The Innovation Leaders Summit 2024 (ILS), Asia’s largest open-innovation event, hosted from 2 to 5 December 2024 in Tokyo, brought together major European and Japanese corporations alongside startups, offering them a distinctive platform to collaborate and build partnerships.

For this edition, the EU-Japan Centre, a long-standing partner of ILS organizers, proudly introduced 12 European SMEs at its booth, keen to present their innovations to the Japanese market. These promising companies showcased their expertise in areas such as AI, foodtech, semiconductors, and cybersecurity, engaging in discussions with leading Japanese corporations on potential collaborations. Supported by the Centre and ILS, the startups leveraged a rare opportunity to network with Japanese and international companies while sharing novel ideas. The event’s dynamic and collaborative environment proved instrumental in driving cross-border exchanges of innovative technologies and fostering mutual growth. 

With 24,239 participants in this edition, ILS facilitated numerous power-matching meetings, startup pitches, events, and seminars, enabling companies worldwide to connect and showcase their groundbreaking projects. Featuring over 200 startup booths, ILS provided an invaluable opportunity for startups to explore cutting-edge products and gain hands-on experience. The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation remains committed to supporting innovative European companies eager to participate in the next edition of ILS as online participants for the 2025 edition.