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Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is renowned for its millennia-long cultural and political significance. The city is home to some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera, Ryoan-ji, and Fushimi Inari Shrine, all of which serve as stunning examples of Japan’s architectural and spiritual heritage. However, Kyoto’s appeal extends far beyond its historic temples and shrines.
The city’s ongoing success lies in its remarkable ability to continuously reinvent itself. Once the heart of Japan’s imperial power, Kyoto has evolved into a modern hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Since the Meiji era (1868-1912), generations of startups with groundbreaking technologies have flourished here.
In recent years, Kyoto has become a hotspot for startups, attracting creative minds from across the globe. This article delves into the factors that make Kyoto’s entrepreneurial community so unique and how this historic city continues to foster innovation in an ever-changing world.
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Although Tokyo and Osaka often steal the spotlight when it comes to business, Kyoto stands out for its unique combination of tradition, innovation, and academia. The city is home to renowned institutions like Kyoto University, which is consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia due in no small part to its cutting-edge research. The city boasts several homegrown global business leaders such as Kyocera, Nintendo, Shimadzu, Omron, and more. The fact that all four of these companies emerged in Kyoto surely demonstrates that entrepreneurship runs through the city’s veins.
But what does Kyoto have to offer international entrepreneurs today? Let’s explore the support and events unique to this storied city that make it the perfect destination for new businesses.
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Starting a business in a foreign country can seem daunting, especially when considering the legal requirements. Fortunately, Kyoto offers a range of support services to help international entrepreneurs navigate these unfamiliar waters smoothly.
Kyoto is part of Japan’s Startup Visa program, which allows foreign entrepreneurs to stay in the country while preparing their business plans. This visa gives entrepreneurs one year to develop their business before transitioning to a regular Business Manager Visa. Startup Capital Kyoto is happy to assist with the visa application process at the Kyoto International Startup Center. You can find more details here.
https://www.kyoto-obc.jp/startupvisa/
For entrepreneurs who are in the exploratory stages of business, The 90 Days Kyoto Stay Program might be more suitable. This program allows entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities, conduct market research, and connect with local partners in a relatively short time frame. It provides essential support from local institutions to help entrepreneurs assess the feasibility of establishing a business before committing to a longer stay, and entrepreneurs who choose this option can transition to the aforementioned Startup Visa program.
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Kyoto’s startup ecosystem is growing, supported by a variety of co-working spaces, incubators, and networking events that bring together both local and international entrepreneurs. Below are some of the most significant organizations and events offering vital resources for newcomers.
Kyoto StartUp Ecosystem offers resources such as mentorship programs, incubators, and networking opportunities for both domestic and international startups. Organizations involved include foundations, NGOs, VCs, banks, universities, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Focused on Kyoto’s strengths in tech, craftsmanship, and creative industries, the Ecosystem enables entrepreneurs to combine innovation with tradition.
International entrepreneurs in particular benefit from the platform’s global partnerships, which grant them access to a broader network of investors, mentors, and collaborators. The Ecosystem also provides visa support and organizes events aimed at cultivating connections between global and local startups.
https://www.krp.co.jp/english/
Founded in 1989, Kyoto Research Park (KRP) is one of the largest innovation hubs in Japan, playing a key role in fields such as life sciences, ICT, biotechnology, and AI. KRP houses over 510 companies and research institutions, including startups and established firms. Entrepreneurs at KRP benefit from access to coworking spaces, research collaboration opportunities, and a network of professionals. The park regularly hosts pitch competitions and innovation meetups where startups can connect with local investors and partners.
Additionally, KRP has strong ties to Kyoto University and other academic institutions, helping international entrepreneurs engage in research collaborations and accelerating their R&D efforts. KRP’s strength in biotechnology is particularly notable—it has fostered numerous collaborations in regenerative medicine and life sciences, creating a fertile ground for biotech entrepreneurs from around the world.
https://www.saci.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/about/
Kyoto University is globally recognized for its excellence in research, boasting 11 Nobel Prize winners. This figure underscores the university’s significant contributions to science and innovation, as well as its ability to attract global collaborations and investments.
The Office of Society-Academia Collaboration for Innovation (SACI) at Kyoto University is instrumental in promoting partnerships between academia, industry, and government to drive forward innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. SACI’s mission includes facilitating collaborative research, supporting startup businesses led by researchers and students, and managing the university’s intellectual property for commercial use.
Moreover, through Comprehensive Collaboration Agreements, SACI aligns Kyoto University’s cutting-edge research with the interests of major global companies, enabling more effective technology transfer. SACI is also closely linked with the Kyoto University Venture Fund (NVCC #1), which helps commercialize research discoveries by supporting spin-out ventures.
Keihanna Science City is a major research and innovation hub in the heart of Kansai, located almost at the spot where the borders of Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara prefectures intersect. A national project built to nurture cutting-edge research and global innovation, the City is home to over 150 research facilities in fields such as ICT, biotechnology, renewable energy, and robotics, making it one of Japan’s most intense innovation hotspots.
One of the City’s standout features for international entrepreneurs is the Keihanna Global Acceleration Program Plus (KGAP+), launched in 2019 to support global startups entering the Japanese market. KGAP+ offers startups access to proof-of-concept (PoC) testing opportunities, mentorship from a network of 48 professionals, and partnerships with key innovation ecosystems worldwide, including JETRO, Barcelona Activa, and the Israel Innovation Authority. The program has supported over 150 startups from 16 countries, with 83 percent successfully finding business partners and engaging in PoC discussions.
Keihanna’s strategic focus on open innovation combined with its partnerships with global accelerators make it an ideal location for international startups looking to scale in Japan. Entrepreneurs can benefit from a plethora of resources including access to research labs, collaboration with industry leaders, and government-backed initiatives.
