Japanese Tech Startups for SDGs Tech startups are an extensive source of innovation, technology and business model diversification. In terms of technology transfer, recent studies have shown that technologies acquired from universities are even lower in value than acquisition of startups and that startups will be the crown jewel of technology transfer in the futurei. Startups play indeed a major role when it comes to business model innovation and have disrupted entire sectors of the economy over the past decade. They have also been able to expand rapidly in their national market and internationally, conquering new markets, and inspiring other startups to replicate or adapt their business models to their local market needs, including in emerging economies. There are now very successful examples of startups in developing countries that have become multinational companies employing thousands of people and generating millions of revenues. We are seeing a lot of examples of successful startups created in developing economies after replicating and adapting business model or technology of successful existing tech startups. In the retail industry, Alibaba in China and Jumia in Nigeria became respectively the leading ecommerce platforms in China and Africa, over Amazon. The car-sharing industry is another example of a sector which became a multi-billion sector with many new players, after Uber revolutionized the way people use transportation means in cities (see example below). The travel sector, and particularly the hotel industry, was completely disrupted by Airbnb and copycats of the famous home-sharing startup are popping up like Oasis collections in Latin America or Xiaozhu in China. Those examples illustrate how tech startups can be a great vehicle for new technology and innovative business models diffusion across the world, in both developed and developing countries. But in order to be able to see success stories emerging across the world, startups need to be able rely on a local ecosystem that will give them access to the resources they need in terms of skills and knowledge, funds, infrastructure and network. In emerging countries, ecosystems are most of the time only nascent or at their early stage and tech startups have difficulty in both developing technology and absorbing foreign technology. Seventy to eighty percent of the productivity gap between developed and developing countries is estimated to result from the lag in the adoption of technologies in these countries (Comin and Marti 2013; and Comin and Hobijn 2010)ii. If the local resources of the ecosystem are limited, bridges need to be built between the ecosystem and more mature ones, so that transfer of knowledge can happen and nurture the local startups. Several mechanisms and instruments can be adopted to try to spur the transfer and sharing of knowledge between ecosystems at every level. Universities, intermediaries such as incubators or accelerators , networks of mentors and investors (VCs) can all deploy such mechanisms. -------------------------------------- The car-sharing industry, an example of business model disruption that quickly spread internationally In less than 10 years, Uber has revolutionized how people use transportation means and has expanded to over 60 countriesiii in 5 years. FIGURE 1 : UBER INTERNATIONALIZATION AND GLOBAL PRESENCE FIGURE 2 : RIDE-HAILING STARTUPS WITH $1B+ IN DISCLOSED FUNDING Soon after its creation, a lot of startups arose across the globe, adjusting Uber’s business model to the specificities of their local context. For example, Go-Jek in Indonesia launched its motorcycle hailing app, instead of a car sharing one. Some of these startups have leveraged the size of their national and regional markets and have now become unicorns that are driving their local economy through the creation of thousands of jobs and their ability to attract funding (figure 2) and foster innovation. ------------------------------- Examples instruments and mechanisms to transfer knowledge between ecosystems There are many ways knowledge can be transferred and shared in the context of tech startup ecosystems. Startup ecosystems operate as communities, where knowledge spillovers and access to resources flow through a network of embedded connections. The tighter and more connected an ecosystem, the more efficient is the flow of knowledge and access to resources. The less connected it is, the less effective is the ecosystem in spotting talent and nurturing potential ventures into successful startups. Connectivity matters because the success of startups is impacted by their network and access to other ecosystem stakeholders and their networks (Mulas, Minges, and Applebaum 2015iv). In nascent or even more mature ecosystem, there can be a lack of intermediaries that prevents it from growing and its startups from scaling up. Connecting an ecosystem with international ecosystems can nurture their network and help to provide the skills, knowledge and funding needed for startups to become successful. Building connections and transferring knowledge can start as simply as creating awareness, inspiring and making connections through hackathons or international competitions to transferring the right skills and tools to building and accelerating ventures through programs such as an accelerator or incubator. In particular, mentors and accelerators are key to access knowledge, and if there is a lack of such mentors and intermediaries locally, then local ecosystems need to connect with international stakeholders to boost their own startups. Several mechanisms and instruments exist to connect local ecosystems that need better knowledge and funding to international actors of the tech startup ecosystem, from the internationalization of acceleration programs or VCs to the organization of international challenges or entrepreneurial exchange programs. Internationalization of acceleration programs Accelerators are a great tool to share knowledge and boost an ecosystem by catalyzing all the tools and connections needed for a startup to grow. When a successful accelerator decides to internationalize its operations, especially when they go to less mature ecosystems, they bring with them their brand, best practices, network of mentors and investors, as well as their whole community of entrepreneurs. This is a great way for the recipient ecosystem to attract the best talents of their ecosystem, to accelerate their learning curve in terms of best practices and to get access to a global network of mentors and experts. Major accelerators such as TechStars, Plug & play or NUMA have become international. The internationalization of an accelerator can take many forms, it can be a joint venture with a local actor, it can start from zero often with the help and contribution of an influential local stakeholder, it can start a partnership with local public entities. What is key is that whatever the form of the acceleration program, it must be well anchored in the local ecosystem, with native stakeholders, and in the case of a JV or partnership, it should make sure to have all the interests of the international and local stakeholders aligned. Success and lessons learned from Numa’s international expansion The example of the internationalization of NUMA, who used to be Europe’s leading accelerator, shows how beneficial the internationalization of an acceleration program can be to a nascent ecosystem. NUMA was the first coworking space and accelerator program in France and gradually broadened its portfolio of services to Corporate training, Open innovation, International events organizer and innovation consulting. NUMA started its international expansion in 2015 with a first phase of expansion mostly in emerging countries in early-stage ecosystems, like Moscow (Russia), Casablanca (Morocco), Bengaluru (India) and Mexico City. They partnered with local entities through a joint-venture and brought their brand, skills, processes and networks to the newly created local NUMA. They brought many instruments and resources to build a local and international ecosystem (platform of 350+ experts, international demo days where local startups would fly to Europe, alumni networks, staff dedicated to the expansion and growth of the local ecosystem) which resulted in an accelerated growth of the local entity’s community and reach. However, Numa has now withdrawn its activity from the local accelerators because the benefits that local less mature ecosystems received was not reciprocal. Startups from the accelerator in France, did not manage to leverage the new global ecosystem to grow, most of the time because of a lack of incentive on the local market (return on investment and revenue prospects being lower than in more mature markets), or because of the complexity and the low return of international investments. Other accelerators like TechStars (Which just raised USD 42 million to expand its global presence and which already runs 49 accelerator programs in 35 cities in 16 countries) or Plug and Play are examples of successful internationalization of acceleration programs that are still running and expanding. International challenges International challenges can be very successful in connecting international communities of entrepreneurs and mentors in order to create the condition for the transfer knowledge to happen. Startup Chile or K-startup Grand Challenge in Korea (see box 1) which both consist in attracting international promising or already successful entrepreneurs from other countries so they can ultimately share knowledge, best practices and create synergies between different ecosystems. Hackathons are also a great tool to catalyze a community of tech entrepreneurs and accelerate innovation and knowledge transferv. For example, the global hackathon organization Angelhack has expanded to over 50 cities with around 100,000 developers and entrepreneurs in the community. It offers pre-acceleration programs and access to a large network of international mentors to its winners so that they can transform their ideas an innovation into successful startups. BOX 1 : K-Startup Grand Challenge Government-run program organized by Ministry of SMEs and Startups, NIPA and KIC for global technology-based startups. K-Startup Grand Challenge is a very competitive international acceleration program. The key purpose of K-Startup Grand Challenge is to promote collaboration and the exchange of ideas between startups from Korea and around the world. In order to attract foreigners, the wining entrepreneurs’ package for foreign participants includes flights, office space, and stipends (about 20% of selected startups are led by Koreans). Assistance will also be available to foreign nationals who need help securing a proper visa through the Startup Immigration Support System of the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), the Korean government organization hosting the program, which also has the distinction of being the “Global Center for Startup and Immigration. All participants get access to free office space at the Startup Campus in Pangyo Techno Valley, one-on-one mentoring, information sessions, coaching on Korean and Asian business culture and the chance to attend insightful seminars touching on a range of topics from accounting regulations to tax laws, patents and more. There are also ample opportunities for networking and the chance to meet with executives from major Korean companies that are interested in collaborating with startups in many sectors spanning from smartphones to semiconductors. Program runs for 4 months followed by a 6-month settlement program for the winners. It is open to any global tech startups that have a prototype or product/service and are at initial investment stage. The selected startups receive a three-month support program that comprises financial support, visa and incorporation support, as well as matchmaking with Korean tech companies, including Samsung Electronics , LG Electronics, Kakao, Naver, POSCO, KT, and others. The acceleration program culminates with a Demo Day, after which half of startups receive additional USD 33,000 in funding from the government, with the top four getting a prize of USD 6,000 to USD 100,000. Achievements To date, the challenge’s programs have featured companies from over twenty countries and attracted applications from over 100 countries. The number of participating startups has doubled since its founding year, starting with 40 in 2016 and featuring 80 in 2018, and attracting over 2,000 applications annually. Japanese STI landscape Japan is one of the leading nations in the STI sector, both on the academic and industrial level. It ranks among the 15 top countries in the Global Innovation Index, being a major contributor in accelerating development of all ICT technologies. It is one of the top nations in terms of scientific FIGURE 3 : COUNTRIES WITH MOST STEM GRADUATES (2016) research with one of the highest numbers of STEM graduates and patent applications in the world (the country has generated between 10%-33% of all patenting activities in this filed between 2012-15)vi. FIGURE 4 : TREND IN PATENT APPLICATIONS FOR THE TOP FIVE OFFICES Source : WIPO Statistics Database September 2017 Japan is also a leader in deep tech sectors especially in sectors like robotics, AI and the Internet of things (IoT), with total investment that increased respectively by 329%, 246% and 184% in 2016vii. Japan has been delivering over 50% of the robots’viii global supply and accounting for 16 out of the top 20 company applications for AI patentsix(figure 5). Venture investments in these sectors are booming with an overall value of close to USD 3.5 billion (figure 6) mostly in AI, Robotic/IoT, Fintech and Pharmaceutical/Space/Material sectors. FIGURE 6 : EVOLUTION OF VC IN JAPAN IN AMOUNT OF FUNDING AND NUMBER OF STARTUPS INVESTED IN The Japanese tech startup ecosystem The Japanese startup scene revolves around the digital and deep tech sectors. There are to date four Japanese unicorns operating in the field of IT/web (2), Fintech and AI. Most of the ecosystem is concentrated in Tokyo, which attracts the vast majority of funding and supporting infrastructure / intermediaries for tech startups in Japan (the Kanto region accounted for three fourth of all investments in 2016). It is a domestic-oriented ecosystem, with 72% of the value of its 2016 investments in Japanese companies. There are only a handful of VCs investing overseas, and when they do, they mostly invest seed to early stage funding. FIGURE 7 : TREND OF VC INVESTMENTS IN DOMESTIC AND OVERSEAS Despite its strong leadership in the deep tech sectors, Japan has yet to unlock its knowledge and innovation, most of which is kept in universities and R&D Box 2 : EDGE-NEXT program department of large industrial companies. Big corporations and universities play indeed a critical role in boosting innovation and are EDGE-NEXT (Enhancing Development of Global Entrepreneurship for NEXT generation) is an also catalyzing part of the ecosystem through in-house accelerators, education program launched by MEXT in 2017 and corporate venture capital (CVC), corporate sponsored accelerator that will run until 2022, which aims to create programs (CSAP) and open innovation. Programs such as university- ventures based on business ideas and academic led EDGE-NEXT (see box 2) under the umbrella of MEXT (Ministry of research outcomes, train business leaders keen on creating new businesses, and form innovation Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) or the ecosystems with related