3rd U.S.-Japan Dual-Use Tech Seminar
2026/10/14
Opening Remarks by Consul General Otsuki
Keynote Presentation by Director General Matano of the Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan
On Tuesday, September 29, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco hosted the Third U.S.-Japan Dual-Use Tech Collaboration Seminar in partnership with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC), the Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC), and SRI International. Approximately 200 participants gathered to explore opportunities for strengthening U.S.-Japan collaboration in dual-use technologies and innovation.
The seminar opened with remarks by Consul General Kotaro Otsuki. Motosada Matano, Director General of the Economic Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then delivered a keynote presentation on advancing dual-use technologies and strengthening Japan’s innovation ecosystem. Hirotaka Tsukada, Attaché from Japan’s Ministry of Defense at the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, followed with a presentation on Japan’s defense technology ecosystem and the mission of the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA).
The program also featured two panel discussions. The first, “Defense Tech Ecosystem in the United States,” was moderated by Heather Jo Richman of Defense Investor Network / BMNT and included panelists Derek Kenmotsu, Senior Advisor Global Partnerships at Defense Innovation Unit, Katie Gray, Lead Investment Partner for the Cyber Practice at In-Q-Tel, and Peter Marcotullio, Senior VP of Commercialization at SRI. The second panel, “Defense Tech Ecosystem in Japan,” was moderated by Suzanne Basalla, Partner at Geodesic Capital and Chair of Board of Directors of Japan Society, and featured Kentaro Wada, Chief Expert of Defense and Space Solutions Division at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Hiroki Murata, VP of Social Infrastructure Salutations Division at NEC Corporation.
The seminar concluded with a presentation by Serdar Turac, Founder of Deep Tech Connections, on the importance of fostering communities that connect innovators in deep technology. Closing remarks were delivered by Tetsuya Koide, Vice President of JCCNC. Guests then took part in a networking reception over Japanese food and sake, continuing discussions on innovation, security, and opportunities for future Japan-U.S. cooperation.
The seminar opened with remarks by Consul General Kotaro Otsuki. Motosada Matano, Director General of the Economic Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then delivered a keynote presentation on advancing dual-use technologies and strengthening Japan’s innovation ecosystem. Hirotaka Tsukada, Attaché from Japan’s Ministry of Defense at the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, followed with a presentation on Japan’s defense technology ecosystem and the mission of the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA).
The program also featured two panel discussions. The first, “Defense Tech Ecosystem in the United States,” was moderated by Heather Jo Richman of Defense Investor Network / BMNT and included panelists Derek Kenmotsu, Senior Advisor Global Partnerships at Defense Innovation Unit, Katie Gray, Lead Investment Partner for the Cyber Practice at In-Q-Tel, and Peter Marcotullio, Senior VP of Commercialization at SRI. The second panel, “Defense Tech Ecosystem in Japan,” was moderated by Suzanne Basalla, Partner at Geodesic Capital and Chair of Board of Directors of Japan Society, and featured Kentaro Wada, Chief Expert of Defense and Space Solutions Division at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Hiroki Murata, VP of Social Infrastructure Salutations Division at NEC Corporation.
The seminar concluded with a presentation by Serdar Turac, Founder of Deep Tech Connections, on the importance of fostering communities that connect innovators in deep technology. Closing remarks were delivered by Tetsuya Koide, Vice President of JCCNC. Guests then took part in a networking reception over Japanese food and sake, continuing discussions on innovation, security, and opportunities for future Japan-U.S. cooperation.
Presentation by the Attaché from the Ministry of Defense in Japan at the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
Panel Discussion on Defense Tech in the US
Panel Discussion on Defense Tech in Japan
Closing remarks by Mr. Koide
Group Photo
