Hyogo-Kobe Investment Promotion Seminar for Startups Held in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

On Monday, January 30, 2023 (PST), the Hyogo-Kobe Investment Support Center (HKIS) held an investment promotion seminar for startups in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., jointly with the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center and the Kobe Trade Information Office.

At the seminar, the features and strengths of Hyogo Prefecture were introduced, including its comfortable living environment and high standard of living, as well as the excellent investment environment for companies.

With the support of the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, the seminar was held in the Consul General’s official residence. Working with the Washington State Government, which is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Hyogo in 2023, HKIS extended invitations to companies participating in startup support programs held by the State Government, and 24 people from 19 companies attended the seminar.

At the seminar, two Hyogo-based companies—Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Sysmex Corporation—made presentations, which were followed by one-on-one meetings with participating companies, which expressed enthusiasm for potential opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Going forward, HKIS will cooperate with the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center to support companies from the region with their investments in Hyogo, Japan.

[Program]
• Opening remarks by Consul General of Japan in Seattle
• Presentation 1 “Washington State and Japan – Partnership and Cooperation” by International Business Development Manager, Washington State Department of Commerce
• Presentation 2 “Our Support Measures for North American Startups” by Chief Executive Director, JETRO San Francisco
• Presentation 3 “Business Opportunities in Hyogo & Kobe” by Executive Director, Hyogo Business & Cultural Center
• Presentation 4 “Kobe & Hyogo Startup Ecosystem” by Director, Kobe Trade Information Office
• Presentation 5 “Changing Forward with Kawasaki” by Project Director, Innovation Department, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (USA) Inc.
• Presentation 6 “Sysmex Introduction” by Director, Digital Healthcare, Sysmex R&D Center Americas, Inc.
• Q&A
• Promotional video of Hyogo Prefecture and networking meeting

[Photos of the seminar]

Opening remarks by Consul General of Japan in Seattle

Presentation by the Washington State Department of Commerce on the support program for startups interested in investing in Japan
Presentation by the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center on the support programs offered by Hyogo Prefectural Government
Presentation by Kawasaki Heavy Industries on partnerships with Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Presentation by Sysmex Corporation on partnerships with Sysmex
Networking meeting
Participants chatting while enjoying Hyogo’s local sake provided by supporting companies