Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City have unveiled plans for the Osaka Finance Forum, a pioneering event showcasing Kansai’s life science and healthcare startups to international investors. Set to take place at Nakanoshima Qross – the region’s latest innovation hub for future medicine—the forum is a hybrid event, allowing participants from around the world to join either in person or online.
Nicknamed the “town of pharmaceuticals” due to its 400-year history in the industry, Osaka is home to a unique ecosystem of pharmaceutical companies, leading universities, and cutting-edge research centres, particularly in Northern Osaka. This well-established network, driven by collaborations between industry, academia, and government, has positioned Osaka as a leading hub for life sciences innovation.
Details
- Date: Monday 25th November 2024, 16:30–20:00 JST
- Venue: Nakanoshima Qross, 2F “Qrossover Lounge Yume” (and online)
- Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
- Focus: Life sciences and Healthcare
- Registratio: Register here by Friday 22nd November
- Language: English (simultaneous interpretation available)
Highlights
The Osaka Finance Forum will feature pitches from around ten selected life science and healthcare startups from the Kansai region, each offering unique solutions in fields such as biotechnology, medical devices, and digital health. Attendees will also have opportunities to meet directly with entrepreneurs, engage in one-on-one business meetings at dedicated booths, and participate in networking sessions on-site.
The event is free for both in-person and online attendees, providing unmatched access to Japan’s most promising innovations in life sciences.
Osaka’s Life Sciences Edge
With a rich legacy as a centre for pharmaceuticals, Osaka’s life sciences ecosystem is bolstered by academic and research collaborations that foster rapid innovation and development. This environment makes Osaka an ideal location for global investors interested in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.
Participating startups
The forum will showcase around 10 startups, with details to be updated on the event website. Confirmed participants include:
- At: Specialising in non-invasive capillary visualisation technology to support global health.
- SleepWell: Innovators in sleep-based EEG technology aimed at advancing mental health diagnostics.
- PaMeLa: Developers of an AI-based tool for pain quantification from Osaka University.
- COGNANO: A company using reverse-data science to tackle unmet medical needs.
About Global Financial City OSAKA
The Osaka Finance Forum is a key initiative under Global Financial City OSAKA, a strategic plan to attract international financial companies to the region. This initiative provides business matching, insights into Osaka’s industrial landscape, and information on incentives such as subsidies and tax breaks. Financial entities interested in the Osaka/Kansai area are encouraged to explore the benefits offered through Global Financial City OSAKA.