personnel and institutions.. accelerators 01Booster and Creww are shaping the Japanese ecosystem which relies on inter-organizational networks, bringing FIGURE 8 : NUMBER OF UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED START-UPS A consortium of five Japanese universities and 31 institutions (universities - including international ones- , industries, local institutions and government bodies) will be participating in this program though a “Value Co-Creation Platform� which is going to catalyze the consortiums’ resources to provide entrepreneurship training and networking, coaching and collaboration opportunities to entrepreneurs as well as bring out a progressive business culture that does not fear failure. Source : METI - https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/innovation_corp/start-ups/h29venturereport_overview.pdf together universities, government agencies, research centers and corporations, both domestically and internationall BOX 3 : THE GROWING ROLE OF BIG CORPORATIONS AND OPEN INNOVATION Japan’s ecosystem is one of the leaders in corporate innovation and corporations are becoming major stakeholders of the tech startup ecosystem through their investment arms and open innovation programs. On the one hand, venture capital investments by major Japanese corporations through in-house funds and other channels has never been higher totaling 172 last year, 19% more cases than the year before according to mergers and acquisitions consultancy Recof. CVC also have a broader scope now: when in the past, major CVC were set up by big ITC companies, there are now other industries setting up their CVC funds, such as automakers or real estate (Real estate company Mitsui Fudosan has jointly managed a 5 billion yen fund with Tokyo venture capital firm Global Brain since 2016, Toyota Motor and Panasonic are increasing investment in startups, pouring 27 times as much money in 2017 as five years before. On the other hand, the corporate-sponsored accelerator model is one of the keystones of the ecosystem insofar as they allow to bridge the gap between the new disruptive and agile tech innovations developed by startups and the big corporations. Those accelerators mostly connect startups with big corporations through open innovation programs, providing startups with the support they need to develop and apply their innovations (in terms of equipment, business and technical skills, ne twork…) and at the same time, allowing corporations to boost their innovation capacity and to keep up with how their sector is being disrupted. Typically, a CSAP is an entity CORPORATE-SPONDORED with a large base ACCELERATOR of startups PROGRAMS and entrepreneurs : THE in its ecosystem that they can mobilize around EXAMPLE OF 01BOOSTER a specific or general challenge faced by a middle-to-large -size corporation. The main steps of the program could be summarized as follow : Example of acceleration programs by 01 Booster 01Booster is one of the main examples of this type of accelerators. It was founded in 2012 and has hosted more than 15 cohorts since it launched its first program in 2015. A program usually lasts between 8 to 10 months and accepts between 5 to 8 startups. It now offers various services on top of the acceleration program such as skill trainings, co- working space and seed funding. How to leverage the Japanese tech startup ecosystem to contribute to SDGs Japanese startups face many challenges when it comes to internationalizing their reach and operations. For the ecosystem to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, they need to be able to connect with and contribute to developing countries’ innovation and startup ecosystem by leveraging the above-mentioned knowledge transfer mechanisms. Most of the successful Japanese tech startups are domestic, operating in the digital economy (IT/web startups) and in the deep tech sectors. Even if, part of the ecosystem is starting to turn towards international markets with some programs and startups already operating abroad, including in developing countries, the ecosystem remains very focused on its domestic market and faces many challenges when it comes to starting operations overseas, especially in developing countries. IT / web- based startups such as Mercari or Raksul have no real competitive advantage outside their domestic market as similar business models may already exist or can be easily copied. Deep-tech startups have a better potential to thrive abroad, but the pipeline of startups is smaller, they require higher investments and are often locked inside R&D departments of universities and corporations. Additionally, funding is scarce for overseas ventures and mostly targeted at early stage startups. Few VCs are ready to invest in startups operating overseas, especially in deep tech startups that usually need longer period for return and require technical expertise to perform due diligences. Another challenge faced by Japanese startups and ecosystem is related to the cultural gap, especially when it comes to communication, networking skills and international experience. Connecting and creating business partnership as well as adapting to other local context is often a barrier to the international expansion of the Japanese ecosystem. Some initiatives have been able to overcome those challenges and have already had some great impact in terms of creating successful startup operating in developing countries, unlocking deep tech for SDGs, investing in startups in emerging economies and implementing programs able to catalyze or build bridges between Japan and developing countries. However, such initiatives need to be leveraged to boost the Japanese ecosystem’s internationalization, so it can increase its contribution to the SDGs achievements and create development impact. Japanese startup ecosystem endeavors that could be leveraged to make development impact. Successful Japanese startups operating in developing countries There are a few examples of successful Japanese startups operating in developing countries such as WASSHA, GMS, Euglena, Nippon Biodiesel fuel,… It is interesting to note that almost all of them have had their headquarters or subsidiaries located in developing countries from the very beginning and that they all operate in the deep tech field, with a predominance of fintech and cleantech startups. Some local startups are also acquired by Japanese companies in order to give them access to the local market and to build synergies. For example, Rwandan startup HeHe Labs was acquired by DMM, a Japan-based e-commerce and Internet company. Since the acquisition in 2017, the company has been rapidly expanding its business, developing online shopping platform, including online grocery delivery service in Kigali, as well as establishing delivery logistics network for end customers. Examples of Japanese VCs and CVCs, accelerators, incubators and open innovation programs with linkage to developing countries Venture and corporate venture capital In the past years, a few venture capital funds have started to invest in developing countries , particularly in south-east Asia and Africa. They are almost always focusing on seed to early- stage / A series type of funding and often include incubation-like type of services to the companies they invest in. CVC are more inclined to perform bigger size investments in local startups, especially in sectors like the fintech industry (like Sumitomo Bank in solar energy firm M-Kopa;Toyota Tsusho Corporation in tech startup Sendy (USD 2 million); Yamaha in Nigerian motorcycle app Max (USD 7 million) or Sompo Holdings in digital foreign exchange and payment platform BitPesa.). - Toyota Tsusho CSV Africa : established by Toyota Tsusho Corporation in 2015, it is the first social venture fund by a Japanese