When global innovation meets local enterprise, opportunities emerge that can reshape industries. Building on the momentum from May’s edition, the September 2025 Japanese Corporates Technology Innovation (JCTI) Launchpad Networking Event once again brought together Japanese corporates and Singapore enterprises to spark cross-border co-creation.
Co-organised by IPI Singapore and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the event showcased innovation-ready technologies spanning healthcare, manufacturing, and sustainability, offering local enterprises a gateway to real-world collaboration and market-relevant information.
The event featured leading Japanese corporates like Mitsui Chemicals Group, Murata Electronics, Nisshinbo, Nitto Denko, Panasonic, Ricoh and Toyo Seikan Group, alongside Singapore-based SMEs, startups and innovation enablers. Together, they explored co-development opportunities aimed at accelerating growth and driving practical innovation across sectors from healthcare and logistics, to manufacturing and sustainability.
Opening the door to co-creation
Kicking off the event, Kazunori Yamada, Senior Director of JETRO Singapore, emphasised that the Launchpad serves as a unique bridge for Japanese companies looking to co-create with local SME businesses. He highlighted the open mindset of the participating companies, noting their willingness to explore technologies beyond their home markets.
IPI Singapore’s CEO, Michael Goh, then reminded attendees of the core goals and origins of the programme: to bring world-class technologies from Japan into Singapore and localise these technologies through strong collaboration.
“We created a platform where innovative minds come together. We gather them in a room like this one for sparks to fly and opportunities to be uncovered,” he said, adding that co-creation was already delivering tangible benefits for SMEs who had engaged with JCTI Launchpad members.
With the stage set, the spotlight turned to the heart of the programme: the technologies themselves.
Showcasing Innovation Across Sectors
- Murata Electronics: Stretchable Printed Circuits
Murata’s Deputy General Manager, Kosaku Kojitani, presented their stretchable printed circuit (SPC) technology, designed to conform seamlessly to the human body. Built from flexible substrates, SPCs remain functional even when bent or twisted, enabling new applications in digital health, sports monitoring and wearable devices. The company is seeking partners to co-develop use cases that bring this next-generation interface into everyday health and wellness products.
- Nitto Denko: Flexible Sensor for Multiple Applications
From Nitto Denko, Manager Wang Xue introduced a flexible sensor that can withstand extreme temperatures and deliver highly accurate, repeatable measurements even after one million cycles. The technology has potential use cases in rehabilitation, injury prevention, robotics, and infrastructure monitoring. Drawing a parallel between “chicken rice and chilli”, both valuable on their own but far more powerful together, Wang emphasised Nitto Denko’s commitment to co-developing tailored solutions with Singapore-based partners.
- Nisshinbo: Combinational Optimisation with QALMO
Koji Kano, Manager at Nisshinbo, unveiled QALMO, a technology that enables fast and secure combinational optimisation using standard PCs. This allows businesses to solve complex logistical or operational problems (such as loading sequences or equipment placement) without the need for specialised hardware. Nisshinbo is targeting system integrators, researchers, and enterprises looking for practical ways to improve operational efficiency through optimisation.
- Panasonic: Non-Destructive Testing for Plastics
Representing Panasonic’s Product Analysis Centre, Jin Li, Senior Engineer shared an AI-powered non-destructive testing solution for assessing plastic deterioration. By pairing hyperspectral imaging with machine learning, the system can diagnose material degradation, predict remaining lifespan and support compliance with sustainability regulations. Potential applications span manufacturing, quality control, and the recycling sector, aligning with global efforts toward a circular economy for material recycling and predictive maintenance.
- Ricoh: Digital Twin Workplace Solutions
Closing the session, Toshiyuki Ikeo, Global R&D Strategy Planning, Ricoh, introduced the company’s digital twin workplace solution. By combining 3D imaging, IoT sensors, and AI-powered analytics, the platform enables enterprises to monitor factories or construction sites in real time. Use cases already tested in Japan include optimising workplace safety, streamlining inspections, and reducing energy consumption. Ricoh is now seeking Southeast Asian partners for proof-of-concept projects.
Delivering Tangible Outcomes
Building on Panasonic’s early co-creation efforts that began in 2023, the JCTI Launchpad was officially launched in 2024. Since then, it has catalysed 14 co-creation projects and facilitated over 145 technology engagements through IPI Singapore’s tech-matching efforts, connecting innovators and enterprises to explore new partnerships
These collaborations reflect a strong and growing appetite for co-innovation, highlighting how JCTI Launchpad serves as a bridge between Japan’s R&D excellence and Singapore’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.
Bridging Worlds Through Partnership
Across the presentations, the Japanese MNCs showcased a commitment to sustainability and efficiency while actively seeking partners to localise solutions for Southeast Asian markets. Platforms like JCTI Launchpad, and organisations like IPI Singapore, can help bridge this gap and ensure that innovations move beyond labs and into the real world.
This collaborative spirit resonated with attendees. Ghee Hoe Cheng, Managing Partner at Perspectiv Ventures, said that events like JCTI Launchpad are vital because “not one single company can handle the whole supply chain, some are better at innovating, others at commercialising or distributing”.
“These programmes offer a good opportunity for players to come together and identify strategic partnerships,” he added.
As Michael Goh reflected, JCTI Launchpad has evolved from a small initiative into a robust platform with multiple corporations and an expanding scope. The September edition reaffirmed how open exchange between global corporations and local enterprises can unlock solutions to pressing challenges, advancing sectors in healthcare, logistics, and sustainability.
In addition, the participation of JCTI Launchpad members at TechInnovation 2025 was a strong success, enabling Japanese corporates to deepen engagement with Singapore enterprises and uncover new avenues for collaboration. The connections made at the exhibition continue to spark follow-up conversations and interest from partners across the region.
Looking ahead, JCTI Launchpad has an exciting line-up of activities planned for 2026, beginning with its first event in March 2026. More details will be announced soon, so do keep a lookout as JCTI continues to expand opportunities for co-creation and strengthen Japan–Singapore innovation partnerships.
