A Growing Innovation Hub for Life Sciences and Deep Tech
Kyoto is emerging as one of Japan’s leading innovation hubs, supported by world-class universities, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a culture that blends creativity with cutting-edge research.
With global companies such as Nintendo and Kyocera and the research excellence of Kyoto University, the city has become a fertile ground for startups in deep tech, life sciences, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
To maximize the city’s strengths in academic research and manufacturing, Kyoto has built the Kyoto StartUp Ecosystem, a collaborative network formed by the city government, economic organizations, universities, financial institutions, and industry support agencies.
The ecosystem provides comprehensive, stage-specific support — from entrepreneurial training and commercialization to subsidies, fundraising, acceleration programs, market development, and overseas expansion — with a strong focus on Kyoto’s core fields of life sciences and deep tech.
Kyoto is also gaining attention as a host city for major innovation events. Many conferences are held across the city, including IVS, one of Japan’s largest startup conferences, further strengthening Kyoto’s position as a dynamic ecosystem that attracts interest from both Japan and abroad.