Five Japanese researchers seek Finnish partners to bring innovations from lab to market

Scientific research can help address global challenges. Turning discoveries into useful products and services takes business expertise, testing and partners. This October, five Japanese researchers will visit Finland to explore how Finnish expertise could help move their work forward.

The KSAC Finland Program brings the researchers to Espoo and Helsinki on 19-23 October 2026. Selected through an application process, they are exploring commercial opportunities for research in water reuse, biodegradable materials, wearable sensors and new treatments.

Finland’s connections between universities, research organisations and companies provide a setting for this work. The programme introduces participants to Finnish partners and helps them assess different routes to market, from starting a company to licensing technology or working with an established business.

For Finnish organisations, the visit is an opportunity to find research that could support their own development work and build connections with universities and innovation organisations in Japan.

From research to practical use

The five projects address different problems, but each faces a common question: what will it take for the research to become useful outside the laboratory?

The participants are at different stages of answering that question. Some are exploring possible applications and business models, while others are further along in developing their plans. During the visit, they will meet Finnish experts to discuss market needs, development challenges and possible next steps.

Finnish companies can contribute knowledge of customers, market needs or industrial requirements. Researchers can identify opportunities for joint work and testing. Investors and business development experts can help clarify what evidence and capabilities a project needs before it is ready for investment.

These discussions could lead to joint research, preparation for a pilot or a clearer understanding of where a technology has commercial potential. The programme aims to help participants identify a useful next step and the people who could help them take it.

The five researchers and their work

Haruka Takeuchi — Kyoto University
Takeuchi is developing decentralised water treatment and reuse systems. The aim is to allow water to be treated and reused locally, supporting more sustainable water use.

Shu Ishikawa — Kobe University
Ishikawa is developing uLtra-PGA, a biodegradable polymer produced by fermentation. The initial focus is on cosmetic ingredients, with potential for later use in medical and industrial applications.

Motoshi Sobue — Nara Institute of Science and Technology, NAIST
Sobue is developing a treatment approach aiming for lasting therapeutic effects in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and drug addiction. The underlying technology also has potential for more immediate applications in other areas.

Hiroaki Nishikawa — Kindai University
Nishikawa is developing thin ceramic films that retain their functional properties while bending. These materials could be used in wearable sensors that monitor signals from the body.

Chuji Hirota — Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University
Hirota is part of a team developing a scaffold to support the regeneration of joint cartilage. The approach aims to enable repair in a single procedure without donor tissue.

Read more about the researchers and their projects.

Building connections that last beyond the visit

The Finnish programme is coordinated and facilitated by Crazy Town, together with Enter Espoo, VTT, Aalto University and other partners, including Helsinki Partners.

Commercialising research also takes trust between people. The programme helps researchers build this social capital through meetings, shared learning and informal conversations. Getting to know each other makes it easier to discuss uncertainties, ask for help and continue working together after the visit.

During Espoo Innovation Deep Dive on 19–22 October, Enter Espoo introduces relevant local organisations and networks. VTT shares its experience in research commercialisation, while Crazy Town helps participants learn from each other, meet potential partners and identify next steps. Aalto Startup Center welcomes the researchers to 100STARTUPS on 21–22 October, where they can meet founders and other participants.

Helsinki Partners supports KSAC in hosting a pitching event 23 October, where the researchers will present their work and meet potential collaborators through one-to-one meetings and networking.

Meet the researchers in October

Finnish companies, researchers, investors and organisations supporting research commercialisation are invited to meet the participants.

To explore a meeting during the visit, contact the Crazy Town programme team at projects@crazytown.fi

Tell us which project interests you and what you would like to discuss. Suggestions for relevant contacts are also welcome.

Two open events offer an opportunity to meet the researchers and learn more about their work:

20 October, 16:00-18:30, Espoo | Japan–Finland deep tech afterwork
An informal gathering at Crazy Town EriCa with the researchers, KSAC representatives and Finnish participants. Join to exchange ideas and discuss opportunities for cooperation. Details and registration

23 October, 10:00-15:00, Helsinki | Japanese Researchers’ Pitch & Meet-up
KSAC and Helsinki Partners host a day of researcher presentations, networking and individual meetings. Programme and registration

About KSAC

The Kansai Startup Academia Coalition (KSAC) supports entrepreneurship and university-based startups in Japan’s Kansai region. It brings together universities, companies, financial organisations and local governments to help research reach practical use and international markets.