Kyoto’s vibrant startup ecosystem is supported by a full calendar of events that offer opportunities to network, collaborate, and showcase new business ideas. In addition to the many events held by the organizations mentioned above, here are some others that might interest you.
IVS Kyoto is one of Japan's largest and most influential startup events, attracting over 12,000 participants annually, including top entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders from around the world. The event also features more than 300 side events, turning the entire city into a hub for startup activities. IVS provides international entrepreneurs with unique opportunities to pitch to Japanese investors, showcase their businesses, and network with industry experts. The event includes panels, workshops, and discussions on the latest trends in technology and entrepreneurship, offering invaluable insights into the Japanese market. IVS is an essential platform for startups looking to scale their businesses in Japan or expand into the wider Asian market.
Kyoto Smart City Expo is a premier global platform centered on smart-city technologies and sustainable urban development, attracting over 15,000 participants from more than 30 countries annually. This huge event brings together industry leaders, government officials, and innovative businesses to showcase and discuss the latest advancements in areas such as IoT, renewable energy, AI-driven urban infrastructure, and sustainable mobility.
For international entrepreneurs, the expo provides a unique opportunity to present their innovations on a global stage. With more than 200 exhibitors and over 50 conference sessions, it offers comprehensive discussions and networking sessions, enabling entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners, investors, and government representatives. The event facilitates collaborations between local and global participants, making it a valuable resource for startups focused on smart city solutions.
https://startupweekendkyoto.org
Startup Weekend Kyoto is a dynamic 54-hour event where entrepreneurs, designers, and developers collaborate intensively to launch a startup from scratch. It’s a collaborative environment that focuses on rapid prototyping and testing of business ideas, all under the watchful eyes of seasoned industry experts.
The event is guided by expert coaches and judges who provide valuable insights and mentorship. Included among their ranks are successful startup founders, experienced venture capitalists, and industry professionals from fields such as technology, marketing, and finance. The coaches help participants refine their business models, while the judges—often leading entrepreneurs and investors—evaluate the final pitches and offer constructive feedback. In some cases, winning teams have received tangible rewards such as investment offers and incubation support, further boosting the credibility of the event.
For international entrepreneurs, this hands-on experience is an excellent opportunity not only to gain insight into Japanese business practices but also to build meaningful connections within Kyoto’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, which can be crucial for long-term success in Japan.
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While Kyoto offers opportunities in a wide range of fields, it supports certain sectors especially well, including technology and AI, green and sustainability technologies, biotechnology, and creative industries.****
Kyoto’s strength in technology is anchored by its world-class academic institutions, most notably Kyoto University. The university is a leading center for AI research in Japan, contributing to advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. Researchers at Kyoto University have developed innovative AI applications for use in various industries, including healthcare, autonomous systems, and data analytics. Particularly notable is the university’s partnership with OMRON Healthcare, which has harnessed AI to predict cardiovascular risks, streamlining the diagnostic process. Entrepreneurs can tap into these innovations to develop cutting-edge AI solutions, benefiting from Kyoto’s academic resources and deep AI talent pool.
As the birthplace of the Kyoto Protocol, Kyoto’s leadership in environmental sustainability cannot be understated. Companies like Kyocera are continuing the city’s green legacy, developing solar power systems and energy storage technologies to help realize the Kyoto Protocol’s vision of a low-carbon future.
As part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, Kyoto offers substantial financial subsidies and incentives for startups working on renewable energy, waste reduction, sustainable building materials, and smart city technologies. For example, Kyoto Chiesangyo Sozonomori, a General Incorporated Association founded in 2008, provides subsidies of up to ¥5 million for companies developing green technologies. Entrepreneurs are advised to regularly check the city’s website for updates on the various types of support available.
Kyoto is a key center for biotechnology, driven largely by the research output of Kyoto University in the fields of regenerative medicine and genomics. One prominent example is the discovery of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells by Professor Shinya Yamanaka, who received the 2012 Nobel Prize for this breakthrough, which has enabled advances in the development of treatments for various diseases.
CiRA (Center for iPS Cell Research and Application), founded by Professor Yamanaka, plays a central role in advancing iPS technology, and it has conducted research with companies like Takeda Pharmaceutical and Astellas Pharma Inc. to further develop iPS cell applications. International biotech entrepreneurs can collaborate with institutions like CiRA and access government funding and global partnerships, which facilitates the commercialization of innovative biomedical solutions.
Kyoto’s deep-rooted tradition of craftsmanship has evolved into a thriving creative industry. The city is home to globally recognized artisans and companies that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design. For example, Hosoo uses centuries-old weaving techniques invented in and named after Kyoto’s Nishijin district to produce luxury textiles used by high-end brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Similarly, Hiyoshiya, known for traditional kyo-wagasa umbrellas, has expanded into luxury lighting products.
Platforms like KYOTO Design Lab, created by the Kyoto Institute of Technology, foster collaboration between artisans and tech innovators, helping creative entrepreneurs develop products that fuse heritage with modernity. The luxury markets in fashion, interior design, and digital arts are particularly promising for startups seeking to innovate within traditional frameworks.
To wrap it up, Kyoto offers a wealth of opportunities for international entrepreneurs working in various industries. The city has been behind numerous success stories, both in business and personal growth. Although there is no single secret to its success, as Kyoto’s startup scene continues to expand and incorporate more and more international talent, there has never been a better time to jump in and discover what makes it so special.
One last thing that cannot be overlooked is Kyoto’s amazing quality of life. Whether you’re from Japan or abroad, living in this culturally rich city has been a source of inspiration for many. It’s not just about growing your business—it’s about immersing yourself in a place where tradition and innovation come together in a way that sparks creativity.
Stay tuned for the next article, where we’ll dive deeper into how living in Kyoto can fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
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