NUS expands its startup hub in Tokyo to boost innovation

The National University of Singapore's entrepreneurial arm, NUS Enterprise, has inaugurated its second BLOCK71 office in Tokyo, Japan, on March 28, 2025. This new office is located at TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, marking an important step in expanding NUS's influence in Asia's deep tech ecosystem. The opening follows the successful launch of the first BLOCK71 office in Nagoya in November 2024, signifying NUS's commitment to leveraging Japan's innovation landscape. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among start-ups, researchers, and academic institutions, significantly enhancing support and resources for technology-driven enterprises. The new BLOCK71 Tokyo office aims to facilitate connections between Southeast Asian start-ups and Japanese investors, while also contributing to urban development focused on sustainability, mobility, robotics, and health tech. By partnering with renowned institutions like Kyoto University, along with major corporations such as TIS Inc., and venture capital firms, NUS Enterprise is set to create a global innovation ecosystem that nurtures deep tech advancement. This collaborative approach intends to accelerate start-up growth, providing a robust infrastructure for emerging companies to thrive in a competitive market. During the opening, NUS President, Professor Tan Eng Chye, emphasized that BLOCK71 Tokyo would enhance knowledge exchange and cross-border innovation, establishing Japan as a focal point for technological development. Moreover, this strategic collaboration will extend the reach of Japan's start-up landscape, allowing both local and Southeast Asian entrepreneurs to penetrate valuable market opportunities. NUS has signed an MOU with Kyoto University, intended to promote industrial-academic partnerships that support entrepreneurial initiatives in deep tech, showcasing their commitment to nurturing innovation. As part of this initiative, Kyoto University will send start-ups to participate in the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme. This partnership embodies a shared vision for both institutions to explore new avenues for market entry and expansion. NUS Enterprise’s focus on enhancing entrepreneurial support through this bilateral collaboration aligns with Japan's increasing emphasis on strengthening its innovation ecosystem. Overall, the launch of BLOCK71 Tokyo represents a significant milestone in NUS Enterprise's strategy to empower start-ups and bolster deep tech entrepreneurship in the region.