news
Global innovation cluster welcomes input from UK firms
A new Tokyo-based initiative has been created to focus on technology development in urban areas.
UK and Japanese technology specialists will get the chance to trial emerging systems in each other’s countries, following the creation of a new initiative promoting global innovation between Tokyo and London.
This grant funded initiative will support the Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), and is referred to in Japan as TIB Catapult. It aims to encourage the growth of start-up firms in the Japanese capital on behalf of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Connected Places Catapult and Cambridge Innovation Center are closely involved in promoting one of six clusters in the programme, called a ‘Global CityTech bridge’ – where Japanese startups and universities develop technology for urban areas collaborating with large corporates. They are both working with Japanese conglomerate Shimizu Corporation.
The programme also encourages UK and Japanese firms to exchange ideas with one another, and will initially see Japanese startups come to the UK to promote trade between the two countries for mutual benefit.
Technology tried through the cluster will relate to issues including smart cities, mobility, energy, decarbonisation and resilience.
Other clusters being convened by the initiative cover environmental and energy issues in cities; sustainable agri-tech and food-tech; railways; life sciences; and the space sector.
“It is amazing to have won this grant, alongside Cambridge Innovation Center, from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
“Japan is a clear focus area for Connected Places Catapult, and we are working hard to develop our Innovation Twins model there. We look forward to the mutual exchange of innovators through this global-tech bridge, which provide SMEs in both countries exciting opportunities to grow and scale in each other's markets.”Alisdair Ritchie, Connected Places Catapult’s Head of SME Development
Find out more.
