#Japan #Tokyo #AlphaDrive #Synapse International #Taiga Global

AlphaDrive's Strategic Entry into the South Korean Market

In an exciting development, AlphaDrive, headquartered in Nagata-cho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, has announced the official start of its expansion into the South Korean market. This strategic move is made possible through a partnership with Synapse International Co., Ltd., a cross-border developing company based in Jeju Island, Korea, led by CEO Minchan Lee. Together, they aim to export and import innovations from both Japan and Korea's domestic markets.

The First Project: Green Technology Innovation

As part of this collaboration, the first project will involve importing space-greening solutions from Taiga Global Inc., a promising green-tech startup from Korea. Starting in July 2025, this initiative will showcase taiga's unique moss cultivation technology, which is sustainable, maintenance-free, and cost-effective, to the Japanese market.

Taiga Global Inc. has already received notable accolades, including the CES Innovation Award 2024 and the iF Design Award, for its innovative approach in creating long-lasting moss that can thrive without water, light, or soil. The company's transition from B2C to B2B products aims to extend this technology to construction and infrastructure industries in Japan from this year.

Recognized by JETRO

The project has already received a substantial boost as it has been selected for the Japan External Trade Organization’s (JETRO) 2025 initiative to promote foreign direct investment in Japan. Moving forward, AlphaDrive and Synapse International will focus on tailoring Taiga Global Inc.'s innovative solutions to fit the unique demands of the Japanese market.

Background of the Collaboration

Since its inception, AlphaDrive has played a significant role in fostering over 21,000 innovation projects across more than 200 large enterprises and numerous startups throughout 24 prefectures in Japan. The company’s vision has always aimed toward unlocking potential in the shrinking domestic market by exploring opportunities for Japan's emerging innovations in overseas markets.

Furthermore, AlphaDrive's Okinawa branch, Ryukyu AlphaDrive, has recently become a hub connecting Japan and Asia by successfully establishing the community park "nagonova." This initiative highlights Okinawa's pivotal role in fostering innovation and economic activities that link various Asian nations.

Synapse International's Role

Synapse International pursues the ambition of becoming a bridge for Korean and foreign enterprises while addressing the post-COVID resurgence expected in Jeju Island's economy. The strategic partnership with AlphaDrive resonates with both parties' goals of expanding their roles in fostering innovation between Korea and Japan, thereby solidifying their decision to collaborate.

Joint Business Venture

Plans for a joint venture between AlphaDrive and Synapse International are in the pipeline. This new entity will assist Japanese companies in navigating the Korean market, offering full support from market research to sales verification. With a vision to introduce innovative Korean products lacking presence in Japan, this venture is set to catalyze open innovation among local businesses.

Details about the strategic partnership and the structure of the joint organization are expected to be shared by the upcoming summer to autumn seasons.

Taiga Global Inc. and its Vision

Founded in 2018, Taiga Global Inc. specializes in sustainable solutions using moss, marketed under the brand “Mosslab.” The startup provides advanced air purification and green interior products that promote healing and air-cleaning in urban settings. The company's flagship product, “Moss Air,” has received international accolades, including awards at CES 2024 and several prestigious design competitions. The push into B2B solutions this year promises to amplify the company’s reach in the Japanese market.

Future Outlook

AlphaDrive and Synapse International are set to create a robust joint venture, commencing with the space greening project, while also exploring additional opportunities for further projects connecting Korea to Japan. There are plans to launch initiatives aimed at assisting Japanese startups seeking entry into the Korean market as well. Potential innovators and startups interested in these ventures are encouraged to reach out for collaboration opportunities.

With the aim of leveraging its Korean expansion as a springboard, AlphaDrive is committed to building its business development capabilities across the Asian region.

Messages from Leadership

Minchan Lee, Founder & CEO of Synapse International:
This strategic partnership marks a significant step beyond mere corporate collaboration, creating a bridge for innovation between Japan and Korea. We are dedicated to assisting startups in both countries to generate new values through the global market, identifying true connections beyond borders and industries.

Wonseok Lee, Founder & CEO of Taiga Global Inc.:
This project represents an invaluable opportunity for Taiga Global Inc. to introduce our cutting-edge technologies and design excellence to Japan. Through our collaboration with AlphaDrive and Synapse International, we foresee sustainable green tech solutions transcending borders and enriching urban spaces across Japan.