Since the inception of the Keihanna Research Complex project in October 2016, ATR has established a robust network of innovation-supporting organisations and individuals across the world, including Catalonia in Spain, Israel, Canada, New York City in the USA, India, Bavaria in Germany, and Taiwan. Leveraging this extensive network, ATR has continued to develop the global innovation ecosystem in Keihanna Science City through the implementation of the global startup support program “KGAP+” and open innovation programs “KOSAINN” and “KOSAINN+”.

Furthermore, as part of its industrial promotion activities, Kyoto Prefecture is actively creating Industrial Creation Leading Zones throughout the prefecture that take advantage of regional characteristics. One such initiative, the Art and Technology Village in Oyamazaki Town, scheduled to open in 2023, will serve as a base for the creation of new industries through the amalgamation of art and technology.

On 22 November 2022, ATR and Kyoto Prefecture signed an MOU with InnovationRCA, the incubation division of the Royal College of Arts, a world-renowned arts institution in London, UK.

Under the MOU, ATR doubled the number of startups accepted to KGAP+ from InnovationRCA, while InnovationRCA supported the KGAP+ London Special Program held in London from 21 to 25 November 2022, aimed at helping participating startups on their expansion to London. The special program was implemented as part of the “Planning, drafting and implementation of the Overseas Expansion Acceleration Program for Foreign and Domestic Startups” (period: September 2022 to March 2023) which Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) commissioned to ATR based on the Strategy for Creation of Startup Ecosystem by the Japanese government. The program has contributed to the expansion of the global network of Kansai region and its development as a global hub, as well as the development of innovative startups aspiring to make a mark in the global market with Kansai region as their starting point.

Moving forward, ATR will further develop this collaboration, which was strengthened in FY2022, and work towards promoting global open innovation including the Arts and Technology Village and other exciting projects.

Description of business: R&D and commercialization in the field of Computational Neuroscience, Deep Interaction Science, Wireless and Communication and Life Science.