#Japan #Tokyo #SHIBUYA QWS #Seoul Startup Hub #Aaltoes

International Collaboration Between SHIBUYA QWS and Global Startup Hubs

In an exciting development for the startup ecosystem, SHIBUYA QWS, located on the 15th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square in Tokyo, Japan, has signed collaboration agreements with leading startup support hubs in South Korea and Finland. The agreements were formalized on May 7, 2025, establishing a formal framework for cooperation and mutual support between these innovative institutions.

The first agreement is with the Seoul Startup Hub, a key player in South Korea’s vibrant startup scene, which is supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and managed by the Seoul Business Agency. Known as the largest startup support facility in Korea, the Seoul Startup Hub is essential for fostering growth among various startups through its extensive array of programs, including funding support and global expansion initiatives. This hub has garnered acclaim for its role as a catalyst in Seoul's booming entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In addition, SHIBUYA QWS has partnered with two prominent Finnish organizations: the Aalto Entrepreneurship Society (Aaltoes) and Startup Sauna, both based in Espoo. Aaltoes, founded by students at Aalto University, has gained recognition for its contributions to student entrepreneurship and innovation, notably through its founding of the acclaimed startup event, Slush. Startup Sauna, established in 2010, serves as a co-working space and community for entrepreneurs and investors in the Nordic and Baltic regions, hosting various startup-related events aimed at nurturing new ventures.

Through these agreements, SHIBUYA QWS, Seoul Startup Hub, and the Finnish partners aim to create an international collaboration framework that enhances support for startups and their operational teams. Key components of this collaboration include reciprocal introductions of companies that contribute to the Japan-Korea and Japan-Europe startup communities, mutual access to facilities by startups and corporate staff, and organizing joint events and programs to foster networking and growth among international startups.

In recent years, SHIBUYA QWS has focused on expanding its global footprint by establishing various international partnerships. This includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with START2 GROUP PTE. LTD., based in Singapore, in November 2022, and a collaboration agreement with Maria01, Europe's largest incubation facility, in October 2023. These strategic alliances signify QWS's commitment to assisting its members with global expansion and facilitating the entry of foreign startups into the Japanese market.

The partnership with Korea and Finland represents an ambitious step forward in enhancing the international startup ecosystem. By building bridges between these regions, QWS intends to harness the creative potential of diverse startups and provide opportunities for innovation and value creation that resonate globally.

Overview of the Collaborative Organizations

Seoul Startup Hub

• - Established: 2017
• - Location: Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• - Managed by: Seoul Business Agency (SBA)
• - Website: seoulstartuphub.com

Seoul Startup Hub is recognized as Korea's largest public accelerator program, providing diverse support programs that include funding and global outreach.

Aalto Entrepreneurship Society (Aaltoes)

• - Founded: 2009
• - Location: Betonimiehenkuja 3D, 02150 Espoo, Finland
• - Website: aaltoes.com

Aaltoes is known for its integral role in promoting entrepreneurship among students at Aalto University and is a key player in the European startup ecosystem, particularly through events like Slush.

Startup Sauna

• - Established: 2010
• - Location: Betonimiehenkuja 3D, 02150 Espoo, Finland
• - Website: startupsauna.org

Startup Sauna serves as a hub for entrepreneurs and investors, hosting various events and programs that facilitate connections and knowledge sharing.

SHIBUYA QWS

SHIBUYA QWS is a co-creation facility that aims to foster ideas and new business ventures that create social value. Since its opening in November 2019, the facility has supported over 390 startups and projects, promoting social innovations and community engagement. Learn more at shibuya-qws.com.