When the best of Japanese creativity and American entrepreneurial skill join forces, unimagined business opportunities occur.

When the best of Japanese creativity and American entrepreneurial skill join forces, unimagined business opportunities occur.

Overview:

Prime Minister Abe’s recent visit to the Bay Area underscored the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship to Japan’s future.

Fostering collaboration and cooperation between Japan and the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem of San Francisco and Silicon Valley has been central to the Japan – US Innovation Awards program since its founding in 2011.

Now in its fifth year, the Japan – US Innovation Awards Symposium will be held July 10, 2015 at the Stanford University Arrillaga Alumni Center from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. The Symposium is offered by the Japan Society of Northern California in cooperation with the Stanford University US-Asia Technology Management Center.

Companies honored in prior years include Twitter, DeNA, Tesla Motors, euglena co. Ltd., Square, Cellular Dynamics, Mitsubishi Aircraft, Bloom Energy, Stratasys, Ltd. and LINE Corporation.

Emerging Leader Awards

In 2015 the Salesforce Emerging LeaderAward will be presented to both a U.S. and a Japanese company, each having demonstrated very high growth and a unique, disruptive business model.

Innovation Showcase

In addition, 5 exciting Japanese start-up companies will be recognized in a newly conceived Innovation Showcase. These companies are incubating innovations with the potential to be disruptive and transformational. Showcase companies will participate in a highly interesting panel discussion featuring the best of Japanese innovation and entrepreneurship.

Honorees

The Innovation Advisory Council that governs the Innovation Awards has completed its work; highly deserving Emerging Leader Award companies and Innovation Showcase companies have been selected. Winners will be announced over the next few weeks – please stay tuned!

Networking

The Symposium presents many opportunities to network with innovators, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and other leaders from the Bay Area and Japan. Attendees also will have a special opportunity to network with two exciting Emerging Leader companies and with five dynamic Innovation Showcase companies.