NUS Expands Tokyo Tech Hub to Strengthen Singapore-Japan Collaboration
Tokyo, Friday, 28 March 2025.
NUS opens BLOCK71 Tokyo to enhance tech innovation between Singapore and Japan, supported by investments from partners like Kyoto University and TIS Inc., fostering deep tech startups.
Strategic Expansion in Japan
The National University of Singapore (NUS) officially inaugurated BLOCK71 Tokyo on March 27, 2025, marking its second presence in Japan following the successful launch of BLOCK71 Nagoya in November 2024 [1][5]. Located in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, this new hub has already demonstrated impressive momentum, with over 15 startups receiving support since BLOCK71’s establishment in Japan [5].
Substantial Investment and Partnership Network
The initiative has secured significant financial backing, with TIS Inc. committing S$7.6 million over the next three years to support the Deep Tech Seed to A Growth Expansion Program (Deep-SAGE) [1]. The program includes a minimum investment of S$500,000 in at least two startups per cohort [1]. Central Japan Innovation Capital (CJIC) has pledged to invest up to 5% of its assets, approximately S$44 million, in NUS-affiliated deep tech startups by November 2025 [1].
Academic and Research Collaboration
The expansion strengthens academic ties between Singapore and Japan, with Kyoto University becoming the first overseas university partner in a localized version of the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Program (NUS GRIP) [1]. This partnership enables student internship exchanges and provides hands-on experience opportunities through Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd [1]. Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, highlighted Japan’s strategic importance, noting its position among the world’s top three countries for patent applications and its significant R&D investment exceeding three percent of GDP [5].
Future Growth and Innovation Initiatives
BLOCK71 Tokyo is set to launch its third Japan Immersion Program in May 2025, focusing on environmental sustainability, mobility/robotics, and smart health [1]. The initiative has received strong government support, with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry actively participating in the inaugural NUS Innovation Forum in Tokyo [6]. The hub will serve as a crucial gateway for Southeast Asian technology-driven startups seeking to expand into Japan while facilitating Japanese startups’ entry into Southeast Asian markets [3].