T-Hub, one of the world’s largest startup innovation hubs, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) aimed at strengthening technology and startup collaboration between India and Japan. The partnership will create a structured platform that supports cross-border innovation, market access, and business partnerships for startups and enterprises from both countries.
Through this collaboration, T-Hub will act as a gateway for Japanese startups, corporations, and investors looking to explore opportunities in India’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. At the same time, Indian startups will gain access to resources and institutional support to help them explore business expansion and partnerships in Japan.
The partnership will initially focus on high-impact sectors including pharmaceuticals and medical technology, aerospace and space technology, defence and mobility, smart infrastructure, deep-tech and artificial intelligence, as well as advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies such as Internet of Things and cloud platforms.
As part of the initiative, the two organizations plan to launch a series of joint programs designed to strengthen collaboration between startups, investors, and industry leaders. These programs will include curated startup exchange initiatives, open innovation partnerships with corporations, market-entry support, regulatory guidance, and networking platforms that connect startups with global investors and technology partners.
The collaboration has already begun to demonstrate early engagement. Recently, students from Tongali Nagoya University and Shizuoka University participated in an immersive learning program at T-Hub, offering them direct exposure to India’s startup ecosystem and innovation environment.
T-Hub has built strong ties with Japanese organizations over the years through partnerships with corporations, venture capital firms, and academic institutions. Last year, the innovation hub partnered with Beyond Next Ventures to support deep-tech startups and strengthen corporate collaboration between India and Japan. The partnership also established a dedicated on-campus office at T-Hub to support long-term engagement between the two ecosystems.
In addition, T-Hub has worked with several leading Japanese companies including NEC, OKI Electric, Suzuki, Denso, Aisin, Nitto Denko, Panasonic, and Toyota, along with organizations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and multiple academic institutions.
Commenting on the partnership, Kavikrut, CEO of T-Hub, said the collaboration aligns with the organization’s focus on helping founders access global opportunities. “T-Hub is committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are building technologies with global relevance,” he said. “Our engagement with JETRO creates a structured pathway for startups to collaborate with international partners, access new markets, and build technologies that can compete on a global stage.”
Toshihiro Mizutani, Director General of JETRO Bengaluru, highlighted the potential for stronger cooperation between Japanese industry and Indian innovators. “Japan and India share a strong foundation for technology collaboration,” he said. “Through our partnership with T-Hub, we aim to support startups exploring cross-border growth and deepen collaboration between Japanese companies and India’s innovation ecosystem.”
He added that the initiative will also strengthen JETRO’s engagement with Hyderabad and the broader Telangana innovation landscape. By working closely with regional stakeholders, the organization hopes to identify new areas of collaboration and expand opportunities for Japanese businesses in the state.
The partnership also reflects the broader strategic relationship between India and Japan, which places increasing emphasis on innovation, technology cooperation, and economic collaboration. India is currently the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with more than 197,000 recognized startups across sectors. Japan, on the other hand, brings strong research capabilities, advanced industrial infrastructure, and deep technological expertise. By combining these complementary strengths, both countries aim to create innovation corridors that accelerate technology development and commercial partnerships across emerging sectors.
Headquartered in Hyderabad, T-Hub is a leading startup innovation platform that supports entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding access, market connections, and infrastructure. The organization has worked with more than 2,000 startups through various acceleration programs and partnerships. T-Hub also hosts innovation centers such as the Atal Incubation Centre and the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub, connecting startups with investors, global markets, and industry leaders.
The Japan External Trade Organisation is a government-affiliated agency under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The organization promotes international trade and investment while supporting business collaboration and innovation between Japanese companies and global markets.
