#Japan #Tokyo #Umi #Startup Ecosystem #Forming Future

UMI and Forming Future Collaborate for Startup Development

In a strategic move to enhance the startup ecosystem, Universal Materials Incubator (UMI), a venture capital firm specializing in materials and chemical industries, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saudi Arabian venture capital firm Forming Future. This partnership aims to support and maximize innovation in both Japan and Saudi Arabia, targeting promising technological advancements.

Objectives of the Partnership

The primary objective of this collaboration is to aid in the market development of promising technology seeds in both nations. UMI and Forming Future aim to bring Japanese industrial expertise into Saudi Arabia, thus fostering technological development in the region. They will concentrate on several key areas between 2030 and 2040, including semiconductors, materials science, renewable energy, Deep-Tech, and Climate-Tech, which encompasses Water-Tech.

Looking forward, the partnership aims to evolve into a bilateral cooperation scheme, eventually establishing funds for joint ventures based on their initiatives. This MOU was officially signed on September 24, 2025, during the Japan-Saudi Expo Investment Forum, held at the Osaka Kansai World Expo venue.

Stakeholders Involved

The signing ceremony featured key figures from both organizations. On the left, Eng. Sattam Ali Alqarqah, CEO of Forming Future, alongside H.E. Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, and Tomokazu Koga, Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan, representing UMI as its Managing Director. This meeting highlighted the commitment both companies have towards strengthening their respective startup ecosystems while pursuing sustainable economic growth through innovative technologies.

About UMI

UMI, located in Chuo City, Tokyo, was established on October 6, 2015. Their mission is to bolster Japan's technological prowess by nurturing exceptional materials and chemical enterprises. By providing startups with opportunities for business and technological proofs in the Middle East, UMI aims to attract foreign investment, which will catalyze the creation of new innovations. UMI is dedicated to investing in new technologies and businesses in the materials and chemical sectors that will underwrite the foundations of future industries. Learn more about UMI

About Forming Future

Based in Saudi Arabia, Forming Future acts as a venture capital firm that supports the research, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies. They provide comprehensive support for implementing ideas into society, ranging from intellectual property protection to strategic investments, aiding startups in their launch and business traction. Forming Future continues to expand as a platform for shaping the future, with initiatives spanning various fields, including aviation, robotics, AI, healthcare, and education. Discover more about Forming Future

Conclusion

The MOU between UMI and Forming Future marks an important milestone in fostering collaboration between Japan and Saudi Arabia. By focusing on innovative technologies and sustainability, both firms are paving the way for robust economic growth and the establishment of a vibrant startup ecosystem that will benefit both nations and beyond.