-imagined to create walkable, open communities and where adequate financing is aligned and sequenced—requires tremendous leadership and strategic, empirically-grounded insight. It can take years, if not decades, to find the right balance of assets, to grow a new “collaborate to compete culture,” and to re-develop land that is often fragmented.

With many of today’s districts adjacent to low income communities, districts should not, nor can they, look only within themselves to create new engines of innovation, ingenuity and growth. Creating systemic linkages between innovation and inclusion is the right agenda for districts—even in the midst of the complexity of the work before them. In a world where scarcity of talent is commonplace, many districts are developing new, or re-inventing existing, local talent development systems: new schools, new programs, mentoring, workforce development training and more.

Many district leaders (who are pioneers in this emerging field) have internalized this imperative, and yet continue to express how their work is not enough. Even with a robust inclusion agenda, districts, for example, are quickly confronted with systemic challenges requiring a greater alignment with city, regional and even state actors:

• The desire to create a new, or enhance an existing school, requires the supportive engagement of government agencies and officials.
• The ability to link new jobs to workforce development training programs requires an alignment with government and not for profit programs.

This is an oversimplified summary and requires connecting disparate efforts to produce a system of meaningful training, streamlined job placement and supportive mentoring along the way. None of this is easy. It takes considerable time to learn new systems and find the right solutions.

And when these linkages do happen, and when they are working, I find that both district and community leaders continue to reflect that still more work is needed.

I am frequently asked by the media to explain how innovation districts are failing or to pinpoint their weaknesses. I believe the better approach is to first acknowledge that as a whole, we—in the United States as in many other countries—have failed to give all of our citizens the same access to opportunity and growth for hundreds of years. And as a result, we now have an outsized responsibility to do more.

While innovation districts should be a strategy to create new opportunities for local growth, I am deeply concerned that many districts will be shunned or become a source of anger from the broader population. Are they part of the problem, the one we have struggled with for centuries? Or are they part of a broad and integrated set of solutions?

In an upcoming paper soon to be released by the recently founded Global Institute on Innovation Districts, we look at the issue of innovation and inclusion with an honest reflection that more work is ahead. In this paper, “The Evolution of Innovation Districts: The New Geography of Global Innovation,” we reflect that districts are contending with the challenge of linking innovation and inclusion. In the United States, in particular, a country experiencing deep economic divides, local leaders and residents have questioned whether innovation districts will ameliorate or exacerbate this complex and longstanding challenge. In response, the imperative for meaningful inclusion—where innovation districts work for everyone—will stimulate what is likely to be a new set of inclusion and social innovation strategies to guide districts in the future.

Innovation districts, when blended with ambitious inclusion strategies from the start, are the right agenda, one that comes at the right time.

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1. Paris

The French government actively supports technology advancement by offering tax deductions to both foreign and local entrepreneurs who set up shop in Paris.  Recently, Station F, the world’s largest startup campus, chose Paris as its home, indicative of the city’s impact in the technology arena. In particular, Paris is experiencing growth in investments towards the AI and medical sectors.  Today, many foreign investors look to Paris because it offers substantial capital as well as extensive access to highly-trained, local talent with advanced degrees in science and engineering. With the influx of new businesses, Paris now overflows with cutting-edge innovations.

2. Singapore

Characterized as one of the world’s top cities for innovation, Singapore is redefining itself as a prime environment for new startups searching for an impressive talent pool. Singapore offers unparalleled access to emerging markets, active investors, as well as a high quality of life. Many of Singapore’s most experienced investors have links to Silicon Valley as well as local markets. Specifically, Singapore has been experiencing rapid growth in the FinTech and life science sectors. As of 2017, nearly $9 billion has been invested in these sectors. Singapore is recognized as a leaders in STEM education, and the government offers both cash incentives and tax deductions to companies that pursue STEM innovations.

