Canadian AI Applied to IoT R&D Partnering Delegation to Japan

Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo invites you to apply to participate in the Canadian AI Applied to the Internet of things ( IoT) R&D Partnering Delegation to Japan delivered under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) The Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in person on October 5 to 7, 2026, in Japan.

Interested companies must apply no later than June 30, 2026.  

The purpose of this delegation is to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) find potential partners in Japan. The PDA will enable Canadian AI/IoT SMEs to form new R&D and commercial partnerships with leading Japanese companies, research institutes, and innovation clusters, including opportunities for joint projects.

Participants will gain deeper market intelligence on Japanese AI/IoT landscape allowing them to refine their market‑entry strategies and identify high‑value partners.

Targeted partners may include:

• large enterprises
• SMEs
• research institutes
• clusters

The delegation will focus mainly on:

• jointly developing new products and/or services by combining Canadian and Japanese technologies
• validating the potential of Canadian technology in the Japanese market 
• adapting Canadian technology to the needs and characteristics of the Japanese market

Canadian companies wishing to participate in this delegation to Japan should meet the following requirements:

• be a profit-oriented SME having 500 or fewer employees, incorporated in Canada
• have previous experience in or working towards commercializing technology for international markets
• have interest to adapt, validate, and/or co-develop technology with Japanese partners
• be committed to expanding activities to the Japanese market
• have sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results

The delegation is targeting companies working on AI/IoT technologies related to:

• AI‑powered collaborative robots (cobots)
• autonomous mobile robots (AMR) / automated guided vehicles (AGV)
• robot control × Vision AI
• human–robot collaboration (HRC)
• AI for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) / autonomous driving
• in‑vehicle IoT and data utilization platforms
• smart factories / industrial IoT (IIoT)
• digital twins (equipment and factories)
• IoT platforms for smart cities
• AI for disaster prevention and mitigation
• IoT / operational technology (OT) security

The program will include several business-to-business (B2B) meetings and activities with leading organizations in the Japanese AI/IoT sector.

The program will specifically include:

• market briefings and research security guidance.
• participation in Generative AI Summit (GenAI / SUM) 2026 pitch contest and sessions.
• B2B matchmaking
• pitch session with industry partners.
• networking events
• site visits to leading innovation and R&D centres

Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy and an industrial nation with highly advanced manufacturing capabilities, home to many globally leading manufacturers. It also holds a strong international presence as a key hub for research, development, and real-world deployment of AI and IoT technologies.

Against the backdrop of structural challenges such as labor shortages, an aging population, and aging infrastructure, the Japanese government has positioned digital transformation (DX) and the realization of Society 5.0 as national strategies. As part of this effort, Japan is actively promoting the domestic adoption of AI and IoT technologies and strengthening industrial competitiveness. As a result, demand for AI and IoT solutions that are suitable for real-world operations is rapidly expanding, and expectations for collaboration with international technology partners are growing.

Japan’s AI and IoT industries are supported by:

• world-class manufacturing foundations
• rich implementation data from real operational environments, strong public investment
• deeply integrated, resilient supply chains closely connected to the field

These strengths create highly attractive collaboration opportunities for overseas startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Japan’s research ecosystem has world-leading basic research capabilities and a strong emphasis on applied research and social implementation through industry–academia–government collaboration. Institutions such as RIKEN (the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research), the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), as well as universities and corporate research centers, provide internationally competitive research and demonstration environments in AI, robotics, data utilization, and edge computing.

Sectors of global strength for Japan —including manufacturing, automotive, robotics, electronics, and social infrastructure—are currently undergoing large-scale technological transitions centered on AI and IoT. Demand for advanced AI and IoT technologies is expected to continue growing across areas such as:

• AI robotics
• smart factories
• autonomous driving
• next-generation mobility
• energy management
• smart cities

Partnering with Japanese companies and research institutions enables access to government-funded R&D programs, pilot and demonstration projects, and international collaborative research frameworks. This offers a strategic gateway for Canadian companies to expand across the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Within Japan, the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area (including Tokyo and Kanagawa) serves as a major concentration hub for AI and digital technologies. It has developed a highly integrated ecosystem with a dense cluster of:

• startups
• global corporate headquarters
• innovation centers
• research institutions
• investors 

The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs participants for up to 50% of all eligible expenses that include but are not limited to:

• economy class airfare
• local transportation
• accommodation
• meals (per diems)   
• conference registration fees

1. Click the “Apply" button to access the online application form. Select the official language of your choice and the delegation you want to apply to, then complete all questions.
2. Completed applications must be submitted online no later than June 30, 2026.
3. Global Affairs Canada, through the Embassy of Canada to Japan will select the Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Selected applicants will be notified by July 16.
4. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support to cover travel and participation expenses.