Why Nagoya Is the Rising Star for Global Entrepreneurs
When international visitors think of Japan, Tokyo and Kyoto often top the list. But nestled between these metropolises lies Nagoya in Central Japan, with its unique Startup Ecosystem.
When international visitors think of Japan, Tokyo and Kyoto often top the list. But nestled between these metropolises lies Nagoya, a vibrant city with a strong industrial backbone, historic castles, and rich food culture. As the gateway to Central Japan, Nagoya charms tourists with its easy access to the Alps, futuristic museums, and the famed Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. However, there’s more to this city than meets the eye—Nagoya is quietly becoming one of Japan’s most promising destinations for entrepreneurs, especially with the city’s initiatives in cultivating its startup ecosystem.
In fact, Nagoya and its surrounding area have seen a powerful shift in startup momentum. Since being designated by Japan’s Cabinet Office as part of the Central Japan Global Startup Ecosystem Hub Cities in 2020, the region has cultivated over 848 startups and more than doubled its entrepreneurial talent pool to over 20,000 by 2025. This rapid progress is matched with a rise in infrastructure support, investment opportunities, and global collaboration. But who exactly should consider launching their startup in Nagoya?
Here are three types of founders who are especially well-suited to what Nagoya has to offer:
1. AI, IoT, and Robotics Practitioners
Nagoya has long been a leader in manufacturing, and today that expertise is being retooled for the digital age. The city, in particular, is becoming a regional hub for robotics and AI. One key driver is STATION Ai, Japan’s largest incubation and support facility for deep-tech startups, opening officially in 2025 with capacity for over 2,000 innovators.
Even before its grand opening, STATION Ai has already supported over 1,000 startups, including a growing number of international ventures attracted by its resources, mentorship, and collaboration networks. The platform has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most globally minded startup incubators outside Tokyo.
Additionally, events like the Robot Technology Japan exhibition and the Smart Factory Expo attract thousands of engineers, researchers, and global investors each year, creating an ideal environment for testing and showcasing hardware and software innovation. Whether you’re developing smart sensors or autonomous systems, you’ll find both industry partners and infrastructure ready to help you grow.
2. Sustainability and Life Science Founders
Nagoya has rapidly evolved into a platform for innovation in both environmental technology and life sciences, bolstered by cross-sector collaboration and strong government backing. A standout initiative is TechGala, an annual international tech conference held in Nagoya. Hosted with the support of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and the Department of Sustainability and Green Transformation (GX), TechGala highlights five central innovation tracks: Green Tech, Smart Cities, Advanced Manufacturing, Mobility, and Life Sciences.
Startups working on anything from bio-based materials, carbon capture solutions, and clean energy systems to digital health platforms, biotech applications, and regenerative medicine find dedicated sessions and pitch stages at TechGala. The event brings together not just innovators and researchers, but also investors, policy makers, and enterprise partners who are actively seeking climate and health-oriented solutions.
In addition to global networking opportunities, participants benefit from access to government-backed incentives, international accelerators, and local manufacturing partners looking to modernize sustainably. For founders aiming to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental and medical challenges, Nagoya offers both credibility and connectivity.
3. Medical Technology Entrepreneurs
If you’re developing wearable health monitors, diagnostic tools, or digital therapeutics, Nagoya offers resources beyond what most expect outside Tokyo. Through LINK-J (Life Science Innovation Network Japan) and Nagoya University’s MedTech Masterclass Program, founders can join tailored workshops and mentorship programs designed for scaling health tech ventures.
The city is anchored by leading medical institutions like Fujita Health University and Aichi Cancer Center, which actively support med-tech innovation. For example:
- In February 2025, Nagoya University and Aichi Cancer Center signed a comprehensive agreement to enhance collaborative research and innovation, strengthening the medical ecosystem for startups.
- Fujita Health University hosts the International Regenerative Medicine Center, pioneering personalized cancer therapies, gene therapies, and regenerative medicine technologies.
- Both institutions regularly organize symposiums and partner with startups to facilitate clinical validation and commercialization of new medical technologies.
Regional initiatives such as LINK-J’s HealthTech Gateway DemoDay provide startups with opportunities to connect with investors and corporates domestically and internationally.
A Call to Action
Entrepreneurship in Japan is no longer limited to Tokyo’s crowded startup scene. Nagoya is emerging as a dynamic, collaborative, and globally connected ecosystem for founders across disciplines. Whether you’re building robots, tackling climate change, or redefining healthcare, this city offers you the tools, partners, and support you need.
If you’re a founder looking to scale in Asia, don’t overlook Nagoya. It just might be the launchpad you didn’t know you were looking for.
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