Earlier this September, Louken joined two key innovation events in Japan — the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) Tokyo and the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) Osaka, both organised by Leave a Nest, a leading science and deep-tech incubator network in Asia.

These platforms bring together startups, researchers, corporates, and venture builders to explore cross-disciplinary collaboration and accelerate the path from scientific discovery to real-world impact. For Louken, our participation marks not just an exchange of ideas, but a reaffirmation of our ongoing mission — to bridge innovation from lab to market, and from Japan to Asia.

Deep-Tech Meets Market Builders

As a venture builder, Louken’s core strength lies in transforming potential into progress. While Japan’s research and innovation ecosystem is globally respected, many technologies face challenges in scaling beyond the lab. Louken’s experience in branding, venture design, and internationalization allows us to help these technologies find market traction across Southeast Asia and beyond.

By engaging with Japan’s deep-tech ecosystem through GIA and HIC, we’re opening new doors for collaboration — connecting R&D-driven companies with real commercialization pathways. It’s an opportunity to co-build ventures that combine Japanese precision with Southeast Asia’s entrepreneurial agility.

Not New Ground, But a Natural Next Step

Our journey in Japan did not begin here. Over the years, Louken has worked alongside many Japanese companies — from Kikkoman and Fanatics Japan, to Beard Papa (rebranding its sister brand Rive Gauche for the Singapore market). These collaborations have shaped our understanding of Japan’s balance between heritage and innovation, and reinforced the importance of translating craftsmanship into globally relevant brands.

The partnerships we continue to cultivate today build upon that legacy. Whether through food-tech, health-tech, or sustainability-focused ventures, we aim to merge Japan’s deep science with Asia’s fast-evolving consumer landscape — turning technology into tangible solutions and impact-driven businesses.

A Shared Vision for Cross-Border Innovation

Our participation at GIA Tokyo and HIC Osaka reflects Louken’s broader role in the regional innovation ecosystem:

• Connecting ecosystems: Bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors across Japan and Southeast Asia.
• Bridging commercialization gaps: Translating R&D excellence into viable business ventures through brand and venture design.
• Building shared growth: Fostering collaboration where technology, brand, and market meet — driving progress not in isolation, but through partnership.

As Louken continues to build bridges across Asia’s innovation corridors, Japan remains a vital node in our mission — a place where science meets storytelling, and ideas find their way to the world.

About the Events

1. Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) Osaka: A collaborative forum blending research, industry, and entrepreneurship to spark solutions for societal challenges.
2. Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) Tokyo: A joint initiative by EnterpriseSG and Leave a Nest to connect Singapore startups with Japan’s innovation ecosystem.