Discover how Japanese startups are scaling in Europe through the JETRO x HEC Paris International Program at STATION F. Learn about the 2025 cohort of Japanese entrepreneurs expanding into the French and European markets.

Highlights from the 2025 JETRO – HEC Paris International Program: For the second year in a row, the HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center, in collaboration with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and STATION F, welcomed a dynamic cohort of Japanese startups to Paris. The goal: to help these rising tech companies enter the European market through Paris’s thriving startup and innovation ecosystem.

This year’s program wrapped up with an exciting Demo Day at STATION F, showcasing 9 innovative startups from Japan — now ready to grow their businesses across France and Europe.

A Gateway to Europe’s Innovation Ecosystem

Through the JETRO x HEC Paris International Program, Japanese entrepreneurs benefit from:

•    World-class startup facilities at STATION F
• Access to HEC Paris’s entrepreneurship resources and global alumni network
• Tailored mentorship and workshops from French and European experts
• Connections with corporates, VCs, and innovation partners
• Participation in major events like VivaTech — Europe’s largest tech event

The goal? To give Japanese tech companies everything they need to successfully scale in the French and European markets.

Onboarding of the 2025 cohort of the JETRO program with the HEC Paris Incubator at Station F.

Building a Cross-Cultural Innovation Community in Paris

The program goes beyond business. At the HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center, the mission is also to build a truly global startup community.

Despite all the expert support, mentoring, and landing pad provided to these startups, major ecosystem events like VivaTech and others organized with partners play a key role in fostering integration and breaking down barriers.

And they are not alone! Other international programs were also running at the same time — such as IndiaAI, KOSME, and KISED — further enriching the ecosystem.

A great example of this integration was the Ping Pong Social Night at Ping Pang Paris (itself a startup from the HEC Paris ecosystem), which brought together founders from Japan, Korea, India, France, and beyond — fostering global friendships and collaborations.

The Japanese founders not only developed business connections but also began integrating into Paris’s entrepreneurial culture — a key to long-term success in Europe.

Happy Hour for the 2025 cohort of the JETRO program with the HEC Paris Incubator and international programs.

Demo Day at STATION F: A Milestone for Japanese Tech Companies in Europe

The final highlight of this year’s program: the JETRO x HEC Paris International Program Demo Day, held at STATION F just after VivaTech 2025.

A packed room of investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem leaders came to watch 9 Japanese startups pitch their innovations — spanning AI, deep tech, sustainability, and more.

VIP guests and speakers included:

•    Akihiko Tamura, Director General, JETRO Paris
• Naoki Inoue, Director, JETRO Paris
• Koichi Horinouchi, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan in France
• Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Senior Executive Director, HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute
• Aymeric Penven, Director, HEC Deep Tech Center CDL-Paris
• Adonis Bouzid, Director, L’Oréal Beauty Tech Atelier
• Nicolas Beaumont, Program Manager, TotalEnergies On

The evening marked a major milestone for these Japanese entrepreneurs in France, setting the stage for new partnerships and market growth.

JETRO 2025 Demo Day at STATION F

The 9 Japanese Startups Ready to Scale in Europe

This year’s selected startups bring cutting-edge Japanese innovation to Europe:

•    Aquila (Healthcare & SaaS) – AI automation for optimizing hospital operations.
• datagusto (AI AgentOps) – Real-time monitoring and resolution platform for AI systems.
• Innophys (Robotics) – Wearable exoskeletons improving workplace ergonomics.
• zeteoh, Inc. (AI/Positioning) – AI-powered 3D indoor tracking system for GPS-free environments.
• CREATANT, Inc (Creative Tech) – AI-driven workspace for managing digital assets.
• EF Polymer Global (Agritech) – Water-saving polymers for sustainable agriculture.
• LIPPER K.K. (Sustainable Materials) – Eco-friendly tire materials reducing CO₂ and microplastics.
• CrowdChem (Materials Informatics) – AI platform accelerating new material discovery.
• WOTA Corp. (Water Tech) – Autonomous water recycling systems for sustainable clean water access.

These Japanese startups are now poised to expand across Europe, bringing innovation, sustainability, and technological excellence from Japan to new markets.

A Stronger Japan–France Startup Bridge

The success of the JETRO x HEC Paris International Program reinforces Paris’s role as a top European destination for Japanese startups looking to grow internationally.

By strengthening ties between Japan’s tech ecosystem and Europe’s innovation hubs, HEC Paris is proud to help drive cross-border entrepreneurship and open new opportunities for Japanese tech companies.