#Japan #Singapore #MedTech #Chofu #Campus Create

Campus Create Launches Go Singapore MedTech Gateway Program

In an effort to foster global expansion for Japanese startups, Campus Create, headquartered in Chofu City, Tokyo, has recently organized the "Go Singapore MedTech Gateway!" hands-on support program. This initiative, in collaboration with Origgin Ventures Pte Ltd, targets healthcare and medical startups looking to penetrate the Singapore market. For over 25 years, Campus Create has been engaged in technology transfer activities, bridging the gap between university research outcomes and industrial needs, both domestically and abroad.

Program Overview

The Go Singapore MedTech Gateway program is a six-month hands-on initiative that runs from August 2025 to January 2026. It aims to evaluate the potential for startups to expand internationally by assessing strategies and facilitating discussions with local stakeholders throughout the process. The program equips participants with critical insights into overseas markets, business viability, and clear strategic directions for their ventures. It also encourages startups to connect with potential users and collaborators to generate specific growth opportunities by facilitating negotiations and business discussions.

Key Activities

Some of the essential components of the program include:

• - A timely visit to Singapore coinciding with SWITCH (Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology).
• - Preparations starting in August, including interviews with participating companies to assess their needs for overseas expansion.
• - Identification of promising collaboration candidates and conducting preliminary online business meetings.
• - Organizing a webinar where participating companies present their solutions to relevant local entities.
• - Continuous communication support with collaboration prospects post-return to Japan.

Participating Companies

Five university-derived startups joined the initiative, with four of them along with one university participating in the local travel segment of the program.

Local Tour Report

A significant portion of the initiative included an on-site tour in Singapore from October 27 to 30. This tour comprised visits to major health tech institutions, personalized meetings with potential users, and discussions regarding proofs of concept (PoC). The fruitful encounters and engagements fostered a rich environment for future business development.

During the tour, the team explored Singapore's health tech innovation ecosystem and expanded their knowledge of potential partners and stakeholders. Participants conducted over 22 individual meetings with a variety of partners, such as clinics, hospitals, academic researchers, healthcare providers, and venture capitalists.

Many actionable collaboration projects emerged from these exchanges, setting the stage for follow-up dialogues and engagements post-tour.

Detailed Itinerary

Tour Schedule:

• - October 26: Depart from Japan and arrive in Singapore.
• - October 27: Visit Origgin Ventures and attend a HealthTEC.SG lecture, followed by meetings with NHG Health and Co11ab Novena.
• - October 28: Participate in an ACE Launchpad Tour and visit Singapore General Hospital, A.L.I.C.E, and Bosch Southeast Asia, conducting additional meetings.
• - October 29: Engage in meetings and visits to local clinics, hospitals, and elder care facilities hosted during SWITCH/Tech Innovation.
• - October 30: Continue meetings at various healthcare facilities and research sites.

Feedback from Participants

Participants from startups expressed high satisfaction with the outcomes, with comments highlighting the accelerated insights gained from engaging with Singapore's ecosystem. They noted:

• - The realization that Singapore could serve as a gateway to the ASEAN region, enhancing their expectations for expansion into the country.
• - A depth of connections with entities that could assist in conducting proofs of concept and securing research funding.
• - Successful acquisition of leads for potential implementation partners.
• - Commendations for the engaged support from Campus Create representatives during negotiations.
• - Valuable insights into the startup ecosystem in Singapore.

Future Directions

This initiative marks the first comprehensive program of its kind for Campus Create, revealing the promising potential of Singapore's innovative landscape as a viable entry point for Japanese deep-tech startups. Observations such as the coordinated and speedy responses from supporting organizations, the enthusiastic adoption of innovation in various facilities, and the proactive mindset towards collaborations contribute significantly to the anticipation for future endeavors.

Campus Create aims to continue this program in subsequent years, building on the networks established and seeking further engagement with the local innovation ecosystem. For inquiries or suggestions regarding future program themes, interested parties can email Campus Create at [email protected].

By supporting deep-tech startups, Campus Create seeks to bolster international expansion while leveraging Singapore's vibrant ecosystem to test and commercialize new technologies.

For further details, kindly visit the Campus Create corporate website.