company in Africa. The goal is to contribute to the development of local startups and provide support in the technological innovation field, in line with the United Nations’ SDGs. This USD 12 million fund is investing tickets of between USD 300 k to USD 3 million. The fund notably invested USD 3 million in Seven Seas Technologies (Kenyan startup) which triggered Kenyan government’s massive digital ID program, linking hospital records and national medical insurance plans while enhancing pharmaceutical traceability to counter fake drugs. - Double Feather Partners provides financial and strategy management advisory services, addressing client’s challenges on the business in Africa, based on their extensive professional experience in emerging markets. They are planning to launch a series of venture capital funds (Africa Innovation Fund) targeting Pan Africa to help young disruptive, data driven technology firms to provide solutions to social issues and to scale up in Africa and globally. - Mistletoe invests in tech-startups all over the world based on its SDGs-related 9 priorities and connects them to the global ecosystem. It is was the first investor in Zipline (US startup) which develops and deploys drones to transport medical supplies and blood for transfusion in Africa, including in Rwanda and Tanzania. - Leapfrog Ventures (a joint venture with Samurai Incubate) is a Tokyo-based venture capital fund founded in 2018 with the objective to invest in 200 African startups by 2020x. They invest in seed-stage startups of Eastern Africa including Rwanda, Uganda (Francom), Swipe2pay and Xente), Kenya (Biasharabot), Tanzania and South Africa. The initial fund is stationed in one of the main co-working places of Kigaki in Rwanda and is about USD 4.5 million. Each deal is between USD 30-50K in the fields of logistics, finance, healthcare, agriculture and energy-sectors. Leapfrog Ventures is also working in cooperation with the Rwandan government on a Tech SandBox initiative which will see Japanese tech companies collaborate with African startups. The idea is for Japanese companies to be able to conduct proof-of-concept trials with less regulatory constraints while tapping into a new pool of entrepreneurs and talents from Africa. - Leave a Nest fund is planning to launch a new USD 30-40 million fund (probably early 2020) to invest in pre-seed/seed/early stage startups (USD 1 million per firm for 30 to 40 startups) in Southeast Asia. The prospect startups will be identified by its accelerator, Tech Planter, which has been running pitch events and accelerator programs in Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, India and Singapore over the last four years. - Others: Japanese VCs/accelerators investing in and helping startups in developing countries include Beyond Next Ventures, East Ventures, DI, SBI Investment, Rebright Partners and Incubate Fund, many of which add value by connecting them to Japanese corporates. Accelerators/incubators To date, Japan has a few accelerators that are looking overseas, trying to build bridges between developing countries and Japan, but with little real presence in developing countries (South East Asia). Some other initiatives that try foster SGD oriented startups innovation in Japan such as Phoenixi incubator and could potentially be leveraged to create development impact. - 01 Booster: offers corporate accelerator programs to synergize tech-startups and Japanese corporations; advises teams of a tech-university (Tokyo Institute of Technology) to improve ideas/presentations in preparation for “Hult Prize (on campus/regional competitions/global final for SDGs startup business ideas)�; offers “One-year ventures study abroad program� for client corporations to send their employees to startups abroad, including in a developing country; hosts meetup events in Japan with global accelerators/incubators (i.e. Thailand, Khuzestan, Brazil) in order to encourage J-startups to go to these countries while helping startups starting business in Japan; hosted a startup exchange program with South Korea through the Across Asia Alliance. - Phoenixi incubator is a business incubator and impact investor in Japan focusing social startups tackling the double bottom line. It offers a four-months program in two batches and invests in spill off companies of total USD10 million. They work with 12 large corporations who send staff to Kyoto University to develop a startup focused on SDGs. - Borderless Japan is a company with currently 24 social ventures (including tech) launched by social entrepreneurs who are hired by the company and tasked to make their business profitable within 1.5 years with USD 150K investment. They also provide support in common business functions (i.e. accounting, marketing, law, web, HR) with job security and fixed amount of salary (before being profitable and become a subsidiary company). They operate in Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Taiwan - Dream Incubator invests in startups in Japan and Asia especially in areas of digital media, AI and robotics. It has a Vietnam office where they test out ideas for tech-startups (piloting startup activities) based on needs of large corporations, to which DI provides business consulting service ( Payme, CLUE, Gojo & Company, Niramai,) International exchange programs and networks Some international exchange program between Japan and developing countries for students and entrepreneurs exist but they are often quite limited in time and attendance (The cost of travelling to Japan can be prohibitive if not covered, and Japanese company’s buy in and participation in such project is limited without a proper incentive). - Abe Initiative by JICA offers international scholarship for Africans to study master’s courses in Japanese universities and to experience internships in Japanese enterprises, including in startups. - Kepple Africa Venture offers japan startups an exclusive exchange program with the University of Nairobi SCI (School of Computing and Informatics) who sends its students to Japan to work as interns for top-notch startups for 3 months. This can eventually lead to them be hired as full-time staff or to receive a pre-seed funding to start a new startup in Kenya. - KOBE STARTUP AFRICA in Rwanda is a training program supported by Kobe city and Tiger Mov, Inc., a Japanese youth development startup founded in 2016. The program aims to let Japanese trainees acquire an “entrepreneur’s mind� through a 2-week experience of working with startups in Rwanda. - JETRO brings African startup to Japan to do a matchmaking event with Japanese startups/corporates; subsidizes a part of fee for Japanese startups to exhibit at an international exhibition (RiseUP Summit in Cairo). - Space4SDGs : JAXA (national space agency) started “Space for SDGs� network in collaborations with University of Tokyo, space ventures, government and international organizations to meet and discuss about how to leverage space tech for SDGs. - Asian Women Social Entrepreneurs Network (AWSEN) provides network dedicated to enabling women to build successful social enterprises, offering research, business support/consulting, training, and networking. It was launched by female entrepreneurs from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. Recommendations and synergies with the World Bank projects Address funding market failure − Increasing Funding opportunities for more mature startups Increase pipeline of startups for SDGs, in particular with potential to have operations and impact in developing countries − Increase exposure of entrepreneurs and students to developing countries’ challenges and exchange programs − Build incentive to start business in developing countries from the beginning − Unlock potential of universities and Japanese companies