MEDIA RELEASE

Singapore, 1 November 2024

NUS launches BLOCK71 Nagoya to accelerate the growth of Southeast Asian start-ups in Japan  

• BLOCK71 Nagoya will also be the gateway for Japanese start-ups to Southeast Asia 

• NUS partners ENEOS Holdings, Inc. to facilitate bilateral cooperation in growing innovation and enterprise ecosystems in both countries 

• Five start-ups completed the second run of the Japan Immersion Programme 

NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS) has launched BLOCK71 Nagoya today, marking its operational opening for start-ups. BLOCK71 Nagoya aims to create a technology-focused ecosystem connecting Japan and Southeast Asia, providing Southeast Asian start-ups with essential support to navigate Japan’s cultural and business nuances for successful expansion. At the same time, it will support Japanese start-ups to grow and scale effectively in Southeast Asia.  

Nagoya is a key hub for technology start-ups looking to expand into Southeast Asia, backed by Aichi’s strength as Japan’s manufacturing powerhouse, which is home to leading companies in automotive, aviation, and robotics. These industries provide a strong foundation for technological growth and offer valuable collaboration opportunities with established corporations.  

The opening of the centre was graced by His Excellency Hideaki Omura, the Governor of Aichi Prefecture, who was joined by Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President; Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS Enterprise; Professor Naoshi Sugiyama, Nagoya University President; and Mr Hirotaka Sahashi, STATION Ai Corporation President and CEO. 

BLOCK71 in Japan – a bridge between Southeast Asia and Japan

BLOCK71 has established itself as a leading force in global entrepreneurship, with offices spanning across Southeast Asia, the United States of America, China, and now Japan. Officially inaugurated by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister on 10 October 2024, the opening of the Nagoya office as NUS’ first BLOCK71 location in Japan marks a significant addition to this network, representing a strategic move to promote market entry for Southeast Asian ventures.    

Unlike other BLOCK71 global offices that focus on incubation, BLOCK71 in Japan prioritises market launch activities due to Japan’s mature and established start-up landscape. The Japanese offices will enable Southeast Asian start-ups to establish a foothold while providing Japanese start-ups with the resources and networks to expand into Southeast Asia.  

“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 Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President. 

This new office will prioritise establishing key business milestones, including developing the Proof of Concept (PoC), fundraising, forging contracts, and integrating within BLOCK71’s extensive global network and quality start-up pool. Additionally, BLOCK71 in Japan will not only provide physical office spaces within their partners’ coworking space in key cities, but also deploy dedicated staff across the country to identify growth opportunities for start-ups by capitalising on Japan’s multifaceted market landscape. 

Collaboration with ENEOS to enhance innovation

As part of its commitment to driving innovation, NUS Enterprise has established a strategic partnership with ENEOS Holdings, Inc. (ENEOS), one of the largest energy companies in Japan, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) inked on 31 October 2024. The MOU was signed by Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President and Mr Toru Naganuma, General Manager, Emerging Business Development Department, ENEOS.  

The collaboration aims to enhance venture-building activities for NUS start-ups by providing them with exposure to real-world industry challenges. Together, both organisations will identify promising Southeast Asian start-ups and innovative solutions that can address critical industry issues. Key focus areas include mobility, decarbonisation, the circular economy, and artificial intelligence.   

In addition, this partnership enables established corporations like ENEOS to maintain competitiveness through continuous innovation in an ever-evolving global economy. Start-ups, recognised for their agility and creativity, often experiment with cutting-edge technologies and business models that can drive corporate innovation. By partnering with start-ups, ENEOS can respond more swiftly to market changes, diversify its product offerings, and penetrate new markets and customer segments.  

For NUS start-ups, this partnership opens up opportunities to expand into the Japanese market by addressing real-world challenges posed by ENEOS. Additionally, participating start-ups will gain valuable insights into the operations of traditional Japanese companies, enhancing their understanding of this unique market. 

"The partnership between NUS Enterprise and ENEOS Holdings will leverage the strengths of our extensive BLOCK71 ecosystem and network to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This collaboration connects our start-ups with real-world industry challenges, enhancing their ability to develop solutions that meet the evolving needs of the energy sector. By integrating the capabilities of NUS Enterprise with ENEOS' expertise, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem where agility and creativity drive impactful advancements. Together, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of Southeast Asian start-ups that will shape the future of sustainable energy and technology,” added Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President. 