3. London

Long-known as an innovation hub, London remains prominent in the startup scene and its early-stage companies have attracted over $120 billion in investment capital over the past ten years. Recently, AdTech, VR/AR, and video game development have emerged as some of London’s strongest segments, allowing the city to develop a rich community of entrepreneurs. For example, Playfish Limited, a video games developer, was recently purchased by EA Games, one of the world’s leading video game companies. London is sure to continue offering an environment that encourages high rates of growth for cutting edge tech companies.

4. Tel Aviv

Described as Israel’s own Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv was recently voted one of the top innovation hotspots by the New York Times. International companies have taken notice, with US-based Ebay, Apple, and Facebook acquiring companies that originated in Tel Aviv. The city also boasts a highly-educated talent pool which enables companies to hire employees who will lead the latest round of innovations. Tel Aviv is even set to release a new startup visa for foreign employees with STEM backgrounds, which will further establish Tel Aviv as a strong innovation hub.

5. Beijing

Over the past fifteen years, Beijing has emerged as an incubator for innovation, boasting access to a healthy economy and a talent pool specializing in STEM fields. The Chinese government explicitly added innovation and entrepreneurship as a top goal of their agenda. One of the government’s mottos is “Made in China 2025,” which highlights their hope of developing Beijing as a hotbed of tech innovation.  These factors led Beijing to become a premier locale for the development of novel STEM-related technologies in fields such as AI, robotics, clean energy, and cloud computing.

By facilitating access to diverse talent, government support, exceptional networking opportunities, and access to research institutions, these cities have developed into epicenters of rapid innovation that will continue to flourish for years to come.

Not located in one of these five cities? No problem! Simply log in to seedsprint, the world’s foremost virtual innovation hotspot where tech scouts and technology innovators can collaborate to reach new heights, regardless of physical location.

(Interested in learning more about innovation hotspots? Read about the trend of innovation districts.)

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Universities, corporations, and startups all stand to benefit from this new approach to work and urban planning.

How can a startup, university or corporation join a great innovation district and help make their innovation district successful?

Technology Innovation Districts

An innovation district is a zone within a city that is home to a cluster of related entities: co-working and incubators, startups, academic institutions, industry, and government offices.

Startups and corporations take note: innovation districts are becoming popular in urban planning circles. Some city governments or anchor organizations, like universities, are looking to attract young companies to get districts started quickly. For companies, districts can be a boon for networking and relationship building. For cities, innovation districts can spark economic growth and diversification – and even improve quality of life for workers.

These districts are popping up around the world in cities that want to achieve better synchronicity between work and their citizens’ daily lives. They are meant to bring housing, public transportation, the arts, and commerce closer together. The idea is that physical proximity is key to building new relationships: research says that successful innovation districts usually feature no more than a ten-minute walk between two points within the district.

Measuring the Impact of Innovation Districts

Cities realize that there’s huge value in helping startups and corporations make the right connections at the right time. In a way, we see seedsprint as a virtual innovation district, where companies can form strategic relationships and bring new technology to market. That’s why we’re following the innovation district trend closely as it plays out in cities around the world.

The work of Julie Wagner, with the Brookings Institution’s Centennial Scholar Initiative, is an excellent resource on the innovation district trend. Wagner and her team determined the 5 key components are required to develop an attractive, sustainable and economically viable innovation district.

1.) Critical Mass

Much of the success of an innovation district has to do with the diversity and density of a site’s assets. Even though co-working is even becoming popular in the suburbs, a metropolitan area might be the better choice for an innovation district, since density is higher and interactions between groups are easier to facilitate. Wagner cites Oklahoma City as an example of a city with sufficient density in its downtown district. Density of population and employment increase the chances for a district’s successful launch and growth.

2.) Competitive Advantage

Another key factor is the future district’s competitive advantage, the building blocks of which typically relate to knowledge creation – particularly emerging technologies. Recognition for achievement in specific fields, e.g., within life science, software development, or rapid manufacturing, can be an important driver of growth. The ability to commercialize new knowledge is a key test of a district’s strengths.