with deep-tech seeds and exchange programs Bring Japanese best practice and know-how in terms of corporate accelerators and open innovation − Leverage large corporations and connect to business development through corporate open innovation programs on SDGs − Deploy best practices on corporate innovation (e.g. 01 Booster-type programs in developing countries) Increase collaboration with emerging ecosystems Potential multilateral programs that could be leveraged − African Digital Economy Moonshot − DT4D − WB tech startup ecosystem assessment methodology roll out by JICA? City-to-city pairing between Japanese cities and developing countries? − the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP) − Open Innovation in Africa (JICA’s new theme under development) Reference : List of startup ecosystem stakeholder with potential development links Developing countries Developing countries where it operates (if Name HQ/Office locations where HQ/offices are Sector Description of their activity Website applicable) located (if applicable) Japan and developing Energy & Internet A spin-off from Tokyo University, delivering rental device and charging service using clean Tanzania, Uganda (expanding more countries WASSHA Tanzania https://wassha.com/ countries services energy in Tanzania and Senegal; also started e-commerce. in Africa) Global Mobility Service Japan and developing Philippines, Cambodia, Smart mobility & Focusing on IoT for telemetering and remote diagnostics for automotive, the company provides Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, https://www.global-mobility-service.com/en/ Inc.(GMS) countries Indonesia, South Korea Internet of Things (IoT) mobility and related payment services for low-income consumers in Asia Thailand, India Fintech / Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Japan and developing Cambodia, Sri Lanka, delivering microfinance in developing countries in helping improved access to finance amongst Gojo & Company, Inc. Cryptocurrency / http://gojo.co/ Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, countries Myanmar, India low-income classes, raising the standard of living, and promoting women’s empowerment. Blockchain Nepal, Sri Lanka established a Real Tech Fund, a VC dedicated to R&D-driven start-ups tackling global challenges; established a joint venture with Grameen Group in Bangladesh called Grameen Japan and developing Euglena Bangladesh Biotech Euglena to produce high-quality mung beans in regions in Bangladesh affected by soil https://www.euglena.jp/ Bangladesh countries salinization (due to the influx of salt water into rivers and underground water on account of the rising sea level and coastal erosion) for both domestic consumption and export to Japan. Fintech / one of the largest and fastest growing crowdfunding platforms in Southeast Asia, running peer to Crowdo developing countries Indonesia Cryptocurrency / https://crowdo.com/ Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore peer lending platform in Indonesia and Malaysia. Blockchain Peru, Cameroon, Mexico, Mongol, Kenya, Fintech / collects Japanese investors’ money through crowd funding platform and lends debt to financial Indonesia, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Crowd Credit Japan Cryptocurrency / institutions (microfinance, Non-Bank, fintech lenders etc.) in developing/emerging countries in https://crowdcredit.jp/global/ Colombia, Uganda, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Blockchain the 5 continents; partners with Crowdo. Pakistan, Brazil, Nicaragua, Georgia Producing and marketing Jatropha-based, SATREPS-supported biofuel in Mozambique, the Biotech & Fintech / Japan and developing company launched mobile banking (fintech) services to streamline energy-related transactions, Nippon Biodiesel Fuel Mozambique Cryptocurrency / http://www.nbf-web.com/ Mozambique countries and is expanding to health and nutrition products suitable for African markets; has local HQs in Blockchain Mozambique. Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh, offers one stop solution to provide the best ways to advertise products with what which media Japan, other developed Artificial intelligence Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and which SNS influencer. Also the startup launched a AI driven recruiting software platform that Anymind Group countries and and Machine Learning https://anymindgroup.com/ China, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Taiwan, Shanghai, streamlines and enhances the recruitment and hiring process to screen resume, social media developing countries & Big data Taiwan, Hong Kong Kuala Lumpur, HK, info and results of personality test. Hqt in Singapore, but business in Asia. Manila, Yangon Fintech / Japan, other developed Omise Holdings Pte., Cryptocurrency / Provides an Ethereum-based decentralized platform facilitating real-time peer-to-peer Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, countries and Singapore https://www.omise.co/ja Ltd. Blockchain & Internet transactions and GO. Exchange, a cryptocurrency exchange. Vietnam developing countries services manufactures and develops fingerprint sensing, payment, and cash registry device and related Artificial intelligence Japan and developing software by leveraging a unique biometric authentication technology; has a joint venture with Liquid Inc. India and Machine Learning https://liquidinc.asia/en/ India countries Salim Group in India, called INDOLIQUID; also formed capital tie-up with Ubi-com Holdings to & Biotech accelerate joint R&D in the Philippines Space. Edge Lab. Co., builds satellites on demand basis; involved in developing and launching Rwanda’s first satellite, Japan Rwanda Space Technology https://www.spacelab.site Rwanda Ltd ‘RWASAT I’ into space to be used in agriculture monitoring business card-based startup, offering a cloud-based contact management tool for corporations Big data & Internet sansan Japan (Sansan) and a personal business card application to build individual business network based on https://www.corp-sansan.com India, China services smart phone app (Eight); has subsidiary in Singapore to expand its business in Asia. Africa Incubator Japan and developing Big data & Internet Kenya has sales optimization platform “SENRI� for manufacturing and distribution businesses in Africa https://afri-inc.com/en/ Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria Limited (Afri-Inc) countries services Developing countries Developing countries where it operates (if Name HQ/Office locations where HQ/offices are Sector Description of their activity Website applicable) located (if applicable) Japan, other developed Fintech / Hong Kong, Cambodia, offers a mobile application of the same name that provides rural farmers with asset Agribuddy countries and Cryptocurrency / https://www.agribuddy.com/ Cambodia, India India management support services in Southeast Asia developing countries Blockchain working with universities and research institutions on e-leaning tools in Kenya and Senegal; Castalia Co., Ltd. Japan Education Technology https://castalia.co.jp/ Kenya, Senegal, Egypt working with WB ACE/PASET is a business intelligence and media company, offering an information platform with Japan, other developed Artificial intelligence comprehensive corporate and industrial analysis called Speeda, and economic and business Indonesia, Thailand, China, Sri Lanka, UZABASE countries and Sri Lanka and Machine Learning https://www.uzabase.com/en/ news platform with social networking functions called NewsPicks; language covering Chinese, Singapore developing countries & Big data Indonesia and Thai. Artificial intelligence Institution for a Global and Machine Learning AI to screen/improve human intelligence, starting activities in Egypt (education/capacity Japan https://www.i-globalsociety.com/en/ Vietnam, Egypt Society (IGS) & Education building/employment—discussing collaboration with JICA and ADB) Technology offers "IoT system that anyone can use on a low budget“ which can be operated by a Internet of Things (IoT) smartphone or tablet for wide areas of application i.e. in agriculture, logistics, health, Momo Inc. Japan https://momo-ltd.com/index.html#top Rwanda & Biotech infrastructure, manufacturing, sales, public services; selling its system to coffee farmers in Rwanda to help them manage soil moisture and nutrition levels to improve their efficiency. soil-less farming; offers hydrogel products for agro-bio, environmental, and medical-bio fields; the Middle East (UAE), China, Africa, and Mebiol Japan Biotech Already working in UAE. Imec Film farming consists of a film made of a particular hydrogel that https://www.mebiol.co.jp/en/business/ Europe allows the cultivation of plants with less water and soil use. generates energy during typhoon and allows satellite communication infrastructure; made a joint Japan and developing Challenergy Philippines Energy subsidiary with local renewable energy company called NAREDCO in the Philippines in January https://challenergy.com/en/ Philippines countries 2019 and conducting PoC. manufactures low-priced diagnostic ultrasound imaging equipment system for prenatal checkups Lequio Power Japan and developing for pregnant women in Africa; working with Nagasaki University to conduct joint research and Sudan Other https://www.lequiopower.com/ Philippines, Gambia, Brazil Technology countries field work in Africa (has a subsidiary in Sudan), SE Asia (i.e. Philippines) as well as South America (i.e. Brazil). Fintech / Japan and developing provides web-based, unsecured working capital loans specializing in small-scale equipment Crediation Kenya Cryptocurrency / https://crediation.com/ Kenya countries vendors in Kenya Blockchain earthquake sensor alarm system and wireless emergency report system (working with UN Challenge Japan other http://challengego.co.jp/english.html India, Indonesia, Turkey, Romania, PNG agencies) RIKEN-based bio-venture offering drought-protected/dry-residence crops/water saving tech using Ac-Planta Japan Biotech acetic acid; conducting POC in 20 locations in Japan and abroad, including Saudi Arabia and http://ac-planta.com/en/ Australia Japan, other developed Fintech / Vietnam, India, offers real-time payroll platform/digital wallet that allows pay-as-you-go, operating in Vietnam, Doreming Co., Ltd. countries and Cryptocurrency / https://www.doreming.com Vietnam, India Singapore, US, UAE, UK India, Saudi Arabia, US, UK and Singapore. developing countries Blockchain Artificial intelligence Japan and other and Machine Learning builds user-friendly data platforms for with deep tech to help aquaculture farmers improve Umitoron Singapore https://umitron.com/en/index.html Peru, Vietnam, Indonesia developed countries & Internet of Things efficiency, using, AI, IoT and remote sensing. (IoT) Developing countries Developing countries where it operates (if Name HQ/Office locations where HQ/offices are Sector Description of their activity Website applicable) located (if applicable) develop and provide chargers and connectors to charge sub-batteries/power banks to be used for home appliances and charging phones in unelectrified areas; won “4B Bizcon� in 2013, to Excharge International Japan and developing Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Benin, Indonesia, Singapore Energy develop business planning Bangladesh by IC Net, received METI funding in 2015 to test proto- http://www.excharge.net/index.html Pte. Ltd. countries Thailand type in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Benin; now has an office in Singapore, operating in Indonesia, Thailand, Ethiopia, and Benin for Motor cycle smartphone charger. develops AI software aimed at enhancing workplace productivity with its main product called Japan, other developed Flax Scanner, a tool that automatically extracts key points from contracts, invoices and other Artificial intelligence Cinnamon countries and Vietnam unstructured hand-written and computerized documents with an accuracy of over 99%. The https://cinnamon.is/en/ Vietnam, Taiwan and Machine Learning developing countries company has an office in Vietnam, where “AI Lab� functions are strengthened to foster engineers and develop technologies developing an innovative paint that protects houses from seismic impact (protecting from Aster Co.,Ltd. Japan other https://www.dis-aster.com/ Myanmar, Nepal earthquakes) University of Tokyo based AI remote healthcare startup, providing affordable medical check-up Japan and developing Artificial intelligence miup, Inc. Bangladesh for the poor by combining remote diagnosis using mobile medical equipment and ICT with https://miup.jp/ Bangladesh countries and Machine Learning machine learning tech and AI. Working with KONICA MINOLTA, Inc in Bangladesh. Health tech offers water-related products, including a compact-sized desalination device called MYZ Series™ Y’s Global Vision Japan (Water/Sanitation/Hygi that is lightweight, small and portable for use on construction sites and cramped remote areas, http://ysgv.jp/en/ PNG, Philippines ene) sold them in PNG and the Philippines; exhibited at the 3rd UN STI develops and launches commercial microsatellite and provides satellite imagery to developing Big data & Space Axelspace Japan countries (such as Rwanda, South America Southeast Asia), aiming to build affordable “Big Data� https://www.axelspace.com/en/ Rwanda Technology infrastructure in space is establishing a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation of about 25 satellites and Big data & Space provide geospatial solutions to companies and governments including developing countries to Syncspective Japan https://synspective.com/ India, Brazil Technology use the data for SDGs through visualization and prediction of economic activity, monitoring of terrain and structure and immediate understanding of disaster situations. provides one-stop satellite launch service (i.e. matchmaking a rocket and a satellite), Space BD Japan Space Technology import/export of space hardware and components as a “grade trading company� for Space, https://space-bd.com/en/ Rwanda working with some developing countries, such as Rwanda provides a satellite communications infrastructure by providing an antenna-sharing service that lets operators of satellite antennae borrow use of the equipment -- necessary for communicating Africa and Asia and other countries in other Infostellar Japan Space Technology with satellites -- from owners such as satellite operating companies; Such partner stations https://www.infostellar.net/ regions such as Bolivia spread across the world, including Africa and Asia and other countries in other regions such as Bolivia Internet of Things (IoT) Chiba University-based startup, providing industrial unmanned IoT system, utilizing drones which ACSL Japan https://www.acsl.co.jp/en/ & Smart mobility don't rely on GPS to operate and can thus fly indoors. Artificial intelligence mainly develops small drones, aiming to sell “hover bikes� in emerging economies in Africa, the A.L.I Technologies Inc. Japan and Machine Learning http://ali.jp/ Cambodia Middle East and Asia with poor road infrastructure. & Smart mobility provides software and cloud service for drones to be used by enterprises in conducting CLUE Co., Ltd Japan Smart mobility inspection services for roofs and walls of buildings and houses, wind turbines, large-scale https://corp.t-clue.com/en Ghana factories Smart mobility & Big provide industrial automation solution (drones) optimized for observation, measurement, Aero Sense Japan http://www.aerosense.co.jp/english Zambia data management, logistics, etc., by combining autonomous UAVs with cloud data services Developing countries Developing countries where it operates (if Name HQ/Office locations where HQ/offices are Sector Description of their activity Website applicable) located (if applicable) Artificial intelligence develops interactive systems and information visualization, including a total solution software Xcoo, Inc Japan and Machine Learning https://xcoo.co.jp/ Thailand for cancer precision medicine, named Clovis. & Biotech Miraikikai,Inc. Japan Robotics Kagawa University-based robot startup, offering solar cleaning robots http://www.miraikikai.jp/ India and Middle East Artificial intelligence Progate Online Japan and developing and Machine Learning India offers an online platform to learn programming, with subsidiary in India https://progate.com India Education Pte. Ltd. countries & Education Technology Waseda University-based startup, exploring ways of farming crickets, which are rich in high- Japan and developing quality protein for nutrition and food, initially as fishmeals; went to Cambodia for business ECOLOGGIE Cambodia Biotech Cambodia countries development through Crossfields’ program; now living there to establish technology for mass production of the insects developed a vocal emotion recognition device called Empath, which can identify emotion from Artificial intelligence Empath Japan the voice in real-time regardless of language; can be applied to variety of areas, such as mental https://webempath.com/ over 50 countries in the world and Machine Learning health, driving assistance, online-shopping with voice, workplace management uses AI/“deep-learning� to automatically extract feature quantities that appropriately represent the data and tacit knowledge (agriculture/manufacturing etc.); already conducting joint research Japan and other Artificial intelligence Abeja Singapore activity with Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) Corporation to take advantage of deep https://abejainc.com/en/ Singapore and ASEAN countries developed countries and Machine Learning learning in transit management; Planning to expand in ASEAN countries, especially in manufacturing industry. University of Tokyo-based startup, offering medical imaging device for breast cancer; planning to Lily Med Tech Japan Biotech http://www.lilymedtech.com/en/ go to markets in Asia, Middle East and Africa Japan and developing Internet of Things (IoT) IoT to collect and analyze running (big) data from car for safer/more efficient transportation; SmartDrive China https://smartdrive.co.jp/company/ China countries & Smart mobility Planning to expand business in Asia and has a R&D center in Shenzhen. Yukashikado Japan other & Biotech offers test a kit to evaluate nutrition excess or deficiency from urine https://www.yukashikado.co.jp/ Artificial intelligence Doctor sharing platform Medical consultation service with doctor over smartphone; considering AGREE Japan and Machine Learning https://www.leber11.com/ business in Asia. & Big data Big data & Internet offers service of office supply version of uber, looking into Asian market by establishing a Raksul Japan https://raksul.com/ services subsidiary in Singapore and investing in companies in India and Malaysia Japan and other develops and sells stylish personal electric vehicles with HQs in Europe and the US, and WHILL Smart mobility https://whill.us/ developed countries expanding business to other parts of the world offer a battery typed IoT product MaBeee which helps to control battery-powered devices such Novars Japan Internet of Things (IoT) https://mabeee.mobi/en/ as toys, remote controllers and clock alarms. Developing countries Developing countries where it operates (if Name HQ/Office locations where HQ/offices are Sector Description of their activity Website applicable) located (if applicable) is the fermentation technology-focused startup based out of Japan’s northern city of Iwate with a concept of “Biomass with design�; The firm asks local farmers to grow rice in fallow or Fermentstation Japan Biotech abandoned rice fields, refines it into rice-derived alcohol and fermented ethanol, and produce https://www.fermenstation.jp/en/index.html premium alcohol to the cosmetic industry as ingredient and also develops and markets its own original products; invested by Global Brain. Fintech / Payme Japan Cryptocurrency / https://payme.tokyo/ Blockchain female entrepreneur venture based in Okinawa, offering natural cosmetic including reef safe UV JLE Japan other https://www.coralisfriend.com/english cream and herbal after sun cooling gel; selling products in English, Thai and Chinese. offers technologies to allow the use of AI in small devices and robots while saving energy by Artificial intelligence developing deep learning solutions for embedded systems essential for edge computing and a LeapMind Japan and Machine Learning https://leapmind.io/en/ Accepting Interns from Africa software developer kit, while providing a deep learning development environment for edge & Robotics computing; is open to having interns from Africa through Kepple Africa Venture. provides holistic support, from system construction to corporate process Artificial intelligence Japan Data Science transformation/business consultation to realize real profit impact by leveraging AI in areas such Japan and Machine Learning http://jdsc.or.jp/index.html Marshall Islands Consortium (JDSC) as logistics, in medical, education and retails (i.e. by providing solutions to client with optimal & Big data level of stocks, pricing and supply; optimal learning strategy for individual students) University of Tokyo-based drug discovery company, working with pharmaceutical companies by Pepti Dream Japan Biotech offering the ability to screen vast numbers of circular peptides created using flexizyme for http://www.peptidream.com unique therapeutic properties develops agriculture software for experienced farmers that gathers satellite data and ground Biotech & Space Sagri Japan data using their proprietary technology to help farmers increase their harvest yields; went to http://sagri.tokyo/en/ India Technology India through Crossfields’ program develops and offers an affordable and stable smartphone with their own operating system, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Kenya, Amegumi Japan other https://www.sunblaze.jp/ focused on supporting minimal functions Rwanda, Uganda, Thailand, Brazil, Uruguay Big data & Internet Antaa Japan Offers Wikipedia for doctors https://antaa.jp/ Cambodia services AC Biode Japan Energy Develops and offers AC batteries that are safer, long lasting and energy-saving https://www.acbiode.com/ China is a Nagoya University-based agricultural biotechnology startup, which uses the cross-family grafting technology with tobacco plant to combine different species and apply cutting-edge GRA&GREEN Inc. Japan Biotech https://www.gragreen.com Middle East genome editing to wide range of plants; This includes disease and drought-resistant rootstock for vegetable seedlings to help deal with desertification. has technology that turns limestone into business cards, plastic folders and food containers, all TBM Co. Japan Cleantech https://tb-m.com/en/limex/ of which are recyclable offers a new green power generation system that protects water environment with a technology TBM Co., Ltd. Japan Cleantech & Energy to separate and collect fats, oils and grease from water and a reforming technique of collected http://kankichikun.com/english/ FOG in a new bio fuel for an electricity generator. Japan and developing offers Gaina, unique paint that can provide strong insulation effect just by painting it by GAINA Pro Co., Ltd Bangladesh, Malaysia Energy https://www.gaina-pro.com/ Bangladesh, Malaysia, UAE, countries