ILS is the largest innovation and startup showcase event in Asia, attracting over 20,000 people annually.
The summit matches innovative startups from around the world with major Japanese corporations and venture capital (VC) firms. The event showcases advances in technology that have the potential to change the way we live and do business and fosters industry-research collaboration.
Here’s a sample of the Australian companies in attendance:
- Quantum Brilliance develops quantum computers that are compact, lightweight, require low power and can operate at room-temperature. Its chief technology officer Dr Andrew Horsley recently received the PM’s 2024 Prize for New Innovators for his groundbreaking work.
- Myriota develops technology which enables satellites to pick up very faint signals from a ground sensor. This allows the remote use of sensor technologies anywhere on earth at an affordable cost. Myriota has benefitted from our Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership (ESVCLP) program.
- Novalith develops technology which uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to make low-carbon, high-purity lithium for batteries, without the environmental costs.
- v2food aims to transform our food system and delivering more tasty, plant-based protein meals.
- Add-life Technologies transforms mobility rehabilitation through the power of Virtual Reality (VR). Their technology specialises in helping those affected by brain injury including stroke and Parkinson's disease.
Our department leads this initiative in partnership with participating state and territory agencies, the Australian Embassy in Tokyo and Austrade. The aim is to create pathways for Australia’s startup and technology sector to:
- access partnerships and venture capital in Japan
- connect innovative Australian ideas with Japanese demand.
Team Australia also held a special session for startups to pitch to major Japanese companies and VCs, with Deputy Head of Mission, Peter Roberts, from the Australian Embassy providing opening remarks.
Since first taking part in 2019, Australia has grown to become a leading player at ILS. In 2022 and 2023 Team Australia was awarded ‘Top Overseas Institution’ for the number of business matching meetings, ahead of innovation heavyweights South Korea and USA.
This initiative is also a key part of our ongoing Science, Technology and Innovation mid-term strategic engagement with Japan, culminating at Expo 2025 in Osaka.