Press release —
Osaka Showcases Kansai Startup Ecosystem and Global Business Opportunities During GSE2026
Osaka Prefectural Government welcomed international investors and entrepreneurs for the Osaka Innovation Tour on October 4–6, 2026, introducing them to the region’s technology companies, startup support organizations and business environment alongside Global Startup EXPO 2026 (GSE2026).
The program combined a briefing by prefectural officials with participation in GSE2026 and meetings with founders and ecosystem builders. It offered a closer look at how Osaka is seeking to turn the research strengths and international connections highlighted by Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan into opportunities for business development and investment.
At the prefectural briefing, officials outlined a growth agenda centered on bringing advanced technologies into practical use, strengthening support for deep tech startups and sustaining international business exchanges after the Expo. Life sciences, carbon neutrality and next-generation mobility featured among the areas presented.
A deep tech startup ecosystem linking research with industry
In its briefing, the prefecture described a startup ecosystem built through collaboration among universities, research institutions, industry, government and investors. Research emerging from universities and institutes across Osaka and the wider Kansai region supports ventures in life sciences and healthcare, green technologies and digital technologies, including AI and quantum technology.
Manufacturers with advanced technical capabilities help connect research findings with practical applications, while established global companies offer potential partners for joint development and commercialization. For international investors and businesses, this ecosystem provides opportunities to engage with research-based ventures and the industrial partners that can support their growth.
GSE2026, held on October 5–7 in Osaka, provided a setting for these exchanges through talks, startup exhibitions, pitches and business matching. Its program covered biotechnology and healthcare, quantum technology, fusion energy, space, AI and advanced robotics, and semiconductors and telecommunications.
©Osaka Prefectural Government
Life sciences businesses and the infrastructure around them
The tour explored Osaka’s life sciences infrastructure through a visit to Osaka Life Science Nexus by Nippon Life and CIC, known as O-Nexus. Jointly operated by Nippon Life Insurance Company and CIC, the innovation campus is located within Nakanoshima Qross, a hub for the development and commercialization of future medical technologies.
In its presentation, the prefecture highlighted Nakanoshima Qross as a place where medical institutions, companies, startups, universities and support organizations work in proximity. The facility brings together capabilities for research development and business support to commercialize regenerative medicine.
At O-Nexus, participants heard presentations from MaRI, Setolabo and TxPPIE. These presentations gave participants specific examples of the technologies and business models being developed within the regional network, spanning medical devices, diagnostics, and research data.
Support for collaboration and market entry
The program also included a presentation by Ms. Megumi Takahashi, Plug and Play and a lunch session with Brian Lim, COO of encognize G.K., who supports overseas startups entering Japan.
Lim highlighted Osaka and Kansai’s industrial strengths, including advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medtech, as a foundation for international business development. He emphasized that overseas startups often need customers and partners before funding, pointing to the region’s established companies as potential collaborators.
Plug and Play highlighted the region’s concentration of university-based deep tech ventures, government support programs and closely connected innovation communities. Its work across Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe connects startups with established companies, investors and research institutions through business matching, mentoring and opportunities for international expansion.
The presentation also outlined support for overseas businesses entering Osaka through the Global Financial City OSAKA initiative. Working with public and private partners, Plug and Play helps connect fintech startups, venture capital firms and international financial businesses with relevant local organizations and potential business partners. This provides a practical route for international participants to explore the region’s networks beyond an initial visit.
Toward Realizing Global Financial City OSAKA
The Osaka Prefectural Government introduced the Global Financial City OSAKA Strategy, an initiative aimed at attracting investment and business collaboration from both Japan and overseas and fostering Osaka’s growth through the power of finance.
As part of the strategy, the prefecture presented its support programs, including a One-Stop Support Center that provides consultations in English on a wide range of business and lifestyle matters, such as obtaining financial licenses, opening bank accounts, and settling into life in Japan. Support is also available for business matching with Osaka-based companies.
In addition, foreign financial and related companies can benefit from subsidies for establishing operations in Osaka, as well as Japan's first local tax incentive program.
According to the Osaka Prefectural Government, these support measures have helped attract 39 foreign financial and related companies to Osaka as of October 5, 2026.
Under Phase 2 of the Strategy (FY2026–FY2030), which commenced this fiscal year, Osaka Prefecture will further strengthen its initiatives by building on the legacy of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and the advancement of digital finance. Through these efforts, the prefecture aims to realize the vision set out in the Strategy: a "Global City that Develops by Leveraging Finance" and a "Frontrunner City in Finance."
©Osaka Prefectural Government
Building lasting international business connections
Through the Osaka Innovation Tour, three international entrepreneurs and investors explored the prefecture’s initiatives, met companies and exchanged perspectives with local business and startup support communities. By creating opportunities for direct dialogue, Osaka Prefectural Government aims to deepen international understanding of the region’s business environment and encourage continued engagement with its companies and institutions.
Building on these connections, the prefecture seeks to foster further collaboration and investment, supporting Osaka’s continued growth as an international business city.
Further information
OPEN!! Osaka: https://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/o020050/renkei/openosaka/index.html
GSE2026: https://global-startup-expo.co... Financial City OSAKA: https://global-financial-city-osaka.jp/en/
