With the aim of accelerating the internationalization of Thuringian companies and research institutions in the field of optics, sensor technology and optoelectronics in Japan, Thuringia International, together with GTAI (Germany Trade and Invest), organized a cluster marketing trip to Japan.
The 15-member delegation consisted primarily of representatives from innovative Thuringian companies and startups within the OptoNet eV and SenorikNet eV clusters, as well as representatives from academia. The trip took them to the capital city of Tokyo, as well as to Tsukuba, Hamamatsu, and the economic hub of Nagoya. The program included visits to renowned research institutions such as AIST and KEK, and companies like Murakami Corporation, Hamamatsu Photonics, and global players like NEC, Nikon, and Denso. Two networking events with B2B meetings were held in Tokyo and Hamamatsu, and a business lunch with companies and key stakeholders took place in Nagoya. To raise awareness of Thuringia as a business location among Japanese companies and investors, the LEG-Invest team organized an investor business dinner in Tokyo.
The trip received very positive feedback: Participants had the opportunity to network and explore markets. Furthermore, they were able to open doors to major Japanese corporations such as Nikon, Denso, and NEC. Several projects were successfully initiated: Japanese partners have already visited some of the companies to further develop project proposals
