India, Japan Deepen Startup and Innovation Partnership
Piyush Goyal pitches deep-tech capital corridor, innovation bridge and stronger investor links
- India highlighted its position as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
- Around 40 Japanese companies joined the startup roundtable in Tokyo.
- India proposed deeper cooperation in deep-tech, manufacturing, MSMEs and innovation.
- Japanese investors identified AI, semiconductors, healthcare, space and advanced manufacturing as key opportunities.
GG News Bureau
Tokyo, 26th Aug: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday highlighted India’s expanding startup ecosystem and called for stronger India-Japan cooperation in startups, deep technology, innovation and MSMEs at a startup roundtable in Tokyo.
Goyal said nearly 250,000 startups have been established in India over the past decade, making the country the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. He highlighted India’s large domestic market, STEM talent, digital public infrastructure and growing innovation capabilities as key strengths for Japanese investors and technology companies.
The roundtable brought together government representatives, investors, industry leaders and startups from both countries. Around 40 leading Japanese companies participated in discussions on investment, technology partnerships and innovation-led economic cooperation.
Goyal proposed a four-pillar framework for the next phase of cooperation, including a Japan-India Deep-Tech Capital Corridor, a two-way innovation bridge linking universities and research institutions, greater manufacturing and technology integration, and joint startup pitching platforms.
He also highlighted the proposed second Fund of Funds of around $1 billion and invited greater participation from Japanese investors, particularly in deep-tech enterprises.
Japanese stakeholders welcomed the growing maturity of India’s startup ecosystem. JICA Senior Vice President Shohei Hara stressed the potential for a two-way partnership combining Japanese technology with India’s ability to develop scalable solutions to social and economic challenges.
Investors identified AI, semiconductors, healthcare, space, defence, advanced manufacturing and deep technology as key areas for future India-Japan investment.
The discussions also highlighted the complementary strengths of the two economies, with India offering scale, talent and entrepreneurial capabilities, while Japan brings advanced technology, patient capital, manufacturing expertise and global quality standards.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on institutionalising India-Japan startup cooperation through regular investor-startup interactions, co-investment opportunities and stronger links among universities, research institutions, incubators and industries.
