Why Nagoya Is the Rising Star for Global Entrepreneurs

Nagoya, the promising startup city in Japan

When international visitors think of Japan, Tokyo and Kyoto often top the list. But Nagoya—nestled between these metropolises—is quietly becoming one of Japan’s most promising destinations for entrepreneurs.

Since being designated as part of the Central Japan Global Startup Ecosystem Hub Cities in 2020, the region has cultivated over 848 startups and doubled its entrepreneurial talent pool to over 20,000 by 2025. This rapid progress is matched with rising infrastructure support, investment opportunities, and global collaboration.

Here are three types of founders especially well-suited to what the city offers:

1. AI, IoT, and Robotics Practitioners

Nagoya’s manufacturing legacy is being retooled for the digital age. STATION Ai, Japan’s largest deep-tech incubation facility, opens officially in 2025 with capacity for over 2,000 innovators. It has already supported over 1,000 startups, including international ventures attracted by its mentorship and collaboration networks.

Events like the Robot Technology Japan exhibition and Smart Factory Expo attract thousands of engineers and global investors annually, creating an ideal environment for testing hardware and software innovation. Whether you’re developing smart sensors or autonomous systems, you’ll find industry partners and infrastructure ready to help you grow.

2. Sustainability and Life Science Founders

TechGala, Nagoya’s annual international tech conference, is supported by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and highlights five innovation tracks: Green Tech, Smart Cities, Advanced Manufacturing, Mobility, and Life Sciences.

Startups working on bio-based materials, carbon capture, clean energy, digital health, biotech, or regenerative medicine find dedicated pitch stages and access to investors, policymakers, and enterprise partners actively seeking climate and health solutions. For founders tackling environmental and medical challenges, this city offers both credibility and connectivity.

3. Medical Technology Entrepreneurs

Through LINK-J (Life Science Innovation Network Japan) and Nagoya University’s MedTech Masterclass Program, health tech founders can access tailored workshops and mentorship for scaling ventures.

The city is anchored by leading institutions like Fujita Health University and Aichi Cancer Center, which actively support med-tech innovation:

• Nagoya University and Aichi Cancer Center signed a comprehensive agreement in February 2025 to enhance collaborative research
• Fujita Health University’s International Regenerative Medicine Center pioneers personalized cancer therapies and gene therapies
• LINK-J’s HealthTech Gateway DemoDay connects startups with domestic and international investors

Your Next Move

Entrepreneurship in Japan extends beyond Tokyo’s crowded scene. Nagoya is emerging as a dynamic, globally connected ecosystem for founders across disciplines. Whether you’re building robots, tackling climate change, or redefining healthcare, this city offers the tools, partners, and support you need.

At Vintage Management, we provide consultation services to business owners looking to expand or start a business in Nagoya. If that’s you, contact us here.

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