AI Solutions for Manufacturing and Cleantech Japan - Canadian Technology Accelerator

The Japan Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) will jointly host the Japan “AI Solutions for Manufacturing and Clean Technologies” co-innovation mission to Japan from December 1 to 5, 2025. 

The mission is anchored around the Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS), Asia’s largest open innovation conference focused on business-to-business (B2B). The event hosts top tier Japanese major corporations interested in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for manufacturing and clean technologies.

This partnering mission is focused on connecting Canadian SMEs to Japanese corporations looking to integrate AI solutions for Manufacturing and Clean Technologies. It aims to form strategic partnerships toward the collaborative research and development (R&D) or the proof of concept (PoC) opportunities that lead to co-innovation projects. Through this support, Canadian businesses will be better equipped to:

• build their innovation capacity
• successfully commercialize their technology
• become more competitive in the global marketplace

Upon acceptance, your business will benefit from:

• in-depth market briefings on doing business in Japan to better understand the culture, local market as well as import considerations
• access to key stakeholders from top-tier companies, investors and experts
• mentorship and advice on engaging with and pitching to key contacts in Japan
• workshop events with like-minded entrepreneurial organizations
• introductions to potential buyers, investors and strategic partners
• validation of your technology and its potential for success in Japan tailored strategic advice

We are seeking fast-growing, AI-based solutionsfor manufacturing and cleantech, including but not limited to:

• AI agents
• AI-driven manufacturing optimization
• AI server and remote sensing solutions
• sustainable manufacturing (including automation and robotics)
• circular economy and waste management

The CTA program will be delivered in hybrid format. In-person participation in the signature event is mandatory. The 3-to-4-month program will offer tailored virtual support beginning in mid September.

This CTA will bring together between 8-10 Canadian companies that are willing and able to participate in one-on-one meetings and group sessions.

The program will include:

• Webinars and workshops providing insights on Japanese business culture and how best to navigate through Japan’s corporate structures in the sector of focus.
• Market insights from the panel of industry experts or VC/CVCs to tailor pitch style to the Japanese market.
• Pitch opportunities to potential buyers, investors and strategic partners.
• Tailored one-on-one mentoring sessions to help refine and validate your market entry strategy and support referrals to local contacts.
• Targeted B2B meetings and networking opportunities with potential local partners, investors and clients. Meetings will focus on potential PoC, R&D collaboration, or sales. 
• A signature event, anchored around Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS) will take place from December 1 to 5, 2025. The program will include B2B meetings with selected top tier Japanese major corporations focused on AI solutions for manufacturing, as well as clean technologies.