3.) Quality of Place

How is the quality of life in the district? Does the culture of the district attract more assets to the surrounding community? If you want to gauge whether a district fits the bill, check out the Bass Initiative’s research on the qualities of great places.

4.) Diversity & Inclusion

Innovation districts build upon an existing population zone, and it is essential to engage with the residents who pre-date the district. While potential economic opportunity is attractive, it needs to be introduced thoughtfully and inclusively. Strong local buy-in can foster new commercial relationships with merchants and service providers, enriching the whole ecosystem.

5.) Culture & Collaboration

Ultimately, innovation districts are all about culture and collaboration. To work well, a district must be a multi-dimensional place where people can find each other easily and build things together – such as new technology, businesses, events, or a cultural landscape. Productive innovation districts encourage workers to learn outside their immediate circles and work across disciplines.

When all five of Wagner’s criteria are met, innovation districts facilitate networking, ingenuity and relationship-building. Even with favorable conditions and the right mix of assets, innovation districts need to be nurtured by the organizations that occupy them and by their host cities. (Read what one writer had to say about the bustling Seaport innovation district in Boston.)

It may be a challenge to form a successful district, but the rewards seem to be worth the effort. Startups, research universities, and industry are all positioned to benefit from the rise of innovation districts – and today, more and more of them are making the leap.

seedsprint is a platform that connects corporations to new technologies and startups – like an innovation district you can access from anywhere in the world. Create a free profile or request a demo today.

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High tech innovation: New hotspots on the map

Traditionally, high tech innovation was concentrated in a few select locations around world. Prominent innovation centers attract ambitious people and organizations, leading to a concentration of manpower and resources. For example, Silicon Valley, Boston, and Israel are considered hot spots for all kinds of high-tech innovation.

However, for corporations in deep tech industries, Silicon Valley or Boston are no longer the last stop on the search for high tech patents and startups. Open innovation leaders need to seek cutting edge tech wherever it can be found. Today, that means going to new cities and countries where they have no existing relationships. 

How global is innovation?

A recent report from the research organization Startup Genome profiles the leading innovation ecosystems in today’s changing innovation landscape.

The report touches on many of the deep tech industries most important to seedsprint users: artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing, agtech and food science, cleantech, and life sciences.

For the artificial intelligence/big data sector, there are 28 cities where artificial intelligence innovation is concentrated. Of these, 13 are in the United States or Canada, 7 are in Europe, and 8 are in Asia.

Life sciences innovation can be found in diverse places as well, with many Canadian and US cities in play (including Tampa Bay, Florida and Phoenix), as well as numerous cities in Europe (Barcelona, Greater Helsinki) and Asia (Taipei, Hong Kong).

Blockchain is booming in North America, Europe, and Asia – with the most innovation happening in Europe, in smaller cities like Gibraltar and Zug.

30 cities in a year?

Every corporation that is serious about open innovation needs to have a foothold in North America Europe, and Asia.

Yet Startup Genome’s report shows that in addition to spanning multiple continents, corporations need to make sure they have access to innovation coming out of smaller cities.

Today, corporations need to know about technologies that are being developed in many different cities around the world – at least ten cities for some industries, and upwards of 30 for others.

This doesn’t mean visiting 30 cities in a year, however. A skilled tech scout knows where to find global communities that draw the best and brightest from cities all over the world. These include leading conferences, industry groups, accelerators and incubators, and online communities.

For our part, seedsprint is focused on bringing this global ecosystem online, enabling discovery and initial due diligence for tech scouts. We bring the leading deep tech startups and technologies from the world’s research hot spots onto one searchable platform, so that tech scouts can contact the world’s best and brightest from anywhere, at any time. (That’s a must-have in this global technology landscape.)

(Interested in learning more about innovation hotspots? Read about the trend of innovation districts.)

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