Are you running a business specialising in smart factory solutions, manufacturing and robotics technologies? Would you like to present your technologies and products to potential partners and clients from Japan? If so, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation has an exciting opportunity for you. From January 21st to January 24th, 2025, take advantage of the great opportunity to connect with other EU entrepreneurs and exhibit your technology at the Smart Factory & Robotics Business Mission in Japan.

ABOUT THE MISSION

Japan has always been a pioneer in adopting advanced technology, and it is no wonder that smart factory solutions and robotics are key players in the country's industrial landscape. In this exciting context, 12 handpicked SME participants will have the opportunity to connect with Japanese business partners and showcase their innovative products and technologies during the 3-day Factory Innovation Week, potentially opening doors to new business opportunities and growth.

The Factory Innovation Week unites three specialised shows - Smart Factory Expo, RoboDEX, and Green Factory Expo. This trade fair is a platform for factory automation, digitalisation, and sustainable manufacturing for future technologies. At the joint EU-Japan Centre booth, mission participants will have their materials translated into Japanese-language posters, ensuring their products and technologies are effectively communicated to the exhibition visitors.

Moreover, the EU-Japan Centre staff and professional interpreters will provide comprehensive support, ensuring participants feel confident and well-supported throughout the event.

Before travelling to Japan, mission participants will receive detailed information about the mission schedule and Japanese business etiquette through a webinar. This will ensure they are fully prepared for their business mission.

SCHEDULE

OBJECTIVES

• Explore and create partnering opportunities with Japanese companies.
• Gain valuable insights and knowledge about the Japanese market.
• Prepare the ground for practical cluster cooperation with Japanese counterparts as a cluster.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

This call for applications targets individuals working for SMEs (small and medium enterprises, start-ups) (*) or Clusters (**) from the European Union or a country associated with the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar (***), specialised in:

• AI (e.g. Computer vision, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning…)
• IoRT
• Industrial Robots (e.g. Collaborative Robots, Articulated Robots, SCARA Robots, Delta Robots…)
• Components & Materials for Robots (e.g. electronic components, mechanical parts, sensors, actuators, and other necessary materials for creating and upkeep robots.)
• Smart Factory Equipment & Autonomous Transportation
• Remote Monitoring & Operation Support
• Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions

(*) Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are companies that meet the standard criteria set by the European Commission to be classified as SMEs.

(**) Clusters are those who are registered in the European Cluster Cooperation Platform (http://www.clustercollaboration.eu. Registration on that platform is free of charge.

(***) Please check the status of your country here.

ELIGIBILITY

The applicant must:

• Work for a legal entity located in the European Union or a country associated with the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar (***)
• Be supported by their employer through a signed letter (in case they do not belong to senior management)
• Be able to participate in the entire programme
• Have a good command of English (recommended level B2 or higher)
• Have proven experience in the industry

SELECTION

The Centre will evaluate applicants based on the following primary selection criteria:

• Company's strategy regarding Japan
• Innovative aspects of the product/technology/service offered by the company
• Relevance for the trade fair

The mission will welcome 12 companies.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

The EU-Japan Centre will cover the expenses for one representative per selected company/cluster for:

• Individual display stand in the joint EU-Japan Centre booth in the Smart Factory Expo exhibition
• Support by EU-Japan Centre staff and professional interpreters at the joint EU-Japan Centre booth
• Translation of poster and company profile, as well as printing of the poster for the exhibition

COSTS

Mission participants are responsible for covering the following:

• Flight and other travel expenses to Tokyo and the trade fair venue
• Accommodation in Tokyo
• Other living expenses in Japan, including local transportation and meals

DEPOSIT

Participants who have been selected for the mission are required to pay a deposit of €1000 to secure their spot in the mission. After a brief post-event report is submitted, the deposit will be refunded. Before applying, please ensure you are committed, as cancelling after confirming your participation will result in a forfeiture of the deposit.

SUBMISSION

Please submit your interest to Follow-up_CSM@eu-japan.eu  

Don't miss out on this great networking opportunity!