Programme outline
Learning objectives
- Explore Japan’s digital innovation and startup ecosystem
- Understand Japan’s digital innovation strategy and startup ecosystem, before identifying opportunities in Tokyo
- Evaluate AI and robotics innovations
- Learn about cutting-edge AI and robotics advancements and assess their potential in industries like F&B, manufacturing, retail, trade, and logistics.
- Leverage Japan’s robotics leadership
- Learn how Japan’s robotics sector, led by companies like Telexistence, is shaping smart business solutions.
- Understand Japan’s view on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- Analyse Japan’s perspective on the RCEP and related opportunities.
- Build business networks in Tokyo
- Network with leading organisations, such as Waseda University and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), to foster collaboration and new opportunities.
- Create a business strategy
- Create and present a practical business strategy, applying insights from the programme for real-world implementation.
Day 1
- Pre-trip in Singapore
- Strategic workshop: Harnessing Japan’s AI & Robotic Technologies to Build Smart Businesses
- Learn about Japan’s digital innovation strategy and the Startup Incubation 5-Year Program
- Gain insights into Japan’s US$250 billion (39 trillion yen) economic stimulus package, including at least 10 trillion yen allocated for AI and semiconductor industries
- Apply business model innovation frameworks to unlock growth opportunities
Day 2
- Site visit: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan
- Learn about the latest updates on Japan’s digital innovation strategy and US$250 billion economic stimulus package, including investment incentives
- Learn about the latest developments the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) from Japan’s perspective
- Learn about the latest updates on Japan’s Startup Incubation 5-Year Program which aims to invest 10 trillion yen (USD$6.7 billion) in startups by 2027, creating 100 unicorn companies and 100,000 startups to position Japan as Asia’s leading startup hub
- Identify and evaluate potential partnerships with local partners and learn the best business practices
- Seminar, lunch and networking session
- Seminar on “Japan’s Digital Innovation Strategy: Trends & Opportunities”
- Explore potential partnerships
- Site visit: Japan Innovation Network (JIN)
- Learn about Japan Innovation Network (JIN)’s success in facilitating corporate innovation and venture programs in leading Japanese companies, including Sony, Asahi, Panasonic, KAGOME, & Kao Corporation.
- Explore potential partnership
- Learn the best business practices at Japan Innovation Network (JIN)
Day 3
- Site visit: Waseda University
- Learn about the latest development in corporate tech innovations and startup ecosystem in Japan
- Explore potential partnership
- Learn the best business practices in Japan
- Seminar, lunch and networking session
- Seminar on “Waseda University’s Global Partnership Ecosystem: Trends & Opportunities”
- Network and explore partnership with Waseda University and its ecosystem partners
- Site visit: AiSalon Tokyo
- Learn how AiSalon is promoting AI innovation and start-ups in Japan. AiSalon is a global community by and for AI-focused founders, builders, investors, and enterprise partners
- Learn about new innovative technologies and AI startups
- Explore and evaluate potential partnerships
- Learn the best business practices in AiSalon
Day 4
- Site visit: Fast Retailing & Uniqlo
- Learn how Fast Retailing & Uniqlo deploys leading AI and digital technologies to build a global smart and sustainable business. Fast Retailing is the world’s third-largest fashion apparel company with its main brand being Uniqlo
- Learn about its innovation programme and its sustainability programme
- Learn the best business practices at Fast Retailing & Uniqlo
- Seminar, lunch and networking session
- Seminar on “TAI’s Partnership Ecosystem: Trends & Opportunities”
- In-depth partnership discussions
- Site visit: Tokyo AI (TAI)
- Learn how Tokyo AI (TAI) is promoting AI innovation and start-ups in Japan. TAI is a community of builders, engineers, and investors on a mission to foster a vibrant and cohesive AI ecosystem in Tokyo.
- Learn about new innovative technologies and AI startups
- Network and explore evaluate potential partnerships
- Learn the best business practices in TAI
- Site visit (evening): Workshop with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
- Learn about the latest updates on Japan’s digital innovation strategy
- Learn about the latest updates on Japan’s Startup Incubation 5-Year Program
- Learn the best practices on operating businesses in Japan
- Network and explore partnership opportunities with JETRO and its ecosystem partners
Day 5
- SUTD S.M.A.R.T Entrepreneurship seminar: Singapore-Tokyo AI & Robotic Partnerships
- Sharing by a Professor from University of Tokyo: Challenges & Opportunities in Japan
- Group discussion topics include:
- Indonesia business owners to share on collaboration ideas
- Singapore delegates to share on collaboration ideas
- Explore partnership opportunities, learn and apply the best business practices
- Hands-on strategy workshop: Harnessing Japan’s AI & Robotic Technologies to Build Smart Businesses
- Participants will synthesise and apply learnings and insights from the programme to craft an innovative and practical business growth strategy using a strategic framework
- Roundtable panel discussion: Harnessing Japan’s AI & Robotics Technologies for Smart Business Growth
Panellists:
- Selected Japanese AI tech companies
- Regional Director (Tokyo), Enterprise Singapore
- Participants will present their business strategies, receive constructive feedback, and refine their strategies.
Assessment
- Presentation of company’s business strategy to capture business opportunities