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KANSAI Startup Ecosystem

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  • KANSAI Startup Ecosystem

Kansai’s Growing Presence in Deep Tech

The Kansai startup ecosystem—centered around Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo—has developed a robust infrastructure to support startups and foster innovation across the region. In the deep tech domain, Kansai distinguishes itself with a solid foundation in three key pillars: industry, academia, and capital. As a result, it is attracting growing attention both in Japan and internationally as a leading hub for cutting-edge innovation.

  • Industry

    Kansai alone has an economy comparable in size to the world's 15th largest.

    GDP comparison with countries around the world

    Source: Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, “INVEST JAPAN, INVEST KANSAI”

  • Academia

    Kansai region has produced over half of Japan's Nobel Prize winners.

    Nobel Laureates from Kansai

    Source: Deep Tech Valley KANSAI

  • Capital

    Startups founded by major universities in the Kansai region raised 2.74 times more funding in 2024 compared to 2019.

    Funding Trends of University-launched Startups (Relative to 2019)

    Source: Based on funding data from major Kansai universities (Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Kobe University), compiled by INITIAL.

Key Characteristics of the Deep Tech Sector in Major Areas

  • Osaka

    As the economic center of Kansai, Osaka is home to a concentration of large corporations—particularly in the manufacturing sector—and a wide range of industries. The city is gaining attention in fields such as life sciences, environmental technologies, and AI. Around major research hubs like Osaka University, Saito (International Culture Park City), Northern Osaka Health and Biomedical Innovation Town, and Nakanoshima, cutting-edge research in drug discovery and advanced medical technologies is actively underway, driving the commercialization of world-class innovations.

  • Kyoto

    Kyoto is one of Japan’s leading academic hubs, attracting attention in fields such as life sciences, environmental and energy technologies, and AI. Home to world-renowned research institutions like Kyoto University, the city has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners. These intellectual assets serve as a strong foundation for driving innovation among startups.

  • Hyogo

    In Hyogo, advanced medical research is actively conducted, particularly within the KOBE Biomedical Innovation Cluster, which stands out as one of Japan’s largest medical clusters. The area hosts a wide range of domestic and international companies and research institutions, fostering the creation of innovative technologies and products through joint research and industry-academia collaboration.

  1. The University of Osaka
    A leading comprehensive research university in Japan.
  2. Saito (International Culture Park City)
    A hub for research institutes and companies in the life sciences sector.
  3. Future Medical International Center（Nakanoshima Qross）
    An innovation hub for the industrialization of future medicine, where medical institutions, startups, and other key players are concentrated.
  4. Kyoto university
    A research university boasting the highest number of Nobel Prize laureates in Asia.
  5. Keihanna Science City
    A science city home to over 150 research institutes and facilities.
  6. Kyoto Research Park
    The largest business and research hub in Kyoto, hosting approximately 510 companies and organizations.
  7. Kobe University
    A global hub university for interdisciplinary research and education through co-creation.
  8. KOBE Biomedical Innovation Cluster
    One of Japan’s largest medical clusters

Featured Startups from Kansai

Key Player Interviews