Japan-Korea Startup Policy Roundtable
2025/12/12
Opening Remarks from Consul General Lim
Opening Remarks from Consul General Otsuki
On Tuesday, December 9, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco partnered with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to host the Japan-Korea Startup Policy Roundtable. At this event, Japanese and Korean policy makers in Silicon Valley came together to share strategies on how to better help startups from both countries grow in Silicon Valley. The event began with opening remarks from Consul General of the Republic of Korea Jung-Taek Lim and from Consul General of Japan in San Francisco Kotaro Otsuki. Afterwards, Dr. Kenji Kushida, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Asia Program, presented several proposals for how to better connect startup ecosystems in Korea, Japan, and Silicon Valley.
Later, government agencies from both countries gave presentations on their roles in startup support. Presenters on the Korean side included the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA SV), the Korea Venture Investment Corp. (KVIC US), and the Korea SMEs & Startups Agency (KISED). Japan-side presenters included the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) SF, the Japan Innovation Campus (JIC), and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Silicon Valley. Lastly, all 40 participants held an open dialogue, with many expressing an eagerness to deepen Japan-Korea cooperation. The event then transitioned into a networking lunch, where representatives from both countries made new connections and shared effective startup support strategies.
Later, government agencies from both countries gave presentations on their roles in startup support. Presenters on the Korean side included the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA SV), the Korea Venture Investment Corp. (KVIC US), and the Korea SMEs & Startups Agency (KISED). Japan-side presenters included the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) SF, the Japan Innovation Campus (JIC), and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Silicon Valley. Lastly, all 40 participants held an open dialogue, with many expressing an eagerness to deepen Japan-Korea cooperation. The event then transitioned into a networking lunch, where representatives from both countries made new connections and shared effective startup support strategies.
Presentation by Korean government agency
Presentation by Japanese government agency
Group discussion
Open dialogue with Consul General Otsuki and Consul General Lim
Networking over lunch
Group photo of participants
