As industries face rising complexities and fast-moving tech trends, cross-border collaboration is no longer a luxury - it’s a necessity. Launched in 2024, the Japanese Corporates Technology Innovation (JCTI) Launchpad was created to connect Japanese corporates with Singapore-based innovators, startups, and SMEs to spark co-creation and open innovation. Since then, the platform has delivered meaningful outcomes across sectors like healthcare, advanced materials, and infocomm.

A Platform for Co-Creation

Jointly conceived by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Panasonic, IPI, and N9, the JCTI Launchpad offers a unified platform for Japanese companies to anchor innovation activities in Singapore. JETRO’s J-Bridge fosters partnerships between Japanese firms and global startups, while IPI provides technology matching and co-development opportunities through its Innovation Marketplace, bridging business-technology-IP knowledge gaps between the collaborators through its intimate understanding of local enterprises’ needs and aspirations. Together, they pair deep Japanese R&D expertise and technology with Southeast Asia’s real-world market needs.

Highlights from May 2025

The latest edition of the JCTI Launchpad took place on 29 May 2025 at Guoco Midtown, Singapore. Co-organised by IPI, JETRO, and N9, the event brought together corporates, enterprises, and ecosystem partners to explore technology sharing and cross-border opportunities.

Six Japanese companies, Mitsui Chemicals Group, Nitto Denko Corporation, Panasonic, Ricoh, Nisshinbo, and Toyo Seikan Group showcased innovations spanning Advanced Materials, Health & Wellness, Infocomm, and Environmental Monitoring.

The event reinforced Singapore’s position as a strategic launchpad for Japanese innovation and marked another step forward in strengthening Japan-Singapore ties.

For more information on technologies by JCTI corporates, please access

Success in Action: Panasonic

Two promising collaborations emerged from the Co-Creation Programme between Panasonic and Singapore-based SMEs.

One SME in industrial automation explored Panasonic’s wired communication technology to solve connectivity issues in factory settings. With IPI’s support, the company engaged in technical discussions and a live demo, leading to a proof-of-concept trial using Panasonic’s adaptors. The company is now working towards developing scalable communication modules for use in building automation.

Separately, a smart building solutions provider saw potential in the same technology for retrofitting legacy infrastructure. IPI facilitated technical engagements and licensing approvals, enabling the company to test the system across its facilities. The successful trial has paved the way for commercial deployment in energy metering projects.

These cases highlight how Panasonic’s practical, retrofit-ready solutions and IPI’s facilitation enable local enterprises to adopt advanced technologies and co-develop innovative applications.

Growing Momentum

JCTI’s momentum is clear. New members like Nitto Denko, a Japanese materials leader in advanced adhesives and films have joined the fold. More companies are expected to come on board, underscoring growing corporate interest in Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem.

Moving forward, JCTI will place greater focus on high-potential sectors such as healthcare, advanced materials, and infocomm - areas where Japanese R&D and Singapore’s innovation environment align strongly. Co-creation remains central, especially as companies navigate regulatory, structural, and cultural differences across markets.

What’s Next

The JCTI Launchpad has matured from a one-off event to a vibrant platform driving real results. Through strategic partnerships with JETRO and participating corporates, IPI continues to play a critical role in helping to bridge global technologies with business in Singapore and the region.

With new collaborations in the pipeline and more technologies entering the spotlight, the JCTI Launchpad is well-positioned to fuel innovation that transcends borders - one success story at a time.

The next edition of the JCTI Launchpad Networking Event is slated for 4 September 2025, 2pm-5pm at Guoco Midtown.

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