New York City Hosts “Unlocking Japan’s Potential for Global Growth” on January 22-23, 2025
The Deep Tech Forum NYC 2025, organized by Monozukuri Ventures, is set to take place on January 22-23, 2025. This year marks a pivotal moment for the event, as it focuses exclusively on collaboration with Japan, featuring Japanese corporate venture capital (CVC) teams, startups, and innovation leaders alongside New York’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Co-hosted by the New York Robotics Network, the forum seeks to connect global thought leaders, investors, and corporations in deep tech innovation.
“New York is quickly establishing itself as a key hub for deep tech, connecting ecosystems across the globe. Events like the Deep Tech Forum are instrumental in fostering international collaboration with countries like Japan and beyond,” said Jacob Hennessey-Rubin, Executive Director of New York Robotics Network. With New York’s emergence as a global tech center, the city serves as the perfect backdrop for discussions on international innovation partnerships.
Event Highlights – Day 1: Conference Day
Held at Cornell Tech on January 22, Day 1 will spotlight the potential of Japan-U.S. collaboration, offering:
- Keynote Address: Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC, will deliver the keynote speech, titled “New York’s Rise: From Entrepreneurial City to Global Tech Hub.” Drawing on her extensive experience in fostering tech entrepreneurship and shaping New York’s thriving tech ecosystem, Julie will discuss how New York has emerged as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship and its growing role in driving global collaboration and transformative innovation.
- Panel Discussion: The session will explore Why Venture Capitalists View Japan as a Prime Market” and share strategies for startups to succeed in the Japanese ecosystem. This engaging discussion will be moderated by Jeffrey W. Smith, General Partner at SIP Global Partners, a venture firm based in Tokyo and Boston. Local deep tech VCs will join as panelists.
- Japanese CVC Pitches: Presentations by leading Japanese corporate venture capital teams focused on robotics and climate technology.
- Networking Reception: Facilitating connections among global thought leaders, innovators,
and corporate executives.
Day 1, which focuses on collaboration with Japan, is presented by the Consulate General of Japan in New York. This is the first time the Deep Tech Forum has featured Japan so prominently, despite being organized by a Japanese VC firm. As Nobuhiro Seki, Founding Partner of Monozukuri Ventures, explains, “This event underscores Japan’s role as a gateway for global business expansion, especially in robotics, AI, and manufacturing.”
Many Japanese companies hold dominant market shares in specific verticals, giving them a unique advantage in reaching global markets—yet this potential often remains a hidden gem for startups. At the same time, collaborating with Japanese companies can be challenging due to cultural differences, which are not always easy to navigate. However, with the Japanese government’s active efforts to foster entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment, interest from American VCs in the Japanese market is steadily growing. “With its international reach,” Seki adds, “New York is the best place to host a dialogue that bridges these gaps and highlights these transformative opportunities.”
Day 2: Exclusive Visits to NYC’s Innovation Hubs
On January 23, attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore some of New York City’s premier innovation hubs, including Newlab and HAX, with additional locations to be confirmed. These hubs represent the cutting edge of deep tech innovation and offer valuable networking opportunities with startups and thought leaders.
- Newlab, located in Brooklyn’s iconic Navy Yard, supports entrepreneurs and technologists working on impactful solutions in robotics, AI, and other frontier technologies. Attendees will meet with innovative startups and learn about their groundbreaking projects.
- HAX, an accelerator program backed by SOSV, focuses on hardware and deep tech startups. Known for its emphasis on rapid prototyping and scaling, HAX is a launchpad for companies shaping the future of industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. Participants will engage directly with founders and explore their journeys.
Logistics and Participation Details for Day 2:
- A chartered bus will provide transportation between the hubs, ensuring convenient travel for all participants.
- Networking sessions at each location will allow attendees to connect with startups and
innovators. - Participation Fee: Estimated at $100 per person to cover transportation and logistics.
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attendance.
This exclusive tour expands on the insights from Day 1, offering hands-on exposure to NYC’s vibrant tech ecosystem and the chance to foster deeper collaborations with local innovators. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged!
Expanding the Deep Tech Forum Series
Following the NYC event, the Deep Tech Forum continues its mission to foster global collaboration with upcoming forums:
- Boston (February 13, 2025): Exploring innovation in bio, life sciences, and medical technology. More details here.
- Yokohama, Japan (March 7, 2025): Highlighting advancements in Japan’s deep tech ecosystem and fostering cross-border partnerships.
- NYC (September 2025): Exploring cutting-edge innovations in climate technology, urban sustainability, and future mobility during Climate Week NYC.
Reflecting on the forum’s growth, Nobuhiro Seki shared, “2024 was a successful year for the Deep Tech Forum, and we are thrilled to expand to new strategic locations like Boston and Yokohama in 2025. Looking ahead, we’re considering hosting future forums in cities such as the Great Lakes region, Austin, and LA to continue driving innovation globally.”