"Collaborating with NUS Enterprise provides ENEOS with a unique opportunity to harness the dynamic energy of Southeast Asia's start-up ecosystem. 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,” said Mr Miyata Tomohide, Representative Director, CEO of ENEOS. 

Assimilating to the Japanese social fabric via Market Immersion Programme

Recognising Japan’s culturally distinct business environment, BLOCK71 launched the Japan Immersion Programme last year to provide tailored support to help Southeast Asia start-ups gain a better understanding of the Japanese market. The programme was conducted in two phases: the first, called the pre-programme, took place in Singapore, while the immersion phase was held in Japan. 

In the pre-programme, which ran from mid-August to end-September 2024, the second cohort of five start-ups from Singapore (see Annexe A for more information on the start-ups) participated in a series of lectures and mentorship sessions. These activities helped them develop their go-to-market (GTM) strategies for entering Japanese markets and learn how to raise capital for market expansion opportunities.  

The immersion phase, held from 28 October 2024 to 1 November 2024 in Japan, exposed the five start-ups to potential opportunities with Japanese partners. Leveraging BLOCK71’s network, the start-ups were invited to a site visit in the 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, coinciding with the operational opening of BLOCK71 Nagoya (see Annexe B for the detailed programme). This event provided the start-ups with an opportunity to practice their pitching skills that were honed through the programme, showcasing their potential to attract investment. 

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Annexe A – Second cohort of the Japan Immersion Programme 

1. RoPlus 

Incorporated in 2021, RoPlus aims to help local companies automate their production lines by providing automated soft gripping solutions with computer visioning. For the past five years, their R&D team has been focusing on developing soft grippers, exploring various automated solutions for production lines or retail distribution centres, and integrating computer vision in pick and place tasks.  

2. Indas Technologies 

Indas Technologies’ mission is to revolutionise the automotive manufacturing industry through advanced computer vision and sensor technology. Their aim is to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency in production processes. Their comprehensive solutions, from hardware procurement to software development and after-sales support, empower manufacturers to achieve consistent quality and optimise operations. 

3. Portcast 

Portcast makes global supply chains more predictive and dynamic. Their technology enables logistics companies to improve profitability through dynamic demand forecasting and real-time vessel and container tracking. 

4. Factorem 

Factorem is Southeast Asia's first AI-driven cloud platform that allows companies to order custom manufactured parts on-demand. With Factorem, companies can reduce time-to-market and get low volume, high quality parts from a highly vetted network of factories in Southeast Asia. The start-up’s extensive verified manufacturing network offers a diverse range of manufacturing technologies including CNC Machining, 3D Printing, Sheet Metal Fabrication and Treatment, with over 200 materials available. 

5. AccuPredict Services 

AccuPredict Services is a Singapore-headquartered service company with a significant presence in India, specialising in predictive maintenance for over three decades. With a strong team of skilled engineers, they use vibration monitoring to predict equipment failure and prevent unplanned downtime. By providing 24/7 remote monitoring and timely alerts, they keep equipment running at optimal levels, ensuring minimal disruptions and maximum productivity. 

Annexe B – Details of the Japan Immersion Programme 

Pre-programme

Date	Lecture Content	Organiser
22 August	Overview of the Japanese Business Environment	JETRO Singapore
29 August	Insights into the Japanese Stock Market and Exit Strategies	Tokyo Stock Exchange
5 September	• Aichi (Nagoya) Business Landscape • Japan's Manufacturing Industry	Aichi Government
12 September	Japanese Business Etiquette: Pitching and Communication Skills	BLOCK71 Singapore
19 September	Incorporation in Japan	TMI Associates
26 September	Lessons from a Successful Start-up	SWAT Mobility
October	Individual Work: Developing Business Strategy and Pitch Deck	-

Japan Immersion Programme

Date	Activity	Objective
28 October	Site Visit to Aichi	Build connections and improve operations in Aichi by visiting factories and engaging with the local start-up community.
29 October	Tailored Business Meetings for Start-ups	Explore new business opportunities with local partners.
30-31 October	Exhibition Event: Messe Nagoya 2024	Start-up showcase at booths provided by Aichi and participate in pitching sessions.
1 November	• AM: Operational Opening of BLOCK71 Nagoya • PM: Pitching Event	Explore new business opportunities with local partners.