- Ga
- Za
- Co
Gary Yoshiki, Zachary Aw, Collen Moyo and others are enlisted in the challenge
Landing Pad 2025
Landing Pad 2025
Deliver the solutions of tomorrow – Aichi Prefecture is looking for startups with innovative environmental sustainability / GX and manufacturing solutions to collaborate with leading companies!
Translate this page
Manufacturers in Aichi Prefecture are looking to collaborate with Your Startup!
Aichi Prefecture—the heart of Japan’s manufacturing industry—is looking to collaborate with your startup! Join this exclusive business matchmaking program and showcase your cutting-edge solutions to over 30 major companies from the region—each presenting real-world challenges and collaboration opportunities.
Selected startups will gain:
- Direct access to decision-makers at top Japanese companies
- Support to refine your pitch and strategy for the Japanese market
- A chance to exhibit at Messe Nagoya, Japan’s largest and most influential cross-industry trade show
- Continuous support such as interpretation and PoC facilitation before, during and after your stay in Japan
With the launch of STATION Ai in October 2024—Japan’s largest startup support hub—Aichi is opening the doors for global startups to build the next era of innovation.
For startups aiming to enter the Japanese market, collaborating with companies in Aichi Prefecture opens doors to meaningful business expansion in Japan.
Early bird application closes by July 25, while final application ends on August 8. Apply now!
THEMES
TIMELINE
-
Application Phase
June 16 ~
August 8, 2025Register an account and submit the application form before the deadline.
Early Bird submission is until July 25th!
*Applicants during the early entry period will be eligible for Q&A and various consultations -
1st Selection Phase
August 11 ~
August 19, 2025Expert judges will review your submission.
-
1st Selection Announcement
August 20, 2025
Selected startups will be announced on this day.
-
2nd Selection Online Pitch
September 1 ~
September 5, 2025Participants will make a pitch to the judges and business companies in Aichi Prefecture online.
-
Finalists Announcement
September 16, 2025
Selected startups will be announced on this day.
-
Preparation Period for Arrival
October 1 ~
November 2, 2025Selected startups will begin to prepare for the day of arrival.
-
Matching Program
November 3 ~
November 14, 2025This is a mandatory period. DEMODAY will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
During this period, there will be exhibitions, numerous pitch events, and matching events.
※Stay period in Aichi Prefecture
For startups exhibiting at MESSE NAGOYA:
Monday, Nov. 3 to Friday, Nov. 14
For startups not exhibiting:
Monday, Nov. 10 to Friday, Nov. 14 -
Follow-up
November 17 ~
March 31, 2026This is the period during which the business leads acquired during the matching program are thoroughly followed up together with the supporters.
INCENTIVES
Through advice and feedback from experts, the program supports refinement of business models and improvement of strategies. We also provide educational programs related to entering the Japanese market.
The program will help propose technologies and solutions tailored to the specific use cases of participating companies, aiming to achieve tangible results in Japan.
The program support business matching between participating startups and major Japanese corporations, including tenants of one of Japan's largest innovation hubs, "STATION Ai", and leading manufacturers in Aichi Prefecture. Through networking events and one-on-one meetings, this program will help create opportunities for partnerships and collaborations to expand your business.
The program offers continuous support even after the program ends. This includes business consultations and resources for growth support, aiming for long-term success.
The program provides free exhibition opportunities at one of Japan's largest cross-industry trade fairs, “Messe Nagoya”, to promote your startup to the fullest.
※ Five companies will be selected through a second-round pitch contest.
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
DEMO DAY
The Demo Day
Nov 11, 2025, 7:00pm ~ 9:30JST
Venue: STATION Ai
Nov 11, 2025, 7:00pm ~ 9:30JST
Venue: STATION Ai
Demo Day is an event that provides an opportunity for overseas startups participating in the Aichi Landing Pad program to connect with business enterprises and cooperating partner companies in Aichi Prefecture with the aim of full-scale development in the Japanese market. The program invites you to experience the moment when innovative ideas and synergies are born at this event. On the day of the event, each startup will present their business model and solution. This will be followed by a networking session where you can interact with the startups and enjoy the exhibition of their products and services.
Side Pitch Event
(Date and venue TBC)
(Date and venue TBC)
Side Pitch Event
(Date and venue TBC)
(Date and venue TBC)
Matching Event
Nov. 13 at STATION Ai
Nov. 13 at STATION Ai
Matching Event
Nov. 13 at STATION Ai
Nov. 13 at STATION Ai
Testimonials by previous participants
Aichi Landing Pad gave us not just market access, but the relationships and insight needed to navigate Japan with confidence.
Dustin Jefferson S.
Co-Founder and CEO of uHoo
The participation on the Aichi Landing Pad event was not only a very enriching experience as participants were able to meet peer companies with the common dream of growing in the japanese market but also for the great opportunity to meet japanese companies interested in our technologies.
Emilio Vicente Yepes
Senior Manager of Methanol Reformer
Aichi launching pad gave us the perfect opportunity to expand into the Japanese market. Working with Aichi prefecture government and Abeam has been invaluable for our experience in understanding Japanese culture and business practices. The abundant of events hosted in this program has also exposed us to large Japanese manufacturing customers and strong networks in Japan.
Joel Lee
CEO & cofounder of KinetixPro
We gained significant insights into the Japanese market through meeting, pitching and hearing feedback from Aichi companies, entrepreneurs and investors. The mentorship from industry experts provided us with fresh perspectives on our strategy and operations, helping us refine our approach for the Japanese Market. Engaging with the local entrepreneur community was another highlight, allowing us to better understand the Japanese market and the needs of Robot Builders in Japan. Overall, the program laid a foundation for future growth, and we encourage other startups to consider this unique opportunity for learning and connection.
Brenton Welford
Co-Founder of Vilota
By participating in the Aichi landing pad event, we were able to access Japanese customers, investors and other stakeholders. The team helped us on various aspects including refining our pitch, improving our understanding of the market, and during discussions with potential customers and partners. In addition to the 3-week in-person program, they provided extended support and follow-up for the subsequent three months to help take the discussions forward. The support, mentorship and feedback from the entire team helped instill confidence in us and enabled us to navigate a new country like Japan, her culture, people and market with conviction. Overall, our experience with Aichi landing pad has been very positive and useful for Chara.