Explore the unknown, together
Jan 29th - Feb 2nd
About
The Climate Tech Challenge 2024 is a matching program for tech startups from all around the world that are addressing the climate crisis.
Its goal is to connect your business with a Japanese business partner and assist you in expanding into Japan, starting in Kobe — a city where nature coexists harmoniously with its surroundings.
The program is organized by Hyogo Prefecture and Kobe City, operated by CommunityLink — an NPO that builds the Kobe ecosystem.
Whether your focus is hydrogen, Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)/Direct Air Capture (DAC), or creating carbon-neutral ports or buildings, as long as your goal is decarbonization, we are here to connect you with leading Japanese corporations to create a positive impact together.
Applications for 2024 are closed now. Thank you for your submissions. Stay tuned for updates and future opportunities!
Why Kobe?
As one of the first cities that started a Startup Visa program in Japan, Kobe has been selected as a global start-up city by the Japanese government. If your focus is technology and science, Kobe is the place to be!
The city has a joint effort and initiative with private businesses, financial institutions, investors, universities, and public organizations to create a sustainable ecosystem. Learn more about the Kobe Ecosystem.
What’s in the program?
Networking support
We listen to your needs and get you connected with local businesses
Facility tour
To visit the partners’ offices in Hyogo/Kobe
Meet our local business partners to grow your business in Japan
1-to-1 matching
Present your business to the public — including local businesses, citizens, and more.
Demo day
Who is this for?
You have a solution to decarbonize the world
01
You are interested in launching your business in Japan
02
You are thinking of collaborating with Japanese companies
03
You already have a prototype, or already have customers in the market
04
Requirements
You are able to pay for your travel fees, accommodations, and public transportation fees
You are able to stay in Kobe from January 29th to February 3rd, 2024
You are able to present your business pitch on February 2nd, 2024, in Kobe
Timeline
Meet the team
Tetsuya Yamashita is the CEO of Yamashita Project, Inc. and Chief Program Officer of Climate Tech Challenge. An angel investor and mentor, he specializes in entrepreneurship learning programs and supports social impact startups. He holds an MBA from MIT Sloan Fellows (2007).
Tetsuya Yamashita
Masayuki Nakanishi is the CEO and Co-founder of communitylink an NPO. And General manager of Climate Tech Challenge. He is the head of startup incubation in Kobe and one of the startup ecosystem builders in Kobe.
Masayuki Nakanishi
