From Fukuoka & Osaka to the World 🌏

How can regions and governments help turn university-born technologies into real-world businesses?

Regional industries, universities, and research institutions are increasingly combining their expertise with cutting-edge technology to create startups ready to take on global markets.

This Thursday Gathering will explore the deep-tech startup ecosystems of Fukuoka and Osaka, with three expert guests discussing everything from research & IP commercialization to collaboration with local industries and global expansion.

🔬 Main Talk Session ｜ Fukuoka & Osaka → Global

🎤 Eriko Abe
Manager, Science-Driven Team, Intellectual Property Management Group
Kyushu University OIP Inc.

🎤 Hironobu Azuma
Principal, The Japan Research Institute
Director General, GSE2026

🎤 Yuichiro Uchida
General Manager, Business Creation Department, Fukuoka Jisho Co., Ltd.
Senior Advisor, Fukuoka Growth Next Operations Committee

💡 Topics

📍 The current state of the Fukuoka & Osaka startup ecosystems
🏭 The potential of deep-tech startups working with regional industries
🧪 How to turn research & intellectual property into businesses and real-world applications
🌐 Building ecosystems that enable startups to go from regional hubs to global markets🇯🇵🇪🇺 Connecting Japan with Europe for global expansion

Estonia’s Startup Ecosystem: The Gateway to the European Market

🎤 Anu Puusaag
Head of Digital Technologies & Deep Tech, Tehnopol Science and Business Park

🎤 Raimo Matvere
Head of Partnerships, e-Residency

Discover how Estonia supports startups through Tehnopol and e-Residency, including the latest startup support policies, deep-tech initiatives, and examples of international startups using Estonia as a launchpad into the EU market.

If you’re interested in taking a startup from Japan into Europe, this session offers practical insights and a different way of thinking about international expansion. 🚀

📅 Event Information

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Time: 17:30–18:20 JST
📍 Venue: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F
💰 Admission: Free
🎥 Format: Main Session — In-person / Estonia Session — Online
🗣️ Languages: Japanese & English
🤝 Organizers: Fukuoka City & Global Business Support

After the session, also feel free to join the Thursday Gathering networking event! 🍻🤝

Event link: https://community.venturecafefukuoka.org/sessions/520