providing insulation, it helps to reduce energy cost. Developing countries Developing countries where it operates (if Name HQ/Office locations where HQ/offices are Sector Description of their activity Website applicable) located (if applicable) Japan and developing Artificial intelligence and utilizes unprecedented 3D-CAD, 3D printing and machine learning (AI) technology to create an affordable Instalimb,Inc. Philippines https://www.instalimb.com/ Philippines countries Machine Learning and high-quality 3D printed prosthetics & orthotics, and deliver them to mainly the Philippines Artificial intelligence and Offers "Zero agri, " which uses AI, IoT and robotics to automate agriculture work; currently testing in China, Routrek Networks, Inc. Japan Machine Learning & Internet http://www.routrek.co.jp/en.html China, Thailand and Vietnam Vietnam, and Thailand of Things (IoT) offers an algae based protein food called "spirulina," rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers; building a new Japan and developing Tavelmout Corporation Brunei Biotech production site in Brunei to expand its business to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, https://chitose-bio.com/business/tavelmout/ Brunei countries Vietnam and Brunei. Iwate University-based startup, providing an algorithm called DBT, which is developed specifically for the Artificial intelligence and AISing Ltd. Japan manufacturing industry where electronic/electric equipment can be controlled with embedding AI chips, for https://aising.jp/ Machine Learning example for mechanical motion prediction and statistical analysis. develops technology for rehabilitation support, body function support robot suit called HAL in elderly and Cyberdyne Japan Robotics https://www.cyberdyne.jp/english/ Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines disabled people, rescue support in disaster sites, and heavy labor support in factories. University of Tokyo-based startup, offering affordable filed-sensors with printing technology to print SenSprout Japan Internet of Things (IoT) sensing networks on plastic "paper" to measure soil moisture and rainfall; working with a team of Indian http://sensprout.com/products India and Japanese's researchers for agricultural project University of Tokyo-based startup, developing simulation software and device that allows remotely- X-Ability Japan Internet of Things (IoT) operated sensor networks for mainly agricultural purposes; working with research team in India and Japan https://x-ability.co.jp/en/index.php India by providing mobile network backbone for field IoT. Chubu University-based agri-startup, offering an application platform interface (API) platform for connecting field IoT and agronomic models; provides a range of services via API to estimate crop growth and yield by ListenField Japan Internet of Things (IoT) analyzing climate variability, based on historical and present weather, seasonal forecasts, and climate https://www.listenfield.com/ India, Latin America patterns as well as providing powered field IoT integration as a part of the data pipeline in order to optimize production management; currently working with a team of Indian/Japanese research team in Hyderabad. Tsukuba University-based startup, developing low-cost miniature communications satellites and building and promoting mobile ground stations, and their technology demonstration satellite Warp-01 is planned to Warpspace Japan Space Technology https://warpspace.jp/en/ Africa and Southeast Asia be released from the International Space Station soon; is also cooperating overseas on space development, in Africa and Southeast Asia. a family of biotechnology companies operating mainly in Southeast Asia and Japan in breeding and cultivating technology for a wide range of organisms (i.e. microorganisms, cell lines, microalgae) and Japan and other utilizing these technologies for industrial use, i.e. through development of seed technology and practical Chitose Bio Evolution Singapore Biotech https://chitose-bio.com/ Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei developed countries application technology and through designing and supervising the largest microalga cultivation facility Pte. Ltd. suitable for the tropical climate in Malaysia; provide environmentally-friendly farming technologies to local farmers to produce high-quality strawberries and tomatoes in Malaysia (and Indonesia in the near future). provides fishing fleet management system to make their operation more efficient with IoT; looking for Lighthouse Japan Internet of Things (IoT) https://lighthouse-frontier.tech/ business chance in Indonesia. Artificial intelligence and develops the smart space technology, “Connectome� by integrating AI, IoT, AR/VR and blockchain; brought Couger Japan Machine Learning & Internet its tech community “Blockchain EXE� to hold a 5-day workshop in August 2019 called “Blockchain https://couger.co.jp/en/ of Things (IoT) Fundamentals and Applications� in University of Rwanda, in collaboration with ACE at the WB develops the robot hand that most resembles human hand; may develop their market in developing Meltin MMI Japan Robotics https://www.meltin.jp/en/ countries or build plants there for mass production of the robot hands. Japan, other developed Fintech / Cryptocurrency / headquartered in Japan with offices in Singapore and Vietnam; its core product is Liquid, a cryptocurrency QUOINE countries and Singapore and Vietnam https://www.liquid.com/ Blockchain trading platform supporting fiat and dozens of cryptocurrencies. developing countries Japan and other Fintech / Cryptocurrency / a Tokyo-based cryptocurrency exchange business with offices in Tokyo, San Francisco and Luxemburg with bitFlyer Holdings https://bitflyer.com/en-jp/ developed countries Blockchain high possibility of developing businesses and setting up local offices in developing countries. a subsidiary of Softbank group, offers "e-kakashi, "an AI-powered solution for agriculture, which simplifies Artificial intelligence and the sharing of cultivation know-how since it can link collected data to farming experiences in digital PS Solutions Japan Machine Learning & Internet http://www.e-kakashi.com/en/ Colombia manuals while also identify important growth and stunting factors at each stage of crop growth using AI of Things (IoT) and IoT; has been working with Inter-American Development Bank’s innovation lab in Colombia since 2017. i https://www.ipwatchdog.com/2017/10/09/the-changing-face-of-university-technology-transfer/id=88853/ ii Comin, Diego, and Bart Hobijn. 2010. “An Exploration of Technology Diffusion.� American Economic Review 100 (December): 2031–2059. https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/aer.100.5.2031. Comin, Diego, and Mestieri Marti. 2013. “Technology Diffusion: Measurement, Causes and Consequences.� In Handbook of Economic Growth, Volume 2, edited by Philippe Aghion and Steven Durlauf, 565-622. Amsterdam: North Holland. iii https://www.uber.com/country-list/ iv Mulas, Minges, and Applebaum.2015. “Boosting Tech Innovation Ecosystems in Cities : A Framework for Growth and Sustainability of Urban Tech Innovation Ecosystems � – Working paper. The World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/23029 cbnd� v Hackathons as a means of accelerating scientific discoveries and knowledge transfer - https://genome.cshlp.org/content/early/2018/04/11/gr.228460.117 vi http://www.oecd.org/sti/scoreboard.htm vii https://www.rocketspace.com/corporate-innovation/10-of-japans-top-robotics-companies-leading-the-world-into-2020 viii https://ifr.org/post/why-japan-leads-industrial-robot-production ix https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_1055.pdf x https://ventureburn.com/2018/08/leapfrog-ventures-takuma-terakubo/