European nanotechnology firms invited to join Japan Business Mission (Sponsored)

The EU-Japan Centre invites European companies and clusters to apply to the Nanotech Business Mission in Japan in December 2026. The application deadline is 8 September with the mission including participation in nano tech 2026, a leading Japanese trade fair for advanced materials, processes and enabling technologies.

As such, the Nanotech Mission offers a unique entry point into the Japanese market. Not only do participants have the chance to exhibit and take part in nano tech – held at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan’s largest international convention venue – but explore related fairs such as neo-functional material, Surtech, Convertech, MEMS Sensing & Network System, Renewable Energy, and InterAqua.

Last year these events attracted 52,844 attendees, 385 exhibiting companies and organisations in the last edition.

What the mission offers and its objectives

In addition to exhibition space under the joint EU-Japan Centre booth at nano tech 2026, participants will enjoy tailored 1-to-1 meetings with Japanese counterparts, pre-arranged with the EU-Japan Centre’s support in addition to networking opportunities with Japanese and international stakeholders.

Before travelling to Japan, participants will be provided with two online training modules to prepare for the mission. The sessions are currently scheduled in the mornings of 19 and 20 November 2026. Details of the agenda for each day of training will be communicated in advance to participants.

The mission is clear in its objective to help EU companies build connections in Japan, identify potential business and innovation partners, and showcase their technologies and services to prospective customers. Participants will also gain practical insights into the Japanese market, including intellectual property rules, public procurement opportunities and the country’s research and development landscape.

The call is open to SMEs, large companies and eligible clusters based in the EU or a country associated with the Single Market Programme’s SME pillar. Applicants must be available for the full mission and have a good command of English, preferably B2 level or higher. Those who are not senior managers must also provide a signed letter of support from their department head or CEO.

The EU-Japan Centre is focused on companies offering late-stage or commercially deployable technologies with demonstrated applicability to real-world industrial challenges, particularly in areas such as advanced materials, process engineering, materials development and process optimisation, semiconductor-related technologies and sustainable material solutions.

Applicants are expected to present a clear use case, proven or pilot deployment experience, and a strong capacity to integrate into existing industrial environments.

The EU-Japan Centre aims to inform applicants of the selection results around 15 or 16 September 2026.

For those who are successful in their application, the EU-Japan Centre will provide the following services to ensure success of the mission:

However, it is important to note that participant must pay for their own flights, local transport, meals and other living expenses for the duration of the mission.

To confirm their place, selected participants must pay a €1,000 deposit. The deposit will be refunded after they complete the full mission and submit the required questionnaires. Large companies that are not SMEs or clusters must also pay a non-refundable contribution of €2,500.

Ready to explore opportunities in Japan?

See the full details and apply by 8 September 2026 to showcase your technology, meet potential partners and tap into one of the world’s most advanced industrial markets. Curious what success looks like? Read a case study from a previous Nanotech Mission.