Latest addition to expand technology-focused ecosystem builder’s global footprint

BLOCK71 Nagoya was officially inaugurated on 10 October 2024 in the presence of (from left) Mr Hirotaka Sahashi, President and CEO of STATION Ai Corporation; Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore; and Professor Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President (Innovation and Enterprise).

NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of NUS, has expanded its global presence with the launch of BLOCK71 Nagoya. Officially inaugurated on 10 October 2024 by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, BLOCK71 Nagoya is the first BLOCK71 location in Japan, strengthening a global BLOCK71 network that spans Southeast Asia, the United States, and China. The new office aims to create a technology-focused ecosystem connecting Japan and Southeast Asia, providing Southeast Asian start-ups with the support needed to navigate Japan’s cultural and business nuances, and helping Japanese start-ups scale and grow across Southeast Asia.

This milestone strengthens NUS’ long-standing partnership with the Aichi government and the city of Nagoya. The collaboration between NUS and Aichi dates back to 2018, with joint efforts focusing on driving cross-border innovation and entrepreneurship. Key initiatives include the NUS Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship, Asia’s largest university start-up showcase InnovFest, and the NUS Enterprise Market Immersion Programme in Japan which was launched last year. The opening of BLOCK71 Nagoya is the latest chapter in this collaboration and reflects a shared commitment to nurturing vibrant start-up ecosystems in both countries.


Following its official inauguration, BLOCK71 Nagoya opened its doors to start-ups on 1 November 2024, providing a dedicated space for entrepreneurs to collaborate, innovate, and access essential resources. The operational opening of the centre was graced by His Excellency Hideaki Omura, the Governor of Aichi Prefecture, who was joined by NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye; Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS Enterprise; Professor Naoshi Sugiyama, President of Nagoya University; and Mr Hirotaka Sahashi, President and CEO of STATION Ai Corporation.

Unlike other BLOCK71 global offices that focus on incubation, BLOCK71 in Japan prioritises market launch activities due to the country’s mature start-up landscape. BLOCK71 Nagoya and other future Japanese offices will support start-ups in developing Proof of Concept (PoC), securing funding, establishing partnerships, and integrating into the BLOCK71 global network. Beyond providing physical workspaces within partners’ co-working facilities, BLOCK71 in Japan will deploy dedicated staff across key cities to identify growth opportunities and help start-ups capitalise on Japan’s multifaceted market environment.

“Japan’s business environment is renowned for its rich traditions, strong emphasis on relationships, and high standards. Through BLOCK71 in Japan, we aim to empower Southeast Asian entrepreneurs to navigate this unique market, while simultaneously supporting Japanese start-ups in exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia. Located within STATION Ai, the largest start-up support centre in Japan, BLOCK71 Nagoya is well-positioned to cultivate a global ecosystem that fosters cross-border innovation. Our focus is on providing comprehensive business support, facilitating meaningful partnerships, and developing strategic roadmaps for growth that will benefit all involved,” said Prof Tan.

Prof Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President (Innovation and Enterprise), highlighted the valuable resources available at BLOCK71 Nagoya. “By leveraging BLOCK71’s extensive global network and over a decade of experience in catalysing start-up communities, start-ups in Nagoya will have access to crucial resources such as technology, talent, markets and funding opportunities between Singapore and Japan. This new hub will not only support local start-ups but also attract international talent to Aichi, contributing to a vibrant, globally connected start-up environment. Additionally, BLOCK71 Nagoya will support start-ups in refining their go-to-market and fundraising strategies, which are essential for successful international expansion.”

NUS has established a strategic partnership with ENEOS through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 31 October 2024 by Prof Tan (left), and Mr Toru Naganuma, General Manager of the Emerging Business Development Department, ENEOS (right).

Collaboration with ENEOS to enhance innovation

In addition to the launch of BLOCK71 Nagoya, NUS has formed a strategic partnership with ENEOS Holdings, Inc. (ENEOS), one of Japan’s largest energy companies, on 31 October 2024. This collaboration aims to enhance venture-building activities for NUS start-ups by exposing them to real-world industry challenges. Together, NUS Enterprise and ENEOS will work together to identify promising Southeast Asian start-ups and innovative solutions that can tackle critical industry issues relating to mobility, decarbonisation, the circular economy, and artificial intelligence.

"Collaborating with NUS Enterprise provides ENEOS with a unique opportunity to harness the dynamic energy of Southeast Asia's start-up ecosystem,” said Mr Miyata Tomohide, Representative Director, CEO of ENEOS. “By engaging with innovative start-ups, we can gain fresh insights and co-create solutions that address the pressing challenges in our industry. This partnership will not only enhance our ability to adapt to market changes but also position us at the forefront of sustainable energy advancements. We are eager to work alongside these visionary entrepreneurs to drive meaningful progress in the energy sector.” 


Assimilating to the Japanese social fabric via the Market Immersion Programme

Recognising Japan’s culturally distinct business environment, BLOCK71 launched the Japan Immersion Programme last year to provide tailored support for Southeast Asian start-ups to better understand the Japanese market. The programme is structured in two phases: a pre-programme held in Singapore and an immersion phase in Japan.

From mid-August to the end of September 2024, the second cohort of five Singaporean start-ups participated in a series of lectures and mentorship sessions during the pre-programme. These activities equipped them with essential skills for developing their go-to-market (GTM) strategies and effective fundraising techniques to support their market expansion in Japan.

The immersion phase, during which the five start-ups engaged directly with potential Japanese partners, took place from 28 October to 1 November 2024 in Japan. Leveraging BLOCK71’s expansive network, the start-ups were invited to a site visit in Aichi Prefecture, participated in individual business meetings with Japanese stakeholders, and attended Messe Nagoya 2024, one of Japan’s largest cross-industry trade fairs. The Immersion Programme concluded with a pitching event organised by the Aichi government, which coincided with the operational opening of BLOCK71 Nagoya. This event provided a platform for the start-ups to showcase their refined pitching skills, demonstrating their potential to attract investment.

“We have secured collaboration interests with manufacturers in Nagoya, thanks to the support and opportunities provided by BLOCK71 Nagoya, JETRO, and ForStartups. The factory visits were immensely productive, giving us first-hand insights into the pain points of our prospective clients. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with our Japanese colleagues and continuing to benefit from the comprehensive support of the NUS Enterprise ecosystem,” said Mr Ricky Vian Kartolo, CEO of Indas Technologies.

“Through the Japan Immersion Programme, we had the opportunity to speak with potential partners and gain insights into the business environment in Japan. The programme was valuable as it included factory visits, one-on-one corporate meetings, and an exhibition, allowing us to connect with a variety of partners throughout the week,” said Low Jin Huat, CEO of RoPlus.

New from: https://news.nus.edu.sg/nus-launches-block71-nagoya-to-accelerate-the-growth-of-southeast-asian-start-ups-in-japan/