How Corporate Japan Is Collaborating With Startups Through Open Innovation

For decades, Japan’s large corporations were known for conducting most research and development internally. Major technology companies invested heavily in their own laboratories and engineering teams, often developing products within tightly controlled corporate environments.

In recent years, however, this model has begun to evolve. As technological change accelerates, many Japanese corporations are adopting open innovation strategies that involve working closely with startups, universities and research organisations.

Events such as SusHi Tech Tokyo reflect this shift by bringing together startups and large corporations within a shared innovation platform.

The Rise of Open Innovation

Open innovation refers to a collaborative approach to research and development in which companies work with external partners to develop new technologies.

Instead of relying solely on internal teams, corporations engage with startups, research institutions and entrepreneurs to explore new ideas.

This model has become increasingly common in global technology ecosystems.

Japanese corporations are now adopting similar strategies in order to remain competitive in fast moving sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics and digital infrastructure.

Corporate Participation at SusHi Tech Tokyo

More than 60 major corporations are expected to participate in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026.

Many of these companies will showcase partnerships with startups or present innovation initiatives designed to support emerging technologies.

Corporate participation takes several forms. Some companies host exhibition booths highlighting technologies developed in collaboration with startups. Others organise joint demonstrations or research projects with academic institutions.

These collaborations provide startups with access to resources that can be difficult to obtain independently, including manufacturing capabilities, distribution networks and industry expertise.

Sony Acceleration Platform

One example of corporate support for startups is the Sony Acceleration Platform, an initiative created by Sony to help entrepreneurs develop and commercialise new technologies.

The programme provides mentoring, product development support and access to Sony’s global networks.

At SusHi Tech Tokyo, the Sony Acceleration Platform will highlight how large companies can collaborate with startups to bring innovative ideas to market.

Startup Corporate Partnerships

Corporate startup collaboration can take many forms.

In some cases, corporations invest directly in startups through venture capital funds. In others, they establish joint development projects focused on specific technologies.

For startups, these partnerships offer several advantages.

Large companies often provide access to manufacturing infrastructure, regulatory expertise and established customer networks. This support can significantly accelerate the development and commercialisation of new products.

Corporations, meanwhile, benefit from the agility and creativity that startups bring to innovation processes.

Building an Ecosystem

Open innovation initiatives are becoming a central component of Japan’s broader startup strategy.

By encouraging collaboration between startups, universities and established companies, policymakers hope to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.

SusHi Tech Tokyo plays an important role in this process by creating a space where these different stakeholders can interact.

For many startups, the opportunity to connect directly with large corporations is one of the most valuable aspects of the conference.

A New Chapter for Japanese Innovation

Japan’s technological capabilities remain among the strongest in the world. However, the global innovation landscape is increasingly shaped by collaboration across organisations and industries.

As Japanese corporations adopt more open innovation strategies, partnerships with startups are likely to become an even more important driver of technological progress.

Platforms such as SusHi Tech Tokyo provide a glimpse into how these collaborations are evolving and how Japan’s innovation ecosystem is adapting to a new era of global competition.