Are you an innovative company or corporate looking to connect with potential partners and explore business opportunities in Japan or the Netherlands? Join the Japan–Netherlands Innovation Event on 12 and 13 November 2026 in Rotterdam and Amsterdam!
The two-day event brings together innovative SMEs, startups, scale-ups, corporates, government and innovation ecosystem partners from Japan and across the Netherlands.
The programme is designed to create new connections between the Dutch and Japanese innovation ecosystems and open up opportunities for business, innovation and long-term collaboration.
While the event takes place in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, it brings together the wider Dutch innovation ecosystem, with partners and participants from across the Netherlands, including Oost NL and ROM Utrecht regions.
What to expect
12 November – Rotterdam
The day starts with a high-level discussion on opportunities for stronger Japan–Netherlands innovation cooperation, followed by parallel breakout sessions on:
Learn from companies with experience in the Dutch or Japanese markets, gain insights into entering and growing in these markets, and explore opportunities for stronger connections between the Dutch and Japanese innovation ecosystems.
The programme continues with a Pitch & Connect Networking Lunch, bringing together innovative companies and corporates through company pitches, matchmaking and networking.
In the afternoon, participants can explore Rotterdam’s innovation ecosystem with a visit to:
RDM Campus, where companies, startups, education and research develop and test new technologies in areas such as maritime and offshore, energy transition and digitalisation.
BlueCity, a hub for circular entrepreneurship and innovation focused on new materials, products and circular value chains.
The tours conclude at CIC Rotterdam, a leading innovation hub bringing together startups, scale-ups, corporates, investors, universities and governments, with locations in both the Netherlands and Japan.
Places for the ecosystem tour are limited and priority will be given to participants from Japan.
13 November – Amsterdam
Participants from Japan can further explore the Dutch innovation ecosystem with visits to:
Norrsken House Amsterdam, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and partners working on scalable solutions in climate, energy, mobility, food, health and digital innovation.
AMS Institute, rooted in TU Delft, Wageningen University & Research and MIT, accelerating science-based, scalable solutions for cities.
Amsterdam Science Park, an internationally recognised hub bringing together business, science and innovation, with strengths in AI, quantum, deep tech, sustainability, life sciences and high-tech systems and materials.
The Amsterdam programme is exclusively for participants from Japan and places are limited.
The programme will continue to be updated as new speakers, participating organisations and programme elements are confirmed.
Who should attend?
The event is particularly relevant for innovative SMEs, startups and scale-ups interested in Japan or the Netherlands; corporates looking for innovative companies, technologies or collaboration opportunities; investors and knowledge institutions; and innovation hubs and other ecosystem organisations.
The primary focus areas are AI, Deep Tech, Energy, Advanced Materials, Health Tech and Advanced Manufacturing, while companies and organisations from other innovative sectors are also welcome.
To ensure a relevant and balanced group of participants, with a strong focus on innovation and international collaboration, registrations will be reviewed by the organisers and participation will be confirmed separately.
Why participate?
Meet potential partners, discover new technologies and business opportunities, learn more about doing business in Japan and the Netherlands, and build connections across both innovation ecosystems.
Whether you are looking to expand internationally, find new innovation partners or strengthen existing connections between Japan and the Netherlands, the event offers a platform to meet relevant organisations from both countries.
13 November: Amsterdam – Innovation Ecosystem Tour for participants from Japan
Places for the innovation ecosystem tours in both Rotterdam and Amsterdam are limited. The Amsterdam programme on 13 November is exclusively open to participants from Japan.Further practical information will follow.
