DeepTech Frontier Kansai

The heart of innovation

The word “Frontier” suggests unexplored domains and the cutting edge of learning and technology, and symbolizes new discoveries, challenges, and innovation. Osaka and the greater Kansai region are home to a wealth of universities, research institutions, and industrial bases with highly-promising research endeavors holding enormous potential for deep tech in fields as diverse as biotechnology, robotics, and quantum computing. Our mission is to maximize the unique strengths of Osaka and Kansai by building an environment that allows the region to produce innovative startups and demonstrate its value on the global stage.

Kansai:
Leading the World
in Deep Tech Startups

With Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe—designated as Global Startup Cities—at its core, research institutes, companies, and local governments across the Kansai region are working together to cultivate technologies and businesses that can compete on the global stage.

In this website, “Kansai” refers to the eight prefectures that make up the Kansai Regional Union: Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, Wakayama, Tottori, and Tokushima.

Learn more about
the Kansai startup ecosystem here.

Why Kansai for
Deep Tech?

A Hub of
Cutting-Edge Research

Cutting-edge research and top talent are concentrated across universities and research institutes, supporting the journey from seed discovery to commercialization.
Industrial Foundation

Bio & Life Sciences, Green Tech, and Digital Industries converge to accelerate real-world implementation through testbeds and pilot projects.
Global Connectivity

We offer gateways and opportunities to connect with global companies and investors, with strong programs and matchmaking that support international expansion.

Key Deep Tech
Sectors in Kansai

Healthcare, Drug Discovery,
and Regenerative Medicine
Energy, Materials,
and Carbon Neutrality
AI, Quantum Technologies,
and Web3

Featured Deep Tech
Startups in Kansai

Introducing Startups
Thriving in Kansai’s
Three Key Strength Areas

Bio&Life Science
Greentech
Digital Technology

Bio&Life Science

C4U

C4U is a biotech spinout originating from The University of Osaka that aims to develop new gene therapy methods and apply them to a wide range of industries using CRISPR-Cas3.
Greentech

EX-Fusion

EX-Fusion is the leading company in Japan aiming to commercialize laser fusion reactors. It is developing technology that has the potential to replace existing energy sources and significantly contribute to achieving carbon neutrality in 2050.
Digital Technology

HACARUS

HACARUS is on a mission to build the next generation of tools for those shaping the future with its proprietary AI core - built to provide big insights from small data. Since 2014 it has helped companies solve problems in manufacturing, construction and infrastructure, among other industries. HACARUS is especially good at turning human expertise into digital instruments, to streamline operations and save on labor. By providing a full suite of services, from support of data acquisition to integration with existing systems, the company is committed to create a future where humans and AI coexist.

Programs Supporting the
Creation and Growth of Deep Tech Startups

Support for Startup Creation from University-Based Research Seeds	Support for Business Development at the Startup and Early Stages	Acceleration of University Spin-offs and Matching with Industry
Kansai Startup Academia Coalition	Kidou	Kansai Innovation Initiative
A Kansai Regional University Collaboration Platform Led by Kyoto University	A Kansai Startup Incubation Program for Pre-Startup and Early-Stage Startups (Within Five Years of Establishment)	A Program Supporting the Social Implementation of Deep Tech Seeds from Kansai Universities
◯Support for Seed Commercialization and Talent Development ◯30 Universities in the Kansai Region ◯60 Organizations from Industry, Government, and Finance ◯Operation of the GAP Fund	◯Collaboration with Kansai Companies and Universities, Leveraging Regional Resources ◯Six-Month Hands-On Support Program ◯Up to JPY 10 Million in Funding Support	◯Industry Matching and the Creation of Zebra Companies ◯26 Universities across the Kinki Region (2 Prefectures and 4 Prefectures) ◯53 Organizations from Industry, Government, and Finance