Three Japanese start-ups representing sectors that include artificial intelligence (AI), media and healthcare have revealed their intention to expand into the UAE, according to the Japanese External Trade Organization (Jetro).

Following a successful run at the recent Gitex Future Stars 2018, the Japanese government and Jetro’s first international mission under its new J-Startup programme – media company FreakOut Holdings, healthcare app Allm Inc., and award-winning AI company Empath, confirmed plans to expand into the UAE with a view to use their new UAE base as a launchpad into the wider Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, said a statement.

The start-ups were among 19 innovative and dynamic Japanese companies showcasing their innovative technology and services to regional audiences at Gitex Future Stars.
 
The new development is in line with the overarching mandate of Jetro to facilitate and foster business between Japan and the rest of the world and follows the April signing of a joint statement on deepening and strengthening strategic partnerships by both Japan and the UAE, it said.

It also follows Dubai being named a Global Acceleration Hub under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s elite J-Startup programme.

As a Global Acceleration Hub, Jetro’s Dubai office will support Japanese start-ups with extensive and increased access to regional professional networks and opportunities.

Masami Ando, managing director of Jetro Dubai and Mena, said: “The UAE is the perfect home for Japanese innovation and expertise. There is a strong correlation between the sectors represented by the Japanese start-ups at Gitex Future Stars and UAE’s national ambitions across a number the fields including advance technology, artificial intelligence and space activities.”

“We are thrilled to see Japanese start-ups expand in the UAE and stronger ties between the two countries,” he added.

Among the 19 innovative start-ups hosted by Jetro at Gitex Future Stars were four selected under the J-Startup programme.  

J-Startup company ispace generated significant buzz through offering visitors a glimpse into the future of space exploration. J-Startup selected AI start-up Visits Technology Inc. made an impact with its patented consensus-building algorithm “Ideagram”, while Unipos Inc. a finalist of the Supernova Challenge and one of the top 5 per cent of Gitex Future Stars exhibitors, showcased its HR technology that allows employees to honor their colleagues through micro-peer bonuses.

Contract semiconductor hardware firm Connectec Japan Corp, also a J-Startup, showcased its world-first IoT assembly technology.

To ensure a successful showing, Jetro also engaged Middle East technology and e-commerce entrepreneur, Paul Kenny to lead an intensive mentorship programme that saw Kenny mentor the start-ups both in the UAE and Japan with a view for them to foster long-lasting partnerships in the region.

“I am proud to be part of the success stories of these three Japanese start-ups and look forward to their progress in this market. We have seen tremendous progress here over the past few years, making it a rich market for budding entrepreneurs to launch ambitious projects,” Kenny concluded. – TradeArabia News Service