15 Tech Companies from Taipei Visit Kansai to Advance Japan-Taiwan Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration

Chen Chun-an, Director of Taipei City's Department of Industrial Development, led a delegation of 15 tech companies from Taipei on a visit to Japan's Kansai region from June 30 to July 3. At WHX Osaka, held at INTEX Osaka, they hosted the 'Taipei Forum,' presenting Taipei's cutting-edge technological capabilities in AI healthcare, biotechnology, digital health, and elderly care to Japanese government agencies, industry players, academic and research institutions, and corporate representatives.

This delegation was not merely for technology exhibition, but composed of Taipei companies with proven collaboration potential, technological maturity, and existing partnership records in the Japanese market. The goal was to create swift opportunities for collaboration with Japanese government bodies, major corporations, universities, medical institutions, and investment organizations.

Many of the participating companies already have concrete collaboration achievements in Japan. DeepRad.AI's AI screening solution for low-dose CT (LDCT) has already obtained certifications related to Japan's PMDA and RCB. By leveraging medical imaging AI, it contributes to more efficient risk assessment of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases in healthcare settings. dentall. has established a Japanese subsidiary with support from Tokyo Metropolitan Government, advancing AI-powered dental image analysis and digital dentistry platforms. LiT MedTech (Liti Medical Technology Co., Ltd.) has developed non-invasive reproductive genetic testing technologies now introduced in over 20 fertility clinics across Japan, laying the foundation for Taiwan's precision medicine technologies to be utilized in Japanese clinical practice.

In response to Japan's challenges of aging populations and regional healthcare disparities, Taipei-based companies are offering concrete solutions. FongAI has implemented city-wide AI-powered fall risk screening in Ehime Prefecture, enabling rapid assessment of elderly physical function and mobility using iPhones and iPads. Bamboo Technology's AI voice-based mental health platform has completed clinical trials in both Taiwan and Japan, positioning it as an affordable solution for companies and local governments to implement mental health support and early intervention services. AHEAD Medicine is collaborating with Kobe-based LSDC on data management in cell manufacturing and is also participating in international efforts to establish quality standards for cell therapy—demonstrating Taipei companies' potential to enter Japan's regenerative medicine and cell therapy supply chains.

Kawasaki Maki, Director of DSANJ—a drug discovery research support network operated by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry—praised the Taipei medical and biotech firms for their high potential to deepen collaboration with Japan's pharmaceutical and medical industries. She also expressed intent to continuously invite Taipei companies to join the DSANJ network.

David Bae, Partner at Big Impact Fund, mentioned that his fund recently completed fundraising for a new fund. He indicated interest in investing in the medical startups present and in introducing them to potential Kansai-based partners. He further expressed a desire to collaborate with more AI and digital technology startups emerging from Taipei.

According to the Taipei City Government, all participating companies show strong interest in entering the Japanese market, with many having already accumulated concrete collaboration achievements. Moving forward, they plan to advance individual business discussions and negotiations with Japanese hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and local governments.

During this visit, the delegation also connected with leading academic, research, and medical institutions in Kansai, including Osaka University, Kyoto University, and Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster, as well as major corporations such as Pasona.

Going forward, Taipei City will continue to enhance the environment for Japanese government agencies, industries, universities, and research institutions to efficiently identify Taipei's tech companies through 'Startup@Taipei' and the upcoming 'INNOPAD TAIPEI.' The city remains committed to continuously supporting the creation of concrete Japan-Taiwan collaborations in clinical trials, joint R&D, investment partnerships, and market expansion.