EU-Japan Green Transition business matching platform invites EIC beneficiaries to promote low carbon solutions
- ›The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is running a Green Transition Business Matching Platform to connect Japanese and European organisations working on low carbon solutions.
- ›Online meeting sessions run in mid and late February 2024 and onsite meetings are scheduled during concurrent trade shows in Tokyo on 28 February to 1 March 2024.
- ›The platform targets a broad set of clean energy and circular economy technologies and allows participants to browse profiles, request meetings and pitch online.
- ›Access is restricted to organisations active in the listed target fields and based in Japan, the EU or countries described by the organisers as SMP countries. Registrations are reviewed and approved by the organisers.
- ›EIC beneficiaries are encouraged to promote their solutions, and organisers provide named contacts for enquiries.
EU-Japan Green Transition Business Matching Platform: what it is and who should consider joining
The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is coordinating a business matching platform designed to bring together companies, startups and research organisations from Japan and Europe with the aim of forming partnerships that contribute to a low carbon society. The organisers plan a combination of online and onsite activities that include meeting sessions, online pitching and webinars. The initiative explicitly invites beneficiaries of the European Innovation Council to promote their Green Transition solutions on the platform.
Event format and schedule
| Date | Format | Details |
| 15 to 16 February 2024 | Online | First online meeting window for scheduled one-to-one meetings and initial introductions |
| 19 to 22 February 2024 | Online | Second online meeting window plus online pitching sessions and webinars |
| 28 February to 1 March 2024 | Onsite in Tokyo | Face-to-face meetings during Smart Energy Week and Green Transformation Week at concurrent exhibitions |
Who can participate and how applications are vetted
The source material uses the term SMP countries without defining it. Interested organisations should confirm eligibility with the EU-Japan Centre before registering if their country status is unclear.
Target sectors
| Sector | Notes |
| Electrolysers and fuel cells | Hydrogen production and utilisation technologies including fuel cell systems |
| Battery and storage technologies | Battery chemistries, system integration and grid or mobility storage solutions |
| Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies | PV modules, system components and thermal solar solutions |
| Grid technologies | Smart grid, VPP, distribution automation and grid management tools |
| Onshore wind and offshore renewable technologies | Wind turbine components, O&M and floating offshore solutions |
| Sustainable biogas and biomethane technologies | Anaerobic digestion, upgrading and utilisation pathways |
| Carbon capture and storage technologies | Capture, transport and storage or utilisation technologies |
| Heat pumps and geothermal energy technologies | Low carbon heating solutions and subsurface energy systems |
| Low-carbon construction and manufacturing and green materials | Materials and processes that reduce embodied carbon |
| Product lifecycle management and recycling | PLM systems, recycling technologies and circular economy solutions |
What the platform provides and how it works
For companies and research groups this type of digital matchmaking can accelerate partner discovery and reduce the cost of international outreach. The effectiveness depends on the quality of profiles, the responsiveness of large corporate partners and follow through after initial meetings.
Practical advice for applicants and EIC beneficiaries
Organisations that are less than market ready should weigh the cost of engagement against expected outcomes. Business matching works best when participants arrive with a defined ask such as pilot partners, distribution agreements or joint development opportunities.
Opportunities and risks for EU stakeholders
EU-Japan collaborations offer access to complementary industrial strengths. Japan remains a major market for energy transition technologies and a source of corporate partners, supply chain capabilities and manufacturing experience. For European innovators the platform can open channels to pilots, licensing arrangements and large-scale procurement opportunities. Risks include long sales cycles, the need for localisation, and differences in regulatory regimes and procurement practices. The eventual value of meetings depends on the seriousness of matched partners and the follow up after initial introductions.
Contacts and registration
| Contact person | Role or note | |
| Ms Masae Ozawa | EU-Japan Centre contact | masae.ozawa@eu-japan.or.jp |
| Mr Daniel Gralki | EU-Japan Centre contact | daniel.gralki@eu-japan.or.jp |
Organisers also provide a direct contact form on the platform for enquiries. Interested parties should contact the named organisers to clarify eligibility or practical questions before registering.
Legal note and provenance
This article restructures and expands information published by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation. The original announcement includes a disclaimer that the information is provided for knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission or any other organisation. Readers should verify details with the EU-Japan Centre before acting.