Da Nang, Japan strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation
DNO - A delegation from the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology held a working session on Wednesday with representatives of Kawasaki City and Universal Materials Incubator (UMI) in Japan.
The meeting aimed to discuss strategic directions for science, technology, and innovation development, as well as to foster connections between the startup ecosystems of Da Nang and Japan.
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During the meeting, representatives from the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology shared the city's strategic direction for science and technology development.
They expressed a desire to strengthen connections with Japanese businesses, startups, research institutes, universities, experts, and innovation support organizations.
They also affirmed Da Nang’s readiness to facilitate Japanese partners to explore cooperation opportunities in the city, with a focus on openness, trust, equality, mutual benefit and practical outcomes.
In reply, representatives from Kawasaki City said the city is one of Japan's major hubs for industry, research and innovation.
Kawasaki is now home to more than 550 research and development (R&D) organizations, as well as numerous businesses, universities and innovation hubs.
The Japanese city is focusing on developing ecosystems in life sciences, materials, green transformation (GX), and quantum technology, as well as startup support.
As part of the program, the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center under the Department of Science and Technology, and Universal Materials Incubator, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation.
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Under the MoU, the two sides will research, develop and apply new, green, recycled and sustainable construction materials.
They also intend to connect experts, businesses, universities, research institutes and relevant organizations in Vietnam and Japan to promote knowledge and technology exchanges and the application of new-material solutions.
Furthermore, they will also facilitate promising businesses and startups in Da Nang to access UMI's network of partners, businesses and investors in Japan and the region.
At the same time, they will seek to connect suitable technologies and solutions from Japan with businesses and practical needs in Da Nang.
Established in 2015 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, UMI is one of the world's few venture capital firms specializing in materials and chemicals.
It currently operates three funds with a combined value of approximately ¥32.5 billion, backed by 41 investors and connected to a network of more than 200 major companies worldwide.
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Also on the same day, the Da Nang delegation visited the Tech Hub Yokohama.
The Da Nang delegation learned about the center's operating model, support mechanisms and experience in developing an ecosystem for technology startups in Yokohama.
Representatives of Tech Hub Yokohama shared their experience in fostering technology startups with the potential to expand into international markets, as well as approaches to connecting businesses, engineering teams, research organizations and innovation ecosystems.
Based on the discussions, the Da Nang delegation proposed strengthening connections between the city's startups and Japan's startup ecosystem. The purpose was to create more opportunities for Da Nang businesses and startups to participate in networking and investment-matching programs, startup events and innovation activities in Japan.
The delegation also participated in Yokohama Connect, an innovation networking program under initiatives at Tech Hub Yokohama and operated by Venture Café Tokyo.
The program provided a space for interaction and connections among members of the startup ecosystem.
Tech Hub Yokohama is a specialized support center for technology startups targeting global markets.
It leverages Yokohama's strengths as a hub for R&D activities and engineering talent from numerous global companies to foster the development of unicorn startups in areas such as clean technology, smart mobility and